Decided that your New Year’s Resolution is to reduce your carbon footprint and be mindful of the environment? You’ve come to the right place! This week, we’ve rounded up 20 changes you can make to your everyday routine to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle… 

Cut back on meat

Those taking part in Veganuary aren’t just doing it for health reasons or clout on Instagram - they’re aware that meat is responsible for 18% of manmade greenhouse gas emissions. Eat low on the food chain - that means more fruits, vegetables, and grains - and buy your food local. If we all bought local, there’d be less need to transport food by ship, rail, plane or truck.

Compost your food

Rather than throwing out leftover and out-of-date food and drink, compost it and reduce your landfill footprint. Most food can be composted, including cooked meat, vegetables, cheese, fat, and oil, using the Bokashi anaerobic composting system. All that unwanted food can be converted into nutrient-rich compost for your houseplants and garden; great for the planet!

Buy in bulk

Challenge yourself to do a weekly food shop. No popping to the convenience store for those forgotten items. Buy food in bulk as much as possible, and shop with reusable containers rather than relying on prepackaged ingredients. Better yet, build a pantry and stock up on everyday essentials; you’ll be less likely to travel and buy snacks and unnecessary items.

Wash clothes in cold water

If you do two loads of laundry on a cold wash every week, you could save over 200 kgs worth of carbon dioxide per year. That’s a crazy figure. Look for detergents that work well with cold water or make your own using Borax, washing soda, and scented soap.

Cut out fast fashion

It’s so tempting to head to the high street for a new outfit whenever you’re invited to a party or you’re going on a date. Changing your relationship with fashion and only buying quality, long-lasting garments that can be worn in different ways will help reduce the £140 million worth of clothing that goes into the landfill in the UK every year. Reuse, recycle, buy quality merchandise rather than cheap, throwaway garments, and depend on second-hand shops.

Support environmentally-aware businesses

Research your favourite brands’ views and policies on the environment. Though most major corporations now recycle and are working to reduce plastic packaging and waste, some are better than others. Vote with your feet and seek out smaller, independent brands that go above and beyond for the planet, like the eco-friendly clothing offered here at Ultra Tee.

Replace old bulbs

Incandescent bulbs waste 90% of their energy as heat, so replace every bulb in your home with an LED alternative. Though bulbs are more expensive, you can save £240 per year on energy bills making the switch, reducing your household’s carbon emissions in the process.

Flow low

We all love a warm, powerful shower at the end of a busy day, but the vast majority of the water that comes out of our shower heads goes straight down the plughole, without even touching us. Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water waste and carbon emissions from heating wasted water - research shows you can save 160 kgs of carbon per year.

Change your driving

Though walking and public transport are preferable, if you do have to drive to work or the shops, try to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, which can increase emissions and use more fuel. Take it easy on the roads and combine trips to reduce your time on the road.

Stop flying

Air travel accounts for 2.5% of all carbon emissions, and though it’s a relatively low figure when compared with other forms of transport, it’s often unnecessary. Consider replacing leisure trips abroad with staycations - explore your own country and boost domestic tourism.

Invest strategically

If you’re buying your first house or a new car, research the energy efficiency beforehand. 

For example, do you need a four-bedroom property if only two of you are going to live there, and do you need a large four-by-four car when a smaller, eco-friendly model would suffice?

Offset your carbon

Though this tip won’t necessarily reduce your footprint, it will help to lower it overall. If you do have to fly, buy a car, or wear fast fashion, offset your carbon by donating to a charity. You can calculate your emissions and then donate to an organisation like the Woodland Trust.

Join a community project

Whether it’s a beach clean morning or a community tree planting day, look for projects and events taking place near you and sign up. And if you can’t find one, consider organising your own - get your friends and likeminded eco-warriors together and make a difference locally.

Buy green energy

Switching to an eco-friendly energy provider can save 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents per year, according to a study from Science Magazine. In the UK, companies such as Bulb, Npower, OVO, Octopus Energy, Co-Op Energy, and Outfox the Market are major players.

Travel off-peak

If you’ve got to go into town to do some shopping or visit your friends in another city, avoid travelling in rush hour and go when it’s quiet instead. You’ll spend less time waiting around in traffic (or fighting for that last seat on the tube) and can even save money on ticket prices.

Choose ENERGY STAR products

When you’re replacing your dishwasher, washing machine or fridge, look for ENERGY STAR labels, which demonstrate superior energy efficiency. Have your old machines collected by a charity to ensure that any working appliances don’t go to waste; if they're broken, recycle!

Switch off your devices

The average UK household wastes £86 a year by leaving electronics on standby mode. 

Known as “vampire power” (as in, hungrily sucking energy from your sockets) consumers around the world are unnecessarily spending money, and wasting energy, on powering their TVs, phones, computers, and smart hubs. When a device is not in use, turn it off at the wall.

Plant some greens

Another way to give back to the planet is to cultivate your garden. Plants can absorb carbon dioxide, indoors and outdoors, whilst some flowers attract bees and other wildlife, which are essential to Planet Earth and our survival. Head to the local garden centre and see what you find, and opt for low-maintenance shrubs and evergreens if you’re not green-fingered.

Line dry

Did you know that tumble dryers use five times more electricity than washing machines? In the warmer months, hang your clothes on the line to dry naturally, and bring them indoors on clothes horses and the radiators during the winter. Save money and cut your energy usage.

Use curtains

Curtains aren’t just for privacy - they help lower your energy consumption and keep you cool. In the warmer months, close your curtains to lower your room’s temperature, without having to rely on AC or an energy-sucking fan, and in the winter, draw them to stop the heat inside your home leaking out - so long as your radiators aren’t installed underneath your windows.

A shocking 11 million clothing garments are sent to landfill in the UK every single week.

That’s a pretty concerning figure.

