{"id":3537,"date":"2025-11-23T22:57:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:57:51","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-11-24T00:16:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T08:16:15","slug":"sustainable-shopping-reader-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/features\/sustainable-shopping-reader-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Hundreds Of Readers Share The Sustainable Brands They Love Most"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Good Trade editors endorse products we\u2019ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few weeks ago, we reached out to our community of subscribers to The Daily Good<\/a> to see how we\u2019re all feeling about shopping in 2025, and what we\u2019re thinking about for the holiday season. (How is it late November already?) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe that the most sustainable products are the ones you actually use, and we are always excited to hear how you all approach sustainability in your own lives. It\u2019s inspiring for our work, and for our own lives \u2014 we have so much to learn from one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So first, let\u2019s dive into introductions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We heard from over 300 readers on their favorite brands, shopping habits, and gained plenty of insight from all the write-in options. Most of our respondents reside in North America, and we had readers from age 18 to 75 and beyond \u2014 with an average reader age of around 40 years old. We love being able to reach folks at all ages, what a delight to have you in the community with us! \ud83d\udc9b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And we see you too, readers who reside outside of North America! We\u2019re constantly inspired by every comment, response, and share from our global audience and can\u2019t wait to ring in 2025 with more tips on sustainability, slow living, and self-love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are the key takeaways and recos from our readers \u2014 keep on scrolling to read about your (and our) favorite brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1) Half of your purchases are made from sustainable brands.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The majority of respondents (almost 75%) shared that at least half of their purchases come from sustainable brands \u2014 up from 61% last year. We love to see it, especially since, according to Business of Fashion<\/a>, sustainability isn’t as top-of-mind for fashion execs as things like emerging AI technologies. (Dear brands – don’t slack on sustainability, please!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most readers only shop one or two times a month from these sustainable alternatives, so it sounds like the motto of \u201cfewer, better\u201d is really resonating. \u201cI try to buy only what I need and know I will use,\u201d says one reader. Yes!! While many of you prioritize sustainability in your purchases, you take your time to find exactly which products will fit into your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“I try to buy only what I need and know I will use.”<\/p>\n– The Daily Good Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

When you shop online, almost half of readers like to visit the brand directly \u2014 tending to stay away from places like Amazon \u2014 and cutting out those additional costs. But we hear how convenient marketplaces and Amazon alternatives<\/a> are, and wish there were more in-store options as well. We heard from many readers on how important it is to shop locally or secondhand in order to reduce shipping costs and packaging waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reader shared their hesitation with all the waste that online shopping can bring: \u201cIt would be nice to have an article done on local grocery store or drugstore options when it comes to sustainable brands that I don’t have to order online and can buy physically in store to reduce my online shopping.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, it\u2019s a marathon and not a sprint and we\u2019re all doing the best we can. Keep going, friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2) You would prefer to shop vintage, whenever possible.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of our favorite findings was how much you all love to thrift and hunt for vintage and secondhand treasures<\/a>. Many answers you submitted as write-ins included a mention of thrifting, and you\u2019re certainly in good company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thrift or buy most things vintage at antique shops,\u201d writes one resourceful reader. \u201cEverything else, I try to make myself.” Such a cool outlook \u2014 we’re bringing that energy into 2026 for sure. Thrifting can still be prohibitive for folks who are plus size, in more remote\/rural areas, and even folks in larger cities, where thrifting can be more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We love <\/em>to hear you treat yourself occasionally! When and if you can, allow yourself grace to give yourself love. (Psst \u2014 thrifting in and of itself can be a fun solo date<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI shop sustainably by going to local markets and purchasing in-season, local produce, buying locally made spirits, buying gifts from markets, and avoiding buying new whenever I can!\u201d<\/p>\n– The Daily Good Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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3) When it comes to organic and sustainable materials, the kitchen matters most.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We asked you about where you prioritize nontoxic, organic, and sustainable goods the most \u2014 and weren\u2019t surprised that the kitchen took the top spot. From supplements to cookware to cleaning supplies, here are your favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n