
Earth Month at Our Center
April is Earth Month at Fashion Outlets of Chicago! Go green with us and learn about eco-focused programs happening at our center's retailers, check out ways to lower your carbon footprint, find out about our Earth Month partner organization, and more.

About Our Partner, One Tree Planted
Let's Lower Our Carbon Footprint Together
What's a carbon footprint?
We all emit greenhouse gases through our actions: through the products we manufacture, buy, or consume; through our everyday transportation, or through our energy use. All those emissions add up to our carbon footprint because they contain a lot of the element carbon (like in the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide). But all that carbon going into landfills and up into the atmosphere isn't too good for the environment. So it's a great idea to work together to make the world a greener place!
Join us in taking steps to reduce our impact on the planet. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Installing low-flow water fixtures
- Switching to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs
- Charging your devices overnight when grid usage is lower
- Composting food scraps
- Recycling clothes at participating stores
- Collecting rainwater for gardening
- Carpooling
Green Looks Good On You
Many of your favorite shops and eateries here at our center are making a difference through sustainability initiatives, eco-friendly products, recycling programs and more. Explore some of their efforts below:
7 For All Mankind
Shop Better for All Mankind features more responsible materials from around the world, recycled yarns, hemp, Tencel™ Modal, LENZING™, ECOVERO™, and more.
https://7forallmankind.com/pages/sustainability
adidas – One Tree Planted Supporter
In 2023, 99% of polyester adidas used was recycled including Parley Ocean Plastic. This year nine out of ten articles will be sustainable, meaning they are made – to a significant degree – with environmentally preferred materials.
https://www.adidas.com/us/sustainability
ALDO
Shop the ALDO Love Planet collection of sustainable shoes and accessories. No plastic bags here, ALDO redesigned their shoe boxes with handles to give plastic bags the slip. Use that new box to send your used shoes and clothing through The Give Back Box. Print a free label here: https://www.givebackbox.com/aldo/
https://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/sustainability
AllSaints
With incremental changes for right now, and larger goals for the future, AllSaints' sustainability efforts are always growing. They recognize they have a responsibility towards our planet and the people involved in making their clothes, so they’ve developed a new uniform collection using recycled yarns, responsible wools, and organic cotton..
https://www.allsaints.com/sustainability-information/
American Eagle Outfitters – One Tree Planted Supporter
Shop the Real Good label, including 95% of AE jeans, and know that these products are the most sustainable items in the AEO collection and are manufactured in compliance with AEO’s Water Leadership Program. Recycle your old jeans in store at AE and get $10 toward a new pair (plus earn 2x points) – for Real Rewards members!
https://bluejeansgogreen.org/recycle-denim/#retailer
https://www.aeo-inc.com/sustainability/
Armani Brands
A member of the Global Fashion Pact, a group of 250 leading brands and companies in the fashion and textile industries committed to transforming the industry. Armani is committed to the selection of sustainable raw materials through the increasing use of recycled and organic materials.
https://armanivalues.com/
Artizia
Uses 100% renewable energy for owned and operated workplaces, adopting lower-impact materials and promoting environmental stewardship throughout production processes.
https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/aritzia/corporate-responsibility/sustainability.html
Banana Republic
Banana Republic believes the pursuit of sustainability is fundamental to creating a well-made product. They source organic, recycled, and regenerative materials when possible and design products with quality that lasts. Make room in your closet by bringing in your gently used items to the store through a partnership with ThredUp.
https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=1131224&mlink=55299,sitewidefooter_sustainability_learnmore
Bath & Body Works
Named to Newsweek list of America’s Greenest Companies for their commitment to being good stewards of the environment, pledging to focus efforts on sustainable practices for the planet and future generations. Shop their new foaming hand soap refills packaged in recyclable paper cartons. Just one example of their efforts to move away from plastic.
https://www.bbwinc.com/media/newsroom/3bl-bath-body-works-named-one-of-americas-greenest-companies-by-newsweek-2023-10-04-150500
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/c/hand-soaps-sanitizers/hand-soap-refills?srsltid=AfmBOorESRk3R1p6_-6oKL98GemjxqUd-b3qbc4IA5p7fr1YG4zfMa-r
Burberry
Burberry has an industry-leading ambition to be first luxury fashion brand to be climate positive by 2040. Refresh services for trench, cashmere and leather goods enable customers to enjoy their bags, cashmere scarfs and trench coats for longer.