Fueled by high-street fast-fashion and our desire to stay on-trend, we’re increasingly buying new garments and wearing them once or twice before throwing them away. This practice is not only bad for our bank balances (clothing isn’t cheap) but bad for the environment, too.

When we throw a hoodie, pair of jeans or a sweatshirt into our wheelie bin, it can sit in a landfill site for up to 200 years, emitting the methane greenhouse gas as it decomposes.

Worse still, research suggests just 1% of clothing is recycled into new yarns and fibers. 

There’s no denying that the damage is already done, but there are things that you can do to reduce your footprint. One of them is to stop buying new and buy second hand instead.

Don’t worry: we’re not suggesting that you wear your mum’s old dresses from the eighties or you never buy a new pair of socks again, but we are suggesting that you reframe the way you think about clothing and make some positive changes that will benefit the environment.

Below, we’ve put together some tips on finding the best second-hand clothing… 

Start at the charity shops

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Our high streets are full of charity shops jam-packed with unwanted clothing. 

Sure, not everything you see in your local OXFAM or British Heart Foundation is going to be to your taste, but that’s the beauty of it: spend an afternoon rummaging around and you’re bound to find some new staples that you can add to your wardrobe and start wearing.

Better yet, go shopping with your friend and try to pick out an outfit for each other.

Not only will you be able to pick up some pieces at a discount (the average charity shop dress costs less than £5, compared to £45 on the high street), but you’ll be supporting local and national causes close to your heart, and you’ll be doing your bit for the planet on top.

Travel to find designer pieces

Time for a charity shop hack. If you can’t find the right clothing in your local area, consider setting off on a day trip to a more affluent part of your region to find some real hidden gems.

Why? If you shop in a part of the country where locals have higher than average income levels, you’ll find that they donate higher-quality clothing, some with designer labels.

The Cancer Research UK charity shop in Marylebone, for example, reportedly receives donations from locals including Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, with brands such as Dior and Louboutin spotted on its rails. Get there early and you could score yourself a bargain.

Some charity shop chains even have stores dedicated to designer clothing (the British Red Cross has designer charity shops in London, Newcastle, Belfast, and Poole and Oxfam puts some of its designer donations on its site and delivers to your address) so do your research if you’re looking for something in particular and head off on a designer shopping spree.

Stop by vintage stores

As well as charity shops, vintage stores are a great way to find quality second-hand clothes.

Granted: these shops are usually run for-profit and their owners are pretty switched on, so don’t expect to pick up a £1,000 handbag for £10, but you can still find some special offers.

Vintage shopping is not only more sustainable than buying new, but it’s great for finding pieces that finish off your outfit that tell their own story, whether a brooch or a cardigan.

Clothes fairs are also growing in popularity, where organisers will allow attendees to buy a bag and fill it with clothing in their size for £50 - but get there early to avoid disappointment.

Download the apps

The chances are that you frequent eBay to find discount second-hand clothing, but there are other websites and avenues to consider as well. 

Facebook Marketplace, for example, allows you to find clothing for sale in your local area, whether you’re in the market for a new dress for a wedding or baby clothes for a newborn. 

The best part about Facebook is that you can narrow your search radius to look for clothes in your town, and pick them up on your way to work without having to pay for delivery.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, then download second-hand exchange apps such as Gumtree, Debop, Shopock, and Preloved and do some retail therapy on your sofa.

Swap with colleagues

Always admired Karen from Accounts’ dress? Why not ask if you can swap with her?

Yes, yes, that sounds weird. 

But if you want to be more sustainable and encourage your workmates to do the same, why not organise a clothes-swapping event where you can get together over lunch and pick and choose which garments you’d like to take home with you?

You could do it for charity, donating a pound for every item you take home with you, and then donate the unwanted pieces to your local charity shop in hopes they’ll be sold to someone.

If that’s not for you, search for an organised event where you go along with a bag of clothes and come home with a new wardrobe. They’re fun, they’re free, and they’re sustainable!

Car boot sales

We see you rolling your eyes.

Though certainly not for everyone, you shouldn’t overlook the benefits of car boot shopping. 

Car boots sales are not only cheap (most organisers charge less than a pound for entry), but you can find some real bargains, whether you’re looking for dresses, t-shirts, or even shoes.

Most sellers take all of their unwanted clothing and allow buyers to sift through to find what they’re looking for. The best part? You can haggle and pick up pieces for as little as 20p.

Find a stall that has clothing in your size and style, and you’ll have hit a goldmine!

Rent, don’t buy

Finally, consider renting clothing if you’re attending a function and need a special outfit.

Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a prom, a job interview or a photoshoot, search for a designer clothing rental company and peruse their garments before you buy something.

Prom dresses and tuxedos, for example, are rarely worn more than once, and they can be pretty expensive. Rent one instead for £30, and you’ll not only save yourself some money, but you’ll be reducing your own clothing carbon footprint without compromising on style.

No rentals in your area? If you spotted your friend in a gorgeous dress, ask her if you can borrow it for a function. Have it dry cleaned and buy her a bottle of wine to say thank you.

There you have it - some of the ways you can find the best second-hand clothing and reduce your reliance on brand new pieces. Though you’ll naturally need to stock up on staples from time to time, like pants, socks, and tees, if we all buy a little less, we’ll make a big difference.

In the UK alone, we send more than 100 million bags of garbage to landfill over the Christmas period, creating 30% more rubbish than we would at any other time of the year. 

That garbage includes an incredible 227,000 miles worth of wrapping paper - enough to stretch to the moon - and that’s without thinking about those unwanted Christmas gifts.

If you’ve got loved ones who are impossible to buy for, it’s easy to stock up on nick nacks and gifts that they’re probably not going to use.

Lots of those gifts will sit in cupboards and drawers for a year or two and then be thrown away, meaning they’re not only a waste of your money, but they’re bad for the environment and causing even more unnecessary waste.

