Clothing and fashion account for an enormous amount of waste and emissions. These days, most clothing is made of synthetic fabrics that take hundreds of years to decompose, pollute oceans with microplastics, both through a washing cycle and after they’re disposed of. Fashion creates a large amount of emissions during transportation process of fabrics and finished garments, and lots of waste including packaging – boxes, plastic wrappers, and hangers. Many garments allow for only a few uses and end up in the landfills even if donated, and very few can be or get recycled.
So let’s also talk about out shopping habits.
Buying good quality clothes made of long-lasting natural fiber would go a long way. Opt to fabrics made of natural silk, cotton, wool and linen. They have so many benefits, that we tend to forget about: gentle to our skin, durable, classy-looking, and finally much kinder to the environment.
Synthetic fiber takes way too long to decompose, unless recycled, and even still those fibers can’t be recycled endlessly. Moreover, they release those harmful microfibers that I talked about in the paragraph above. Surely, you can also buy clothes made of recycled fiber, which is also comparatively more sustainable, but I do find natural fiber (or maybe even natural recycled fiber!) more beneficial in the ways described above.
Buying less. I should’ve started with this one but didn’t want to sound too predictable. Here is how:
a. Replace shopping therapy used as a band-aid to fix bad mood or even depression with experiencing life – finding your life purpose, hobbies, adventures, friend encounters, family gatherings, theme group meet-ups, travel, personal care and other experiences – these will have much more meaning and will fix your mood/depression long term.
b. Plan what you need to update your wardrobe and check out a few outfit ideas before going to the store or opening online app. You can get away with buying less, if you have an idea of what looks you can create with different pieces of clothing.
c. Choose items that are versatile: can be mixed and matched, can be worn to various occasions, can be styled differently and create outfits distinct from one another.
d. Get items that match your personality, rather than mood – you’ll get more uses out of them and won’t be frustrated 3 months later upon finding it with a tag on hanging in the back of the closet.
Recycled accessories. This attribute of our attire is a great way to show our individuality. While I personally tend to prefer a minimalistic look, I understand that many wouldn’t want to reduce accessorizing for the sake of the planet. Luckily, many leading designers have adjusted their selection to include recycled accessories, and some eco-friendly designers have pioneered to offer only recycled and upcycled jewelry and accessories.
While less purchasing is better overall, these options could certainly be a great place to start. Finally, just as with clothing, opting for natural fibers, stones, and precious metal would go a long way - such materials are long lasting, luxurious and much eco-friendlier.
Special occasion clothing. We all have that special occasion gown that we wear once in a lifetime and then let it hang in our closets or storage units till moth finds its way to them. Rather than buying a new gown for every special occasion, consider the following options:
1. Order from a local designer and discuss ways of having that custom-made garment altered after the special occasion to make it suitable for daily use. Being able to wear items that associate with special memories is so much better than having them collect dust in the back corner of your closet. This option allows you to own a piece of clothing that is unique, luxurious, suits you perfectly, and you can customize it to be made of recycled and natural fibers how ever your heart desires.
2. You can also rent those garments, which is cost-effective and guilt-free. There are many services offered out there, and many offer a great selection of styles. Some rental services will offer to alter garment to your unique body measurements too, so why not try it?
Finally, choose brands committed to sustainability. It is a new trend because it is important for the habitat, and we’ve been taking our planet for granted. If the brand is not sustainable it is simply NOT TRENDY.
Then, why would you choose to shop there? Not only do the brands need to say they are committed, they also need to walk the talk. To avoid brands that are greenwashing consumers – find out on the company’s website what steps are being taken to ensure brand is more sustainable. If the brand uses recycled and natural fabrics, improves infrastructure and logistics to achieve fewer emissions, takes steps to reduce packaging waste – it is on the right track.
Which of these tips speaks to you most? Which ones you find hard to even try? Let's chat in the comments! 😉
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