Do you want to make sure your wardrobe is both fashionable and socially conscious? Shopping sustainably is a great way to make sure that you look good and do good too. From sustainable fabrics to ethically sourced materials, it’s now easier than ever to create an eco-friendly wardrobe. In this article, we’ll explore how shopping sustainably can be a great way to make ethical and eco-friendly fashion choices.
1. Taking the Ethical Route: Shopping Sustainably
Shopping sustainably is a growing trend in the fashion industry, and can be an essential part of maintaining an ethical wardrobe. With a few key changes, it’s easy to start transitioning towards sustainable shopping habits.
Choose Second-Hand Shopping
Through second-hand shopping, it is possible to find great items at a fraction of the price. Who knows, maybe you’ll even stumble across a gem that will become the highlight of your wardrobe! Local thrift stores or online second-hand shopping sites like Poshh are great for finding sustainable fashion finds, plus they’re great for your wallet too!
Go Old School
- Mend older items of clothing instead of throwing them away.
- Share and borrow your clothing with family and friends.
- Be creative with your wardrobe pieces by mixing and matching items for endless looks.
Think About the Brands You Shop From
Knowing where your clothing comes from is essential when shopping sustainably. Familiarizing yourself with sustainable brands is a great way to start. With a bit of research, you’ll find that there is a growing selection of brands and online retailers that are committed to ethical manufacturing and sustainable practices.
Get Educated
In order to shop sustainably, it’s important to get educated on the subject. Read through blogs and articles to get the most up-to-date information on sustainable shopping. Plus, when you really understand the negative impacts of fast fashion, you’ll become much more conscious of the items you buy and the garments you don’t – which can help the planet and your bank balance!
2. Getting Informed: The Impact of Fashion on the Environment
As the fashion industry continues to grow, so too does its impact on the environment. Studies have shown that the fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, with a tremendous reliance on nonrenewable resources. From fashion’s production cycle to the use of plastics, synthetic dyes, and the transportation of garments, fashion’s footprint on the environment has become undeniable.
The demand for the latest fashions has created a ‘fast fashion’ culture where overnight fashion trends and seasons dictate the clothing production cycle. In an effort to capitalize on consumer buying habits, the fashion industry has been pushing faster, cheaper production methods, which over time has led to a number of detrimental environmental issues.
In addition to its waste production, the fashion industry has had a major impact on CO2 emissions, air, and water pollution. With so much water required to dye and treat fabric, lands and bodies of water can become polluted with an array of chemicals used to make different fabrics. Polyesters, spandex, and certain acrylics require much more energy than standard fabrics.
The use of plastics in fashion is a widely unknown topic but a growing concern due to the prevalence of polyester, nylon, and other plastics found in clothing. These materials shed micro-plastics when washed and released to the environment when thrown away. In the US alone the apparel industry contributes to 13 million tons of textile waste every year heading to landfills.
Taking it one step further, the transportation of garments is another environmental issue – carbon emissions from shipping and air freight in the industry are estimated to produce 1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 every year.
It’s clear the fashion industry’s current production and shipping methods are having a significant effect on the environment. However, there are steps we can take to limit the environmental impact of fashion. There are now a growing number of sustainable fashion options & practices to support a more responsible fashion industry and a greener planet.
- Opting for sustainable fabrics over synthetic materials
- Purchasing from ethical brands
- Choosing well-made, timeless pieces over fast fashion
- Shifting from single-use trends and searching out versatile items
- Supporting brands actively taking measures to reduce their environmental footprint
3. Sustainable Solutions for Eco-Friendly Fashion Shopping
Eco-friendly fashion shopping is an avenue for green mindful consumers to make a conscious effort to have a smaller impact on the environment. With the increased demand for sustainable and ethical purchases, many businesses have emerged to provide consumers with solutions. Here are three .
1. UNIFORM – Sustainable Clothing Rental Platform
UNIFORM is an innovative platform that delivers rental clothing straight to your wardrobe. Simply select items online that you’d like to rent, get them within 2-3 days, and then return when you’re done. UNIFORM offers apparel for women and kids in all sizes and styles, whether it is formal or casual attire.
Its closed-loop system prevents clothes from ending up in landfills, reduces waste and carbon emissions, and cuts down the use of hazardous chemicals. The platform offers free delivery throughout the U.S. and international delivery on request. Plus, a percentage of all profits are donated to conservation and environmental organizations.
2. Good on You – Sustainable Fashion Shopping App
Good on You is an app that serves as a nifty shopping guide for sustainable fashion. It shows you which brands are doing the best for people, animals, and the planet, with ratings over 1,000 fashion brands. Through the app, you can find both certified and non-certified sustainable items. Plus, it is an ethical marketplace for discovering more sustainable choices.
3. Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are one of the best sources for eco-friendly fashion shopping. They are affordable, significantly reduce landfill waste, bring in necessary income for local charities, and you can find rare vintage gems that have a unique character. Shop with a purpose–stop clothing creation in its tracks and keep pre-existing pieces in circulation.
4. Creating a Greener Future: Tips for Shopping Responsibly
The planet has seen better days, and the way we consume is a major contributing factor to climate change and environmental destruction. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to shopping responsibly, but taking small steps in the right direction is still an important contribution! Here are some tips to create a greener future:
- Opt for second-hand. Shopping second-hand (from thrift stores or even online) helps us to continue reusing items and avoid overconsuming.
- Support local. Look up local businesses and brands in your area. Supporting local businesses helps provide much needed economic stability to the local community.
- Recycle and repurpose. It’s important to take the time to properly dispose of our waste- that means binning recyclable materials in the correct bins so that they don’t end up in landfill.
Avoiding plastic is also incredibly important when it comes to creating a greener future. Buy items with the least amount of plastic packaging, if possible, or avoid single-use plastics that can’t be recycled and reused. On the other hand, look for biodegradable alternatives such as those made with corn-based plastics, wood-based plastics, and recycled paper.
Buy less, buy better– this is the key to shopping responsibly! Don’t buy items that you don’t need, and if you want something new, spend a bit more to get higher quality and longer-lasting items. This way you’re not only making a positive contribution to the environment, but you’re also spending your money on something that will last a long time.
We can all do our part to create a greener future. Think twice before buying, and consider if it’s really essential and of the best quality. Small adjustments to our shopping habits can have a big impact in the long run.
So there you have it: fashion retailers, brands, and consumers can all come together to move towards more sustainable shopping habits, seeking out clothing made from environmentally friendly and ethically sourced materials. Let’s all work together to ensure our wardrobes make a positive impact on the planet!