Below, we’ve put together some eco-friendly gift ideas for Christmas 2019 to help you save time and money, and ensure you put a smile on their face with a thoughtful, useful present.

Refillable bottles

In the UK, we throw away billions of plastic bottles every year.

As well as the obvious culprit (water and fizzy drinks bottles), shampoo and conditioner bottles are also big targets and are often sent to landfill, even if they’re put in your recycling bin at home.

If you’ve got a friend who wants to do their bit for the planet, consider gifting them some refillable glass bottles.

These bottles can be personalised with their name and you could even start them off with some eco-friendly shampoos; all you need is some soap, coconut milk and essential oils.

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It’s true that good things come in 3! 👌⠀⠀ What good things you ask? Well, these 3 beauties will: ⠀⠀ - Declutter your shower from bright and mismatched packaging, enhancing the look of your bathroom ✔️ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ - Allow you to limit unnecessary bathroom plastic, saving money and the planet ✔️

A post shared by Refillable Shower Bottles (@darling_and_king) on Nov 22, 2019 at 8:09pm PST

Stainless steel straws

Some drinks are best enjoyed with a straw, whether it’s a gin and tonic at the end of a busy week or a cool Pepsi Max with ice.

If you’ve got a friend who’s always got a drink in their hand, consider buying them a set of stainless steel straws and a cocktail shaker so they can experiment with new drinks concoctions at home.

Even better, treat them to some quality glass tumblers that they can use to serve their favourite drinks in - no more plastic cups!

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Do you sip, suck or slurp? ~ Whatever you do, if you use straws you should give something sustainable a go! ~ Soseas straws come in a pack of 8, 4 fab colours in straight and bent varieties with a free linen carry case and 2 cotton tipped cleaners (completely plastic-free!) ~ Check them out on Soseas.co.uk or Amazon

A post shared by 💚 Soseas Earth-Kind Products 💚 (@soseasuk) on Mar 27, 2019 at 11:03am PDT

A cotton tee

Okay, time for a little self-promotion.

At Ultra Tee, we specialise in eco-friendly clothing and offer a wide range of options that make for great gifts.

From our adorable fox tee from our autumn collection to our super-cute bi-colour puffin tee, all of our clothing is choc-full of personality, without harming the environment. Indeed, we use organic and conventional cotton which is great on the skin and designed to stand the test of time.

Treat your girlfriends to one or two tops from our latest collection and they’ll be wearing them for years to come.

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We absolutely love this look from @lesroussoeurs featuring our 🦊 tee and their Ségolène shorts! Thanks girls for sharing! 😍 . . #inlove #perfectlook #organiccotton #tshirt #embroidery #fox #model #independentbrand #france #lesroussoeurs #bloggerstyle

A post shared by Ultra Tee (@ultrateebrand) on Nov 18, 2019 at 4:09am PST

Reusable face pads

Another great gift idea for a friend who’s into beauty is a pack of washable face pads.

Not only will this help to reduce the number of cotton wool pads they put into landfill, but it will save money, as handmade face pads can be washed and reused hundreds of times. 

Buy them a matching bag or travel case and they’ll never need a disposable face pad again!

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📍Reusable Face Pads⠀ .⠀ .⠀ A must have low waste bathroom essential ✅⠀ .⠀ .⠀ Each set comes with 10 super soft + 5 scrubbier pads for removing or applying skincare. Throw them in the washing machine and reuse time after time 🔄⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #reuse #facepads #ecoliving #lessismore #zerowasteuae #sustainablehome #dubai #ecodubai #hellogoodkarma #thegoodkarmaco #reusablefacepads ⠀ #dubaiecoshop

A post shared by Choices That Feel & Do Good (@thegoodkarma.co) on Sep 12, 2019 at 9:18pm PDT

A houseplant

Looking for an eco-friendly gift? You can’t go too far wrong with a houseplant!

Whether you opt for a common cactus or succulent or choose something more exotic like a Madagascar dragon tree, you’re bound to find something that will look great in your friend’s home (and in their inevitable #homeinteriors Instagram shots).

Houseplants are not only pretty and add greenery to any home, but they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, clean the air, boost healing, and help you work more productively.

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when you’re entering the jungle and meow meow has a side quest for you hahaha oops - if video games have taught me anything lol ___________________________________________ 🌟FOLLOW & TAG us to be featured. Repost from @jamies_jungle • • #houseplants #instaplants #livingwithplants #plantparenthood #houseplantlove #plantnerd #plantsmakepeoplehappy #planthoarder #plantaddict #plantmakepeoplehappy #greenfeed #crazyplantpeople #monsterafanclub #horticulturelife #botanicalpickmeup #houseplantlove #plantstyle #urbanjungleblogger #apartmentjungle #plantaddiction #monsteradeliciosa #succulentfreak #wanderlushinterior

A post shared by House Plant Community (@wanderlushinterior) on Nov 22, 2019 at 9:01am PST

With Christmas just around the corner, the chances are that you’ve been invited to dozens of parties and get-togethers and that you’re beginning to panic about new outfits.

It’s natural to want to dress up for the festivities and treat yourself to a few new outfits, but do you really need another Christmas jumper to add to the pile?  Research shows a quarter are only worn once, being thrown away after the office Christmas party, never to be seen again.

Below, we’ve put together some tips and tricks on a more environmentally-friendly alternative - jazzing up your existing outfits for the Christmas season rather than buying new clothes… 

Use makeup strategically

'Tis the season to be seen wearing a little bit too foundation and a bit of glitter and sparkles. After all, you’re almost guaranteed to be in front of the camera, so it pays to look your best!

If you want to jazz up your look but you don’t want to buy new clothes, try out new makeup styles and use eco-friendly vegan products that are good for your skin and for the planet too. 

