Expressing your personal style through the clothes you wear and the accessories you choose can be a lot of fun. It’s amazing how a great outfit has the power to instantly lift your mood and boost your sense of self-esteem. As such, fashion has always been and always will be an important part of our society and culture. However, it can’t be denied that the fashion industry also has a negative impact on the environment, being one of the most polluting industries in the world.
As consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental issues that threaten the future of our planet, it’s clearer than ever that we have to change our destructive habits, and that includes our approach to fashion. We can all take steps towards becoming conscious fashion consumers and enjoy our passion for clothes without hurting the environment.
Here are our top tips and recommendations so you can sustainably stay in style.
Mind your accessories
Fashion and style go beyond the clothes you purchase. There are countless other accessories that complete your look and you should take into account when transitioning to sustainable fashion. Go through your accessories collection and see what items you can replace with eco-friendlier versions. You’ll find a lot of them: from sustainable hats and glasses to compostable smartphone cases, reusable water bottles, or environmentally friendly handbags, the options are countless. And you don’t have to worry about hurting your budget. If you buy Hydro Flask items on sale or reusable shopping bags, you’re not only going to make a smart investment, but you’ll also save money in the long run.
Start with a spring cleaning
If you go on shopping sprees periodically, adding item after item in your closet, chances are you don’t even know exactly what you’ve got in there. So, now’s as good a time as any to do a bit of cleaning and organizing. Maybe you’ve got clothes that you haven’t worn in ages and you’ll probably never wear them again. Why keep them in your closet gathering dust when you can give them away to someone that needs them and would love to use them? You can give them a second life by either swapping them with your friends or donating them to a charity.
Wash carefully
If you want your clothes to last longer and reduce your carbon footprint, you should reconsider the way you do your laundry. Most people don’t think about how small actions like washing clothes can have such a huge impact on the environment, but the connection is pretty clear. If you wash your clothes less often at lower temperatures, you’ll use less water and energy, while also reducing the wear and tear of the fabrics. Choosing a green laundry detergent and skipping the tumble dried in favor of line dry are also positive changes that can help protect the environment.
Say no to fast fashion
When the new collections hit the stores it’s hard to resist temptation and refrain from buying everything your heart desires, especially when there are so many cheap items that seem to scream your name. But remember, you get what you pay for. If you only pay 2 dollars or a T-shirt, you can be sure it’s not going to last forever. Joining the fast fashion movement and purchasing cheap clothes that you’re going to throw away after only a few wears is such a wasteful habit, so refrain you must. Besides, before buying any fashion item, think if you really need it or you’re just indulging a bit too much in shopping therapy.
Recycle and reuse
No matter how well you look after your clothes, there comes a time when they can no longer be used, at least not in their original form. So, what should you do with your clothes when you reach this point? Never throw them in the bin, that’s for sure. You’ve got two eco-friendly options here. The first one is to unleash your creativity and make something new out of your old clothes. The second one is to take them to a clothing collection point so they can be recycled. That way you can make sure they’re not going to end up in a landfill and pollute the environment.
Invest in quality items
Instead of falling in the trap of impulse shopping, you can take the responsible route and buy quality items that you’ll be able to wear time and time again. Investing in high-quality timeless pieces is always a good idea. Not only you can style them in any number of ways and never get tired of them, but you’ll also look more fashionable and save a lot of money over time. Always prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to choosing your clothes.
Shop sustainably
Shopping sprees are fun, there’s no arguing that, but shopping sustainably is even better because you’ll also have the satisfaction of caring for the environment while having a good time. In recent years, sustainable shopping and being aware of the impact your purchasing habits have on the environment has become a priority. Do your part by choosing clothing pieces made with natural, biodegradable fibers or items made of recycled or recyclable materials. These days it’s easier than ever to do your research and find brands that have adopted an environmentally conscious policy.
Buy local
When searching for new clothing brands, you might want to look closer rather than further. If you’ve never bought local, now’s the time to give it a try. You can find hidden gems where you least expect it. Local clothing manufacturers can use your support, and choosing them over international companies will also help the environment. This way, you’re supporting the local economy and helping your community thrive, while also reducing the carbon footprint by decreasing transport pollution. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved: businesses, consumers, and the environment.
