5 Ways to Practice Ethical Shopping Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s be honest: being a conscious shopper can feel overwhelming. Between confusing certifications, “eco-friendly” buzzwords, and products that cost twice as much but don’t explain why — it’s easy to feel like you need a PhD in sustainability just to buy a T-shirt.

At Surreal Sloths, we get it. That’s why we created this guide — not to guilt you, but to give you five practical, non-judgy ways to shop better without burning out.

1. 🧵 Look for “Made-to-Order” or “Small-Batch”

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste as a shopper is to support brands that only make what’s needed.

At Surreal Sloths, every single item is made-to-order. That means nothing is printed or produced until someone buys it — no wasted inventory, no unsold piles headed for the landfill. It’s slower, sure. But that’s the point.

💡 Tip: Look for brands that say “made when ordered” — you’re likely helping reduce fashion waste.

2. 🤨 Don’t Fall for Greenwashing

Lots of brands use words like “eco-friendly” or “natural” without backing it up. Ethical shopping doesn’t mean buying something just because it sounds green — it means digging a little deeper.

The NRDC has a great guide on how to spot greenwashing — and what to look for instead. In short: if there’s no real info on sourcing, production, or certifications, it’s probably just clever marketing.

💡 Tip: Look for specific details — like materials, labor practices, or verified giveback programs — not just feel-good buzzwords.

3. 🐾 Choose Brands with a Mission — Not Just a Message

It’s easy to say “we care.” It’s harder to actually do something.

We donate 10% of every sale to wildlife conservation, including direct support to the World Wildlife Fund. If you'd like to contribute directly, you can donate here.

💡 Tip: Look for brands whose values show up in their actions, not just their taglines.

4. ✨ Shift from “More” to “Meaningful”

Ethical shopping isn’t about being perfect — it’s about buying with intention. That might mean:

• Choosing one tee you’ll love for years over five impulse buys
• Supporting small creators instead of fast fashion brands
• Opting for apparel that resonates with your personality — even if it’s weird

If you're rocking a hoodie that says Garden Hard, Nap Harder, you're probably doing great 😉.

5. 🌱 Start Small. Stay Curious.

Ethical shopping is a journey, not a checklist. You don’t have to overhaul your closet overnight. Small changes add up — and every mindful purchase is a tiny act of resistance against throwaway culture.

Whether you’re choosing slower fashion, asking better questions, or just reflecting before you buy, you’re already on the right path.

TL;DR: Ethical, But Realistic

You don’t have to shop perfectly — just thoughtfully.

If you want to:

• Reduce waste
• Support wildlife
• Avoid greenwashing
• And do it while wearing surreal sloth swag...

Then you’re in the right place. 🦥

👉 Shop intentionally (and weirdly)
👉 Back to The Slow Lane