When it comes to Christmas parties, you can’t go wrong with a little bit of sparkle and glitter, and the good news is that you can now buy eco-friendly glitter makeup, so experiment with different colours and styles until you find something you like, or ask a makeup artist to help.

If you’re going for an understated look, then rose-gold eyeshadow and muted rose lips is a great idea, or go all-out sporting copper smoky eyes and matte tangerine lips. So festive!

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HELLO CHRISTMAS😍❤️⚡️ #mua #undiscoveredmua #makeup #girls #beauty #eyeshadow #lipgloss #glitter #glam #nighoutmakeup #stepbystep #contour #fullglam #beat #redlip #chrismas #christmasmakeup #GGWE

A post shared by GET GLAMOROUS WITH EDEN-MAY (@ggwe__) on Nov 23, 2019 at 3:48am PST

Assess your wardrobe

First things first, take a good look through your wardrobe and create a pile of clothing that you could wear over the festive season. 

Think dresses, jumpers, cardigans, and jumpsuits. 

They don’t need to have reindeer on the front; they just need to be stylish and comfortable.

Put together your favourites and think about ways you can breathe new life into them. 

That little black dress, for example, would look great with a statement necklace and a pair of fancy heels, rather than your usual sandals. 

It’s all about experimenting and putting pieces together that you usually wouldn’t - it’s Christmas, so be creative and have fun with it!

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ORGANISED 🔹 It’s going to stay that way for at least a week I promise 😂 🔹 Link in bio to my wardrobe declutter vid 😀

A post shared by K I M 💄👠✨🌙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🧘🏻‍♀️💪🏻📖🛒🔮 (@thefeelgoodmum) on Aug 14, 2019 at 11:39pm PDT

Mix and match your colours

Aside from the obvious red, green, and white, add golds, silvers, and blacks into your outfits this season to look on-trend and ready for Santa Claus. 

Oh, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. 

Your red dress with black heels will look Christmassy without overdoing it, and pairing your green jumper with a pair of sparkly silver leggings is another way to breathe new life into your less-worn garments and help you celebrate the season without buying new things.

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Getting into the Christmas spirit with this plaid scarf (& it’s currently 15% off!) 🥰 This look is on the blog as well as my first gift guide of the season! Click the link in my bio to catch up on all my blog posts from the week. And TGIF, you guys!! 🙌🏼 Love this Christmas plaid scarf 🥰 http://liketk.it/2GVNs #LTKholidaygiftguide #LTKholidayathome #LTKholidaystyle #travel #tgif #happyfriday #friday #abercrombiestyle

A post shared by Caitlin Covington (@cmcoving) on Nov 15, 2019 at 6:25am PST

Plan for every occasion

Once you’ve found a few outfits that tickle your fancy, think about every occasion, event, and party you’ve been invited to and prepare your outfits in advance. 

Try on your clothes and take a selfie to see what works and what doesn’t, and ask friends and family for advice, too.

That way, you’ll be less likely to head to the high street in a last-minute panic and buy a new outfit that you’re only going to wear once. 

And with more time to plan, you’ll be able to piece together the perfect outfits that are in keeping with the season, helping you look your best.

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No, I am definitely not more excited than my toddler to go and see Father Christmas today 🙊 . . Absolutely loving reliving the magic of this festive period through the girls. After all, Christmas isn’t a season it’s a feeling ❤️ . . . Amelia Merino Wool Roll Neck Jumper - new season @baukjen #gifted . .

A post shared by Liz Dalton (@elizabeth_c_dalton) on Nov 22, 2019 at 11:27pm PST

Accessorise

Finally, use accessories to the best of your ability.

A simple tee can be stylised with a cute Christmas-inspired necklace or cardigan, allowing you to look the part without breaking the bank.

If you’re really getting into the spirit, go au naturel and create your own brooches and hairpieces using holly leaves from the garden.

The best part is that Christmas fashion never goes out of date; once you’ve bought one pair of snowman earrings or a Rudolph hoodie, you can rock it for years to come!

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He already stole our hearts with his shiny red nose😍 This brooch by Erstwilder is a must-have item for the upcoming holiday season 🎄 Photo by @gracefullyvintage 💋 #christmasstyle #vintageinspired #erstwilder #topvintageboutique #topvintage #50sbrooch #christmasbrooch #vintagegal #vintagelady #gracefullyvintage #holidayseason

A post shared by TopVintage ® (@topvintage_boutique) on Nov 8, 2018 at 5:00am PST

There you have it - a few ways to jazz up your outfits for Christmas. Whatever you’ve got planned, we wish you the very best of luck!

Check back soon for more eco-friendly fashion tips and advice from the Ultra Tee team, and follow us on Instagram for regular updates.

Last year, we started the Ultra Tee blog to fly the flag for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion - and we think we’ve built a powerful community where fashionistas can change the way they think about what they buy, and opt for clothing that not only looks great but does great, too.

One thing we haven’t been so good at, however, is flying the flag for our own range of tees - all of which are made from ethically-sourced materials and hand-printed with love in London and Paris.

Our tees are artisanally embroidered, made from high-quality, long-lasting fabrics, and come with free delivery and returns as standard. What’s more, for every tee we sell, we plant a tree to give back to our planet and do our bit to reverse the effects of global warming.

Whether you’re new to Ultra Tee (nice to meet you!) or a regular customer (welcome back), we’ve rounded up some of our favourite tee designs that you should add to your wardrobe… 

Cactus Friends Tee

With our stunning Cactus Friends Tee, you can get closer to nature. Manufactured from 100% organic cotton, its design might be a little spiky, but it’s ever so cute!

Featuring an elegant, eye-catching print with greens, blues, yellows and oranges, we think this tee looks great with its sleeves rolled up and worn paired with some high-waisted jeans or a skirt - and you can rock it whether you’re off to the beach with friends or spending the day in the office. 

