Sustainable Wardrobe Practices: A Greener Garderobi
"Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world," says the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). "It produces up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions—more than international flights and shipping combined."
The fashion industry is also responsible for a significant amount of water pollution, as well as the use of toxic chemicals that can harm human health and the environment.
But there are ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable, without sacrificing style. Here are three tips to get you started:
3 Ways to Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable
- Ditch fast fashion and go for slow fashion. Fast fashion is the term used to describe the mass-produced, cheaply made clothing that floods the market every season. It’s often made in sweatshops under poor conditions, and it’s designed to be worn for a few months and then discarded.
Slow fashion, on the other hand, is the opposite of fast fashion. It’s about buying high-quality, ethically made clothing that will last for years. Slow fashion brands often use sustainable materials and production methods, and they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact.
- Shop for sustainable clothes that will last. When you’re shopping for new clothes, look for pieces that are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel. Also, look for clothes that are well-made and will last for years to come.
Avoid buying clothes that are made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon. These materials are not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals into the environment when they’re washed.
- Take care of your clothes. The way you care for your clothes can also have a big impact on their sustainability. Wash your clothes on a cold setting, and line-dry them whenever possible. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these can contain harmful chemicals.
Also, repair your clothes instead of throwing them away. A small tear or hole can easily be fixed with a needle and thread. And if your clothes are beyond repair, consider donating them to a local thrift store or recycling them.
Ditch Fast Fashion and Go for Slow Fashion
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It produces up to 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions—more than international flights and shipping combined.
Fast fashion is a major contributor to this pollution. Fast fashion is the term used to describe the mass-produced, cheaply made clothing that floods the market every season. It’s often made in sweatshops under poor conditions, and it’s designed to be worn for a few months and then discarded.
Slow fashion, on the other hand, is the opposite of fast fashion. It’s about buying high-quality, ethically made clothing that will last for years. Slow fashion brands often use sustainable materials and production methods, and they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Here are some tips for ditching fast fashion and going for slow fashion:
Creating a Greener Wardrobe 10 Practical Tips for Sustainable Fashion August 21 2023 In a world where fashion meets consciousness creating a wardrobe that aligns with sustainability is a journey worth embarking upon Making mindful choices not only reduces our clothing waste but also contributes positively to our environmentThe best place to start is by rewearing the clothes you already own But when it comes to adding upon rebuilding or replacing your closets essentials its good to consider those that are 1 Organize Your Closets When starting on your journey towards sustainable fashion decluttering your closets and organizing your wardrobe as well as your jewelry box is a must Clear everything out and start sorting Carefully analyze each piece in terms of condition fit trend and separate
them in three different piles keep resell donateFashion Tips How to Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe How to build a sustainable wardrobe is on our minds and its easy to see why According to a report by the EPA the volume of textile waste in the US alone has increased to 17 million tons Clothing and shoe waste accounts for 58 of this staggering number and continues to riseA report published in 2022 by Berlin think tank Hot or Cool Institute suggests that a quotsufficientquot wardrobe consists of 74 garments and 20 outfits with purchases of new garments limited to anMost sustainable clothing experts agree wash clothes less and wash them cooler properly sorted with gentle natural laundry detergents and inside out to prevent colour and prints fading 4 Buy clothes that can be worn through all
seasons We all have those staples that we wear all year round This is an easy way to dress more sustainably By buying clothes that you can make work at any time of the year you will be preventing items from sitting at the back of your wardrobe unused and unlovedTo create a sustainable wardrobe you can work with a stylist to decide what styles hemlines and fits suit your look Alternatively websites like Cuyana Everlane Epoque Evolution and Vetta
- Buy less. The best way to reduce your impact on the fashion industry is to buy less. Before you buy something new, ask yourself if you really need it. If you can’t find a good reason to buy it, then don’t buy it.
- Buy secondhand. One of the best ways to find sustainable clothes is to buy secondhand. Secondhand clothes are already made, so you’re not contributing to the demand for new clothes. You can find secondhand clothes at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces.
- Support sustainable brands. If you’re going to buy new clothes, make sure to support sustainable brands. Sustainable brands use sustainable materials and production methods, and they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact. You can find a list of sustainable brands on the Sustainable Apparel Coalition website.
Shop for Sustainable Clothes That Will Last
When you’re shopping for new clothes, it’s important to choose sustainable clothes that will last. Here are some tips for choosing sustainable clothes:
- Look for clothes made from sustainable materials. Sustainable materials are materials that are produced in a way that minimizes their environmental impact. Some examples of sustainable materials include organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.
- Look for clothes that are well-made. Well-made clothes are made to last. They’re constructed with high-quality materials and construction techniques, and they’re designed to withstand repeated wear and tear.
- Take care of your clothes. The way you care for your clothes can also have a big impact on their lifespan. Wash your clothes on a cold setting, and line-dry them whenever possible. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets, as these can damage your clothes.