https://www.burberryplc.com/en/responsibility/environment.html
carter’s
The carter’s LITTLE PLANET® brand uses primarily Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and recycled packaging, and is made for growing little ones. Recycle non-donatable clothing through KIDCYCLE and earn carter’s Rewarding Moments points.
https://www.carters.com/corporate-social-responsibility-product.html
https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/carters
Coach
Introducing Coach (Re)Loved, a circular ecosystem for refurbishing, reimagining, and recycling pre-loved and damaged Coach products. Coach (Re)Loved harnesses the passion and imagination of our designers and craftspeople to give our products a second life, spanning four unique programs: Upcrafted, Remade, Restored, and Vintage. The good news is that buying a Coach (Re)Loved product can reduce an item’s carbon footprint by 76% compared to buying a new one.* And, through Coach (Re)Loved Exchange, you can trade in your eligible pre-loved Coach items for a credit so that the cycle can continue for generations more.
https://www.coach.com/sustainability-coach-reloved
Ecco
Ecco is focused on water efficiency in the leather tanning process is a big part of their sustainability mission. ECCO Leather’s DriTan™ technology was developed as a first step towards more water-efficient leather manufacturing, a game-changing production method for the leather industry. Ecco DriTan™ saves 25 million liters of water used in production a year and saves 600 tons of sludge from reaching landfills.
https://us.ecco.com/stories/sustainability
Gap
Send your used Gap merchandise to thredUp and earn credit to be used for a future Gap purchase. 100% of cotton is now from more sustainable sources. Gap Inc. is a member of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, the Global Fashion Pact, and Ellen MacArthur Make Fashion Circular organizations dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion industry.
https://www.thredup.com/cleanout/gap
https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/impact/esg-report
Guess – One Tree Planted Supporter
GUESS Eco denim contains at least 20% environmentally preferred materials and uses production methods with reduced environmental impact. GUESS Eco non-denim products contain 20% -100% environmentally preferred materials that are recycled, organic and innovative.
In partnership with One Tree Planted, GUESS planted 5,415 trees in 2023 on behalf of all North American corporate and retail employees.
GUESS Partners with Social Enterprise Homeboy Industries and Debrand Services for an In-Store Recycling Project. Bring back 5+ items of unwanted clothing from your wardrobe and receive 15% off. See store for offer details. Your items will be upcycled, refurbished, or recycled.
https://www.guess.com/us/en/sustainability.html?INTCMP=G-2021-09-10-SITE-FEATURE-CONTENTCENTER-SU-6442
Helzberg Jewelers
Meet rêve, a truly groundbreaking lab grown diamond that prioritizes sustainability. French for “dream,” rêve is the first-ever collection of certified sustainable lab grown diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. When you purchase an exquisite piece from the radiant rêve collection, you’re not only gaining one of the best man-made diamonds on the market, you’re also changing the world.
https://www.helzberg.com/blog/engagement-and-bridal/guide-to-reve-sustainable-jewelry.html#:~:text=At%20Helzberg%20Diamonds%2C%20not%20only%20do%20we,that%20last%20for%20generations%2C%20but%20we%20also
Shop pre-owned luxury handbags, watches, and fine-jewelry in select locations.
https://www.helzberg.com/helzberg-pre-owned.html
Hollister
The future of fashion is circular when you clean out your closet and earn a 10% Hollister credit through their partnership with ThredUp.
https://www.thredup.com/cleanout/hollister
J. Crew
J. Crew is re-imagining its fabrics and processes with the Re-imagined collection —from using organically grown cotton to partnering with mills and factories that are environmentally responsible and Fair Trade Certified™—to make them better for the planet and the people who produce them. The collection contains at least 30% of a Re-imagined fabric, which contributes to our goal of sustainably sourcing 100% of our key fibers by 2025.
https://www.jcrew.com/shop/re-imagined/womens
kate spade new york
Trade in your old bags and earn an extra 15% credit through their partnership with ThredUp. Terms & conditions apply.
https://katespade.thredup.com/pages/trade-in
Levi’s
Make an appointment at participating stores to trade in your Levi’s jeans, denim shorts, and Trucker Jackets in good condition through the Levi’s Secondhand program and receive store credit for usable items (unwearable items may be donated).
https://www.secondhand.levi.com/trade-in
Lids
Lids' parent company, Fanatics, Inc., is committed to being a zero-waste company by 2030 and are proud members of both Better Cotton and Textile Exchange.