Kingfisher Tee

If you’re a fan of birds, we think you’ll love our beautiful Kingfisher Tee, which sports a faded kingfisher bird in blue and grey colours. Printed onto our breathable 100% organic cotton ice blue crew neck, this graphic tee looks best when worn with a pair of jeans, and it’s soft-touch which is a great choice, whether you’re headed to the gym or grabbing lunch with friends.

As with all of our tees, we recommend washing this Kingfisher Tee inside out with similar colours at 30 degrees, and to maintain its water-based ink print, ironing inside out on a low temperature.

Look after your Ultra Tee, and it’ll last you for many years to come, and help you stand out from the crowd with a garment that will be the taking point of any get-together.

Apple Stripes tee

We think that every girl needs a striped tee in her wardrobe. Featuring summery white and blue stripes and a cute yellow apple embellishment, this Apple Stripes Tee is a real staple piece and looks beautiful whatever it’s paired with, whether you rock a pair of blue jeans and a pair of sliders or some Zella leggings and a cardigan for a relaxed, stripped-back affair.

Our friends over at Merrick’s Art has put together a super useful guide to wearing a striped tee in twelve different ways. Of course, we’re not saying that you should wear this tee every day, but the article demonstrates just how adaptable a striped tee can be - and how you can try out many different looks without having to fill your wardrobe with damaging fast fashion.

Long Sleeve Stripes Crab Tee

Whilst we’re on the subject of stripes, let’s talk about our Long-Sleeved Stripes Crab Tee. As the centrepiece of our spring/summer campaign for 2019, we think that this tee is one of our very best.

Made from 100% cotton at 175 gsm with an adorable crab embroidery on the left chest, this long-sleeved tee is great for all seasons - wear it on its own in the spring and summer and throw on a cardigan, hoodie or coat in the cooler autumn and winter months.

Why choose a long-sleeved tee over a short-sleeved? They’re great if you want to cover your arms, or you can balance out a long-sleeved look with a pair of boots and some jeans. Roll up your sleeves for a casual look, experiment with a short-sleeved tee over the top of your long-sleeved tee, or wear your long-sleeved tee around your waist - great if you’ve got a cotton vest on underneath in the summer months. The possibilities are virtually endless… 

Parrots Speckled Tee

Finally, a quick squawk to our Parrots Speckled Tee. Made from 96% cotton and 4% polyester, this tee features a crew neck in a boxy style in a speckled cream colour - and some artsy parrots, flowers, and tropical leaves to keep you company!

Though designed for the summer, we think that this tee would look great throughout the year and lets you inject some colour and sunshine into those dull and miserable autumn days to come. 

Made with love in Portugal and digitally printed in France with water-based inks, this tee is delivered for free and we’ll plant a tree for every tee sold. We recommend washing this one inside out on low heat, ironing inside out to protect the print, and avoiding bleaching to keep the colour and design intact.

Those little parrots are sensitive, so please look after them!

Want to add an Ultra Tee or two to your wardrobe? Shop the range on our website, with free delivery and returns as standard. Plus, stay tuned for all-new designs coming soon…

It’s impossible to watch the news or scroll through social media without reading something about the devastating effects of global warming, and how we’re damaging our environment. 

Everything we do - from driving to work to buying our grocery shop from the supermarket - results in more waste, more carbon emissions, and more guilt.

And as a ‘little guy’, it’s easy to feel helpless, as though there’s nothing you can do to stop the impending doom.

The truth is, you’re not going to change the world or put an end to climate change on your own, but you can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your personal impact.

One of those changes is fashion, and choosing clothing from ethical and eco-friendly manufacturers.

Below, we’ve put together just some of the reasons why choosing ethical and eco-friendly clothing could make a big difference… 

Fast fashion is killing the planet

The fast fashion industry is bad news for the planet.

The $2.5 trillion sector churns out 80 billion new garments a year to chase trends and drive sales, but the majority of the clothing is made from poor quality materials that don’t stand the test of time.

In fact, the vast majority of this clothing is designed to fall apart quickly.

It’s called planned obsolescence and helps manufacturers and brands sell more clothes, more regularly, to maintain their profitability.

What’s particularly concerning is that global clothing production has doubled in the past 15 years - an alarming statistic that simply needs to change.

The average t-shirt or pair of jeans requires 20,000 litres of water to manufacture, and countless chemicals and toxins that eventually make their way into our oceans or pollute the earth, causing destruction to nature.

Clothes that aren’t sold or recycled are sent to landfill or worse still, an incinerator, which leads to more toxic pollution and waste, impacting our cities, our people, and our animals.

According to 1 Million Women, only 10% of the clothing we donate to thrift stores or charities ends up being sold; the rest goes to landfill, where it can take many years to decompose.

When you purchase high-quality clothing from an ethical manufacturer, you can rest assured that your garment will last much longer than the cheap products you pick up from the high street or your local supermarket, and you’ll know that it was made with ethically-sourced and sustainable materials.

At Ultra Tee, for example, we use organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel (a fibre made from eucalyptus pulp) which is less harmful to the environment.

Working conditions in fast fashion suck

In the past twenty-five years, 270,000 Indian cotton farmers have killed themselves due to the stress caused by the debt they had to accumulate to purchase cotton seeds to keep up with demand.

In Bangladesh, nine out of ten workers can’t afford enough food for themselves and their families - even though they work full time for a clothing factory.

Indeed, in Bangladesh alone, more than three million people work in the garment industry, with wages starting as low as £25 per month - far below the living wage - working from 8am to 8pm every day.

What’s more, three-quarters of female workers interviewed by Oxfam had been verbally abused at work and half had been beaten.

Many worked up to 140 hours of overtime every month, working until 2am, and more than half couldn’t meet the targets set by employers. In one factory, workers had to produce 20 ladies shirts every hour, an impossible task.

