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5 Sustainable Shopping & Living Tips

5 Sustainable Shopping & Living Tips

At Eagle Eye Outfitters, we believe adventure and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. We are an outdoor retail store in Alabama that encourages our community and customers to take life outdoors. And in taking life outdoors, that means we need to help protect the wild spaces we explore.


This Earth Day, we’re highlighting five sustainable shopping and living tips. But first, let's dive into why sustainable shopping and living matters.

 


The Reality of Clothing Waste

 

Did you know 92 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year? According to the EPA, textile and clothing waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the United States. Many of these discarded items are still wearable, reusable, or recyclable.


On average, people wear clothes only 7 to 10 times before throwing them away. This leads to over $500 billion lost each year because of not wearing clothes enough and not recycling them.


What you buy matters. How you reuse and discard what you buy makes an impact. We all can do better.



Tips for Sustainable Living & Shopping

 

Here are some easy ways to get started:

 1. Reduce, Reuse, Rewear

Before tossing those boots or that fleece, consider repairing, repurposing, or donating. Washing less often, using cold water, and line drying also saves energy and extends your gear's life.


2. Recycle After Reusing

Remember the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—in that order! Reducing consumption is always better than managing waste after it’s created.


3. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Invest in durable, long-lasting clothing that doesn’t need to be replaced often. It’s better for your wallet—and the planet.


4. Shop Eco-Conscious Brands

Look for companies that prioritize ethical sourcing, recycled materials, and carbon footprint reduction. Shopping these brands can shift the fashion industry toward better practices. (See below for Eco-conscious brands we carry!)


5. Donate Locally

Donating unused items keeps clothes out of landfills and supports your local community. Here are a few places to donate clothes if you are local to Dothan, AL:

 


Why Sustainability Matters to Us

 

As a business rooted in retail and the outdoors, protecting the environment matters. Getting ready for a weekend hike, a fishing trip, or a float down the river? The health of our trails and rivers is important. It helps our customers enjoy the outdoors.


Our team believes in making a positive impact—not just through what we sell, but how we operate. We're committed to:

  • Supporting sustainable brands

  • Encouraging responsible shopping habits

  • Reducing waste wherever we can

 


Sustainable Brands at Eagle Eye


At Eagle Eye, we proudly carry brands that are leading the charge in environmental stewardship:


  • Patagonia

    • A leader in sustainable fashion, Patagonia uses recycled materials, organic cotton, and offers Worn Wear, a program that encourages customers to repair and reuse their gear.

  • Free Fly

    • This brand makes ultra-comfy activewear from bamboo-based fabrics, requiring less water and fewer chemicals. They’ve also minimized plastic in their packaging.

  • The North Face

    • Their Clothes the Loop recycling program and Renewed Collection keep products in circulation longer, reducing textile waste.

  • Columbia Sportswear

    • Columbia’s Dry Extreme Eco Jackets and Rethreads program reflect their commitment to quality and recycling.

  • Cotopaxi

    • Known for their bold, colorful gear made from deadstock fabric, Cotopaxi also gives back through global poverty initiatives.

  • Aftco

    • This fishing brand donates 10% of profits to marine conservation efforts, protecting freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.

  • Dock & Bay

    • Their quick-dry towels are made from 100% recycled plastic, combining functionality with ocean-friendly living.

  • Naked Bee

    • With organic ingredients, recyclable packaging, and Operation Pollination, this beauty brand makes eco-conscious skincare easy.

  • Teva

    • Their iconic sandals now feature recycled polyester straps and they’ve partnered with programs to recycle worn footwear.

  • Birkenstock

    • Durability meets sustainability with their natural cork and leather materials. Plus, many of their shoes can be repaired or resoled, extending their lifespan.

 


Shopping and living sustainably doesn't happen overnight. It’s about making more mindful, everyday choices that support more sustainable living. This Earth Day—we hope these tips help you and your family take steps toward a more sustainable future.


When you buy eco-friendly brands, fix your favorite gear, and make smart purchases, you help protect the planet. You invest in cleaner rivers, safer trails, and healthy ecosystems.

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