https://www.fanaticsinc.com/environmental-sustainability
lululemon – One Tree Planted Supporter
Round up any lululemon gear that you’re ready to part with. Make sure to check that each item is in good condition and eligible for trade-in. Once your gear is reviewed, you'll immediately receive an e-gift card for eligible items. E-gift cards are redeemable at your lululemon store and on lululemon.com. Thanks to your trade-ins, lululemon has put 1.7 million items back in action.
https://likenew.lululemon.com/tradein
(Note: not available at outlet locations)
Michael Kors
Discover Kors Loves styles crafted from at least 50% environmentally preferred materials, such as recycled fibers and organic fabrics, or made with leather from certified tanneries meeting the highest standards from the Leather Working Group. Check out the resale marketplace to sell your gently used Michael Kors bags!
https://www.michaelkors.com/trend/about-kors-loves/_/R-cat5140015
Nike
When your shoes can't handle another mile, trip up the court, or cut across the field, Nike wants them back. Recycle athletic shoes at the end of their life, giving them a new life. Just drop your used shoes at a participating Nike retail store. All brands of athletic sneakers are accepted, but sandals, dress shoes, boots, or shoes with metal (like cleats or spikes) are not.
https://www.nike.com/help/a/recycle-shoes
Nordstrom
Recycle beauty product packaging in-store by dropping empty personal care bottles, tubes, caps, dispensers, tubs, and more in the BEAUTYCYCLE collection bins.
https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/nordstrom-cares/get-involved/nordstrom-beauty-cycle
Pandora
Pandora uses only recycled silver and gold in its jewelry and uses 100% renewable energy across their own operations. Pandora has also been named a top sustainable company by TIME and Statista’s Top 100 List and Global 100 Most Sustainable Companies in the World.
https://pandoragroup.com/sustainability/strategy/sustainability-highlights
Ralph Lauren
In collaboration with Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ program, customers in the US can ship their well-loved Ralph Lauren denim products to be recycled to create something new. Cotton Incorporated is a not-for-profit research organization that provides resources promoting the benefits of cotton to keep products top of mind. Blue Jeans Go Green™ is a trademark of Cotton Incorporated.
https://www.ralphlauren.com/timelessbydesign
Starbucks
New, more sustainable Starbucks cold cups are made with up to 20 percent less plastic.
The tall, grande, venti and trenta cups, will keep more than 13.5 million pounds of plastic from landfills each year. Plan to drink your coffee in the café? Ask for a non-disposable cup! https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2024/new-more-sustainable-starbucks-cold-cups-are-made-with-up-to-20-percent-less-plastic/
Sunglass Hut
Shop sustainable styles from Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, Costa, Michael Kors, and Ray-Ban! Each brand has sunglasses that feature materials like plant-based BiO-Matter®, bio-acetate, and/or bio-based lenses. Extend the life of your sunglasses with complimentary in-store repair services.
https://www.sunglasshut.com/us/sunglasses/sustainable-sunglasses
Swarovski
Committed to sustainability since 1895 when Daniel Swarovski established a crystal cutting factory using hydroelectricity. They plan to feature at least one sustainably minded collection each year! Shop the Galaxy collection made with Swarovski Created Diamonds and 100% recycled gold. The complete collection is produced using 100% renewable electricity.
https://www.swarovski.com/en-US/s-sustainability/
Under Armour
Under Armour aims to have 75% of its products made of low-shed materials by 2030 and has developed a new testing methodology to help fight fiber shedding and microplastics at their source. In select locations, turn in your old Under Armour gear to be recycled and turned into something new.
https://about.underarmour.com/en-us/stories/2023/12/under-armour-s-breakthrough-fiber-shed-test-method-now-available.html
Vera Bradley
Shop the Featherweight collection, Vera Bradley’s diamond-quilted, water-repellent styles provide ultrasoft, super-lightweight essentials with key performance features — perfect for anyone on the move. This collection is also consciously crafted with 100% pre-consumer recycled nylon exterior fabric.
https://verabradley.com/collections/featherweight
Vuori
Is Climate Neutral and as of 2022, approximately 55% of their total fabric spend is made with Vuori Preferred Fibers. They also focus on designing products to last, supporting a more circular economy, while making efforts to reduce the water and chemical footprint of their products.
https://vuoriclothing.com/pages/impact
White House Black Market
WHBM’s parent company, Chicos FAS, is making it a priority to introduce fabrics made with more mindfully produced and sustainably sourced raw materials into their designs! They recently introduced 36 new Mindful Fabrics for a total of 98 Mindful Fabrics in their collections.
https://chicosfas.com/responsibility/social-responsibility/default.aspx