These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

In the fast fashion industry, workers are being exploited to create cheap clothing for Western consumers. The next time you pick up a new t-shirt for £2, consider where it came from and how it was made - you might just reconsider.

Switching to “slow fashion” might be more expensive in the short-term, but it allows you to support independent fashion businesses with ethical manufacturing practices.

At Ultra Tee, for example, we have an in-house embroidery facility in London, and our company only works with global partners who respect the rights of the men and women that they employ.

Each is carefully chosen based on their compliance with working conditions requirements.

Supporting ethical brands speaks volumes

The truth is that high street and online fashion retailers will only change their manufacturing operations when consumers speak out and vote with their feet.

Until shoppers can overcome the temptation of purchasing super-cheap clothing made in sweatshops, they’re not going to change - so supporting an ethical brand speaks volumes.

Eventually, as more and more consumers look to environmentally-friendly, sustainable and ethical clothing brands, the big chains will have to change their ways to meet evolving consumer attitudes and demands.

How long will that take?

Who knows… But the sooner you make the switch and do your bit for the environment, the sooner you’ll realise the benefits of ethical, eco-friendly clothing, and you can spread the word to your friends and family.

Which leads us on to our next point… 

Your choices can encourage others to switch

Buying a few pieces of ethical clothing isn’t going to change the world overnight - neither is throwing out your entire wardrobe and switching to ethically-sourced alternatives.

But doing your bit allows you to fly the flag for sustainable fashion and encourage others to make the switch, too.

The next time someone compliments you on your t-shirt, you can let them know where you bought it, and it’ll serve as a real domino effect, until everyone makes the switch.

The truth is that most people don’t realise just how damaging the fashion industry is.

So, when you talk about ethical clothing and its benefits, whether with your friends over a coffee, at work during a presentation or at a social or community event, you’ll encourage others to consider their own relationship with fast fashion and re-evaluate their buying choices.

Better for your skin

Finally, a quick word on comfort.

It’s no secret that organic fabrics are better for your skin, as they’re produced without allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemicals.

That not only means that your dresses, t-shirts and jeans will be more comfortable, but they won’t cause irritation, and they’ll be better for you in the long-term.

Organic materials are often weaved wider than synthetically-produced materials, so are more breathable. That means you’ll be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and you won’t need as many outfits in your wardrobe.

Synthetic clothing materials can lead to an increase in allergic reactions and dermatitis, whereas natural fabrics such as 100% cotton are also better at stopping you from sweating, which is a major bonus.

What’s more, materials such as organic cotton not only reduce the number of toxins you breathe in, but they also reduce the amount of pesticide chemicals released into the water supply when you wash your clothes.

Opt for materials such as silk, flax, wool, and tencel, and avoid materials such as polyester, acetate, rayon, and clothes that are “wrinkle-free” and “easy-care”, as they’ll have been soaked in harmful chemicals.

Which ethical clothing brands do you recommend? Tweet in your favourites using @UltraTeeBrand and check back for more news on ethical and sustainable fashion soon.

With the summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to look through your wardrobe and make sure you’ve stocked up on those fashion essentials for the season ahead.

Unfortunately, though, life isn’t always that simple, and the chances are that you’ll be on the look-out for new pieces to add to your collection, whether you’re preparing for a week abroad or you’re staying here in the UK and want to look your best when the sun comes out.

It’s easy to get carried away in the summer season and splurge on new tank tops, dresses and shorts, but the truth is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get yourself ready for the sun. In fact, filling your wardrobe with white tees could be the way forward.

Below, we’ve pulled together just some of the reasons why keeping it simple could be the key this summer.

T-shirts are comfortable

Let’s start with the most obvious benefit: tees are comfortable, whether you’re catching up at a local coffee shop with friends or you’re spending the day in the office.

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort in the name of fashion, especially in the summer months when it’s warm outside - and there’s nothing better than a comfortable tee to do exactly that.

Most girls fall into one of two categories: they wear a comfortable and stylish outfit or something totally impractical that looks great but makes them uncomfortable. Put yourself in the first camp!

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Happy weekend friends! What do y’all have planned? We’ll likely be working on setting up the new office, take the kids swimming, and hoping to find time for a date night too! // This light knit boxy tee is a must have, I’ll share a better look at it in stories 🥰 You can use code FRIEND for 30% off my sandals ✨ Hope you’re all having a great Friday!! XOXO http://liketk.it/2CnSm @liketoknow.it #liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKunder50

A post shared by Nasreen (@heynasreen) on Jun 7, 2019 at 10:06am PDT

The best part about white tees is that they’re an option throughout the year - in the summer, you can pair a plain white t-shirt with a pair of shorts for a relaxed look that’s breathable and flexible, and in the winter, you can layer a tee with a cardigan or jumper to stay cosy. Simple!

T-shirts offer versatility

We’ve just touched on this, but let’s say it louder for the people at the back. White t-shirts are so versatile and can be worn with virtually anything in your wardrobe.

Fancy wearing a skirt? You can rock it with a white tee. Want to keep it casual? Jogging shorts or leggings are the perfect companion to a white tee.

Consider your t-shirt the foundation of an outfit, and build something around it. Whatever the occasion, you’re bound to find something that looks good.

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weekend vibes #sneakpeek #liquorbar

A post shared by ✮ TAMAR ROOZENBEEK ✮ (@tamarroozenbeek) on May 26, 2019 at 3:55am PDT

V-neck tees offer a fashionable look that adds shape to your upper half, whilst crew neck tees are great for layering and executing your figure.

Boxy crop tees can help pull together an outfit and give you a modern and sophisticated look, and relaxed fit tees are suitable for all sorts of occasions - pair with a floral skirt for a casual office look or joggers for the gym.

