Hi, I’m Rittik, and I started EcoChic with a simple goal: to make sustainable fashion accessible, engaging, and rewarding.
As a student at the University of Alberta and someone who’s always been passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, I saw an opportunity to address a major issue – fashion waste. I was shocked by how much textile waste ends up in landfills every year and realized that while many people care about sustainability, they often don’t know where to start. That’s where EcoChic was born—a digital platform that turns learning about sustainable fashion into something fun, interactive, and impactful.
Our Mission: Driving Change Through Awareness and Action
EcoChic’s mission is simple yet powerful: “To empower individuals to make conscious fashion choices by providing engaging education and meaningful rewards.” We believe that when people are equipped with the right knowledge, they can make choices that have a positive impact on the planet.
Our app educates users on sustainable fashion practices through short, engaging videos and interactive quizzes. But we didn’t stop at education—we added a layer of incentives by rewarding users with points they can redeem with our partner brands, including local thrift stores in Edmonton, rework artists, and sustainable businesses. This way, users not only learn but also take action by supporting ethical brands and reducing their reliance on fast fashion.
Why EcoChic Matters: Tackling the Fashion Waste Crisis
The fashion industry is responsible for over 92 million tons of textile waste each year, much of which ends up in landfills. Fast fashion fuels this crisis by promoting a culture of disposable clothing, where garments are worn only a handful of times before being discarded. I knew that if we wanted to change this, we needed to address the root cause – consumer habits and education.
That’s why EcoChic was designed to shift mindsets by making sustainable fashion easy and rewarding. Our goal is to build a community where people are excited to learn about conscious choices and feel empowered to make a difference.
How We’re Growing: From Campus to Community
EcoChic started as a student-run initiative at the University of Alberta, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. In November while our team was hard at work developing the app, we hosted “Sustainably Styled”, the first ever large-scale vintage and upcycled clothing market at the University of Alberta, where we were able to host a clothing drive to support MTAF as well as spread awareness of our mission. In just a few months, we’ve grown from an idea to a fully functional app that’s gearing up for an official launch on April 15th, 2025. With over 100 pre-signups and a thriving community of eco-conscious users, we’re on track to becoming a platform that empowers individuals to rethink their fashion choices.
Our journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing partners—More Than a Fad (MTAF) being one of them. After hearing about Adeara at the university and learning how MTAF supports its mission by funding addiction recovery programs, I knew this was the perfect partner for EcoChic. MTAF’s commitment to repurposing textiles and supporting the community with Adeara aligns perfectly with EcoChic’s mission. Together, we’re not just promoting sustainable fashion but also creating opportunities for people to engage with ethical alternatives and support local businesses.
How EcoChic Works: Learn, Earn, and Make an Impact
EcoChic is designed to make sustainable fashion education accessible and rewarding. Here’s how it works:
Learn: Users engage with short, interactive videos that break down key concepts around sustainability, ethical fashion, and mindful consumption.
Earn Points: After watching videos and completing quizzes, users earn points that can be redeemed for exclusive rewards from our partner brands.
Support Local: By choosing to redeem points with local thrift stores and sustainable brands, users contribute to the growth of eco-conscious businesses and strengthen the circular economy.
What’s Next for EcoChic?
As we approach our app launch in April 2025, we’re focused on expanding our network of sustainable brands and building a community of conscious consumers. Our partnership with MTAF is just the beginning – we’re excited to collaborate with more organizations that share our vision and drive real impact in the sustainable fashion space.
Join Us in Creating a Sustainable Future
EcoChic isn’t just an app—it’s a movement that’s growing every day. As a UofA-based startup, we’re proud to be fostering change right here in Edmonton, and we’re excited to take this vision even further. By joining EcoChic, you’re not just making sustainable fashion choices—you’re becoming part of a community that’s committed to making a difference. You can join the waitlist yourself by visiting our website – https://ecochicapp.com/.