They’ll never go out of style

Perhaps one of the biggest appeals of white tees is that they never go out of style. Whether you’re trying to reduce the number of clothes in your wardrobe or you simply want to avoid unnecessary waste, tees have been a staple for decades due to their effortlessness, and we have no doubt that they’ll still be a staple in another ten years’ time.

Consider buying a few high-quality white t-shirts made from sustainable materials as an investment, and they’ll last.

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Smiling because it's 🍟day!

A post shared by Ashley Oswalt | Blogger (@ashleyohh__) on Jun 7, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

With a couple of white t-shirts in your wardrobe, you’ll never have to worry about what to wear again - just pull out your tee and pair it with your favourite pair of jeans, a comfy jumper, or a pair of dungarees - the opportunities are limitless and help to streamline your daily routine.

T-shirts are an affordable option

Looking for a way to fill in the gaps in your wardrobe without breaking the bank? T-shirts are an affordable option whether you’re buying them from your local supermarket or a high-end fashion chain.

Of course, the quality of the finish and the materials used are going to change depending on your budget, but you don’t have to spend a fortune. In fact, some companies offer white tees in multipacks, which is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.

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Tropical. All. The. Way.🙌🏻🙌🏻 . Great Summer casual look. Pops of orange and coral to make it fun. This palm kimono would even make a great swimsuit cover-up, too!☀️🌴 . #summer #fashion #palmleaves #coral #kimono #whitetee #distressedjeans #refreshboutiquelj #shoplocal #weship

A post shared by Refresh Boutique (@refreshboutiquelj) on Jun 7, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

Messy eater? We know - white tees are more likely to show marks than other coloured tees, but you don’t need to replace them every time to spill something! Consider the benefits of soap nuts - a natural laundry detergent that comes from the berries of the Sapindus mukorossi tree, found in India and Nepal.

The fruit contains natural saponins, which cleans clothes and removes stains. If you can’t get your hands on those, go the old fashioned route with some salt, vinegar and baking soda - guaranteed to fight even the toughest of stains.

Go minimal with a white tee

Just in case you needed another reason to add some white tees to your wardrobe this year, remember that neutral and monochromatic t-shirts are a great way to change up your look and create a dramatic, minimalistic outfit.

Wearing a white t-shirt doesn’t have to be boring. Sure, it’s a basic item of clothing, but it has to work hard to make you look good, and it can serve as a ‘canvas’ that allows you to add your own unique touch to your look, whether that’s through your makeup, hair colour, jewellery or corresponding jean or skirt. Go all out!

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Good idea: happy hour 🍾 Not so good idea: trying to take a photo after happy hour 🤪 Made it to L.A. to celebrate my brother’s wedding and can’t wait to spend a few days in the California sunshine ☀️ Wearing all my favorite basics here: classic straw hat, white tee & the perfect summer denim - hat and tee are both under $50 and are pieces you can wear with everything👌🏻 Shop the look by following me in the free @liketoknow.it app or by clicking the link in my bio http://liketk.it/2Cniw #liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #summerfashion #california #travelstyle #whitetee #readysetbrahmin

A post shared by Meagan Brandon (@meagansmoda) on Jun 6, 2019 at 6:20pm PDT

If you’re looking for other ways to add some personality to your look, then add some colour with a printed tee, like the eco-friendly t-shirts available here at Ultra Tee.

We only sell tees made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and on some product lines, Tencel (fibre made from eucalyptus pulp), and our eco-friendly printing and embroidery techniques help to liven up your look without harming the environment.

What’s more, for every tee sold, we plant a tree to protect our forestry and keep the world green!

If that hasn’t convinced you that the white tee is the best thing since sliced bread, we don’t know what will!

Stripping it down and going back to basics with your style can sometimes be overwhelming or scary, but it pays to experiment with different looks - and having essentials such as white t-shirts in your wardrobe will make the process a lot easier. Best of luck!

If you’ve spent any time thinking about your carbon footprint or watching one of the many documentaries on the damage fast fashion can do to the environment, then the chances are that you’ve considered replacing your wardrobe with eco-friendly clothing. That’s great news, and it means you’ll no longer be supporting fast-fashion brands who produce clothing in sweatshops, using harmful chemicals and materials that cause lasting damage to our planet.

And whilst many benefits of wearing eco-friendly clothing may be obvious, there are some other surprising reasons why you should switch to natural clothing. Below, we share them…

Better on the skin

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why you should consider switching to organic, natural clothing is that it’s better on your skin. Cheap fibres and synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester have to be treated with thousands of toxic chemicals before they’re sold, and over time, these chemicals can cause damage to your skin. According to a study from Stockholm University, polyester had the highest concentrations of harmful substances, which can cause your skin to become dry or itchy. That’s bad news - especially for those with sensitive skin.

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Great start of the week! Thanks @luluandm_broughtyferry for sharing this pic featuring our 🍓stripes tee! . . #ultrateebrand #ultratee #newcollection #strawberry #stripes #madeineurope #bloggerstyle #tshirt #happy #love #ethicalfashion

A post shared by Ultra Tee (@ultrateebrand) on Apr 8, 2019 at 1:59am PDT

Aside from the chemicals, synthetic fabrics don’t breathe as well as natural cotton. You’ll likely know all too well that some fabrics can trap in sweat and unwanted bacteria. Switching to an organic material makes sense, keeping your clothing cool and breathable. At Ultra Tee, all of our clothing is made from organic and conventional cotton, as well as Tencel - a fibre made from eucalyptus pulp - which is better for the environment and for sensitive skin.

Helps you stand out

We’ve all done it: arrived at a party wearing a new dress from the high street, only to spot someone else wearing the exact same outfit. There are obvious benefits to mass-produced clothing, like price and convenience, but the good thing about buying from an ethical, eco-friendly clothing company is that you’ll stand out from the crowd, and find a tee or dress that none of your friends will own.

At Ultra Tee, we’re passionate about flying the flag for small, independent fashion boutiques and designers, so as well as recommending our own tees and jumpers, we encourage you to check out these eco-friendly clothing marketplaces. There are so many up-and-coming designers and brands who work hard to create unique, attractive outfits that prove you can be both fashionable and conscious of the environment.

Advocates for a greener world

There’s something pretty special about wearing an outfit made from organic materials - you quite literally become a walking advert for a greener, more environmentally-friendly world. If you’re passionate about reducing your environmental impact through fashion, wearing green clothing makes you an advocate, and any time someone asks where you bought your tee, you’ll be able to tell them where you got it and start conversations about the fashion industry.

We get it - buying one t-shirt made from recycled fabrics rather than synthetic materials is not going to change the planet on its own, but as more people become conscious of their carbon footprint and replace their clothing with greener, cleaner materials, we can together make a bigger impact - and encourage major fashion brands to change their behaviours.

Makes you mindful of waste

Finally, a quick word on waste. The high street has made it easy for us to buy an entire outfit for less than £20 and throw it away after a night out - but that’s bad for the environment and results in millions of tonnes of landfill waste every year. It’s also lazy - we should buy clothes because we like them and want to wear them 100s of times, not just for a single occasion.

Eco-friendly clothing is naturally more expensive than cheaper high street alternatives as it requires more craftsmanship and expensive materials, but whilst you might pay a little more for a tee, you’ll get high-quality garments that will last for years to come. When you make the switch from mass produced to ethically-sourced fashion, you’ll be more mindful about what you buy, and less likely to throw it away, helping to reduce landfill waste. When you have had enough, then you’ll probably want to recycle or repurpose your clothing into something else, whether that’s a cushion, a teddy bear, or by donating it to charity for them to resell.

Transitioning to eco-friendly clothing isn’t an overnight thing: it can be tough to make the switch and find pieces you like, but by making small changes, you can have a lasting impact on the planet. If we all take more care and pride in where we buy our clothing, and how we dispose of garments when we no longer need them, we’ll help to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and the millions of pieces of clothing that goes to landfill every year. Let’s do this!

Mother’s Day is the one day of the year when we get to show our mums just how much they mean to us, but deciding what to buy her can be tough. Sure, you could go for a generic gift like a gift voucher or a bunch of flowers, but the chances are you’re looking for a unique idea that will put a real smile on her face. With Mother’s Day 2019 fast approaching (31st March), we thought we’d round up some of the best gift ideas to give you some food for thought…

Spa Session

After a busy week at work, there’s nothing better than a relaxing pamper session at a luxury spa or hotel. Give your mum an excuse to treat herself and book her a manicure, pedicure, or massage at her favourite spa, and she’s bound to be happy. If you want to involved and spend some quality time with mum, then make it a girly night away, booking a hotel and organising a meal and drinks in the evening. Apps like Treatwell are great if you want to find the best local spa, and many offer packages or two-for-one deals to help you save money.

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A post shared by STYLE OBSESSED BRUNETTE (@style_obsessed_brunette) on Apr 29, 2018 at 3:25am PDT

Eco-Friendly Clothing

If you’re trying to be more conscious of the environment when buying gifts this year, then you should consider eco-friendly clothing, like the t-shirts available here at Ultra Tee. It’s easy to buy a novelty gift, like a teddy bear or a cheap jumper with a funny quote on, but there’s little point if your mum isn’t going to wear it, resulting in unnecessary waste and more harmful emissions polluting our skies and seas. Investing in a high-quality, long-lasting jumper or tee that reflects her style and personality is a thoughtful, useful gift, and the best part is that your mum will think of you every time she wears it. The hardest thing is choosing the best design!

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A post shared by Ultra Tee (@ultrateebrand) on Mar 12, 2019 at 2:25am PDT

Chocolate

Nothing says “I love you” like a box of gooey, delicious chocolates. Some might say this is a cop-out gift, but if you’re able to find an indulgent box of luxury chocolates you know your mum will love, then why not? There are so many artisan chocolate brands to consider, like Hotel Chocolat, Choc on Choc, Holdsworth, Charbonnel et Walker, and Prestat, and flavours like salted caramel, brown butter, coconut milk, chai, and superfoods are particularly popular right now. Can’t decide on the perfect chocolate box or flavour combination? Head to your local chocolatier or bakery and ask them for a taste test - we promise we won’t tell anyone!

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A post shared by Stick With Me Sweets (@swmsweets) on Mar 9, 2019 at 2:31pm PST

Skincare

Whether it’s night cream, a face mask, or serum, treat your mum to some high-end skincare products that she wouldn’t typically buy herself. Last year, we rounded up some of the best eco-friendly vegan cosmetics brands, with brands like CutECOsmetics and Tropic Skincare going above and beyond to protect the environment and deliver the best cosmetics. Not sure what your mum would like the most? Have a nosey through her makeup drawer when you’re next at hers and stock up on some of her favourites - it saves her a job and she’ll be grateful!

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A post shared by CutECOsmetics (@cutecosmeticsuk) on Mar 12, 2019 at 1:25pm PDT

Perfume

Finally, consider a fail-safe gift that will make your mum smile. All women want to smell their best, so why don’t you stock up on a bottle or two of her favourite perfume? This gift is about showing your mum that you notice the little things. Buying her the perfume she wears every day may seem predictable, but it’s a special treat that will mean the world. If she likes to try new things, then buy a miniatures gift set, and she’ll be able to choose a new favourite scent.

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A post shared by BON PARFUMEUR (@bonparfumeur) on Mar 9, 2019 at 7:51am PST

There you have it - some of the best gift ideas for Mother’s Day 2019. Whatever you choose, we hope you have a fun day with your mum and that she feels loved, indulged, and special.