Simple steps may be taken to lessen our carbon footprint and save the land, freshwater, and seas of our world by changing the way we purchase and care for our clothing.
Here are some straightforward suggestions for stocking an eco-friendly closet with stylish, durable clothing: how to shop sustainably for clothes
Shop for used apparel at consignment stores, vintage stores, thrift stores, and internet resale stores.
Environmental benefit: You’ll be lessening the effects of overproducing new goods on the environment and garbage.
- Buy fewer clothes. Value the things you purchase. Purchase clothing that fits well and looks nice on you since you will wear it frequently. You may mix and match pieces in your wardrobe to create a variety of styles. You can seem more attractive and sophisticated with fewer, better-made clothes and the appropriate accessories than with plenty of more expensive apparel.
Also Read: How can I eat 200 grams of protein a day?
Bonus: You’ll appear better and develop your own sense of style this way. - Invest only in clothes you really like and need. Instead of focusing on what fashion designers are trying to get you to wear, think about your own sense of style and the message you want to convey. Consider whether you currently own an item of clothing that is comparable before making a purchase.
- Shop locally.
Buy locally, support local craftspeople, and visit your local tailor for clothing, accessories, and modifications.
Local clothing purchases help your community’s economy and minimise carbon emissions caused by shipping.
- Go natural.
Purchase garments manufactured from natural fabric fibres rather than synthetic ones. Cotton, linen, bamboo, flax, jute, silk, wool, and alpaca are examples of natural textiles that can replace synthetic ones. Consider low-impact fabrics like Modal and Lyocell as well. Steer clear of acrylic, spandex, polyester, and nylon. These materials are created using petroleum, a fossil fuel with heavy emissions.
Earth-friendly benefit: You’ll lessen the quantity of synthetic fibres from washing that end up as microplastics in rivers and seas.
Buy organic. When possible, purchase apparel made of organic materials.
Earth-friendly benefit: You’ll help maintain the planet’s water supplies clean and reduce the usage of pesticides and herbicides.
- Shop sustainable brands. Select ethical companies that respect the environment, properly compensate their employees, and are open about all aspects of their supply chain, not just one. Many businesses tout the use of renewable resources in the production of certain clothing lines, yet the garments are nevertheless created using unethical labor practices. Be sure to study a brand before making a purchase from them.
Earth-friendly benefit: By patronizing businesses that care about people and the environment, you will drive customers away from those that contribute to global pollution.
Also Read: Hair Smoothening Treatment: Achieve Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair - Shop for quality over quantity. Items of higher quality frequently survive longer. Verify the quality of your apparel. Verify zippers and seams. Even if it is a little more expensive, consider durability while shopping. You’ll end up spending less money over time by investing in well-made clothing as you won’t need to replace it as frequently.
Bonus: Your investment will become profitable over time with many more wears. - Buy from designers who will repair their garments for free or for a small fee. Most high-quality products come with lifetime warranties or are designed to be repairable. On the other hand, some cheap, popular things are just intended to be worn for a season before being discarded.
- Find reputable businesses that will recycle or purchase from designers or organizations that will accept and recycle worn clothing. They could even pay you money or credit in exchange for your worn clothing.
- Verify the credentials. It’s important to check for certifications that demonstrate how ethically and ecologically friendly apparel was made. Here is a comprehensive list of certifications to look for before making a purchase from a company.
- Trade with neighbors and friends. With pals, organize a garment exchange.
Benefit for the environment: You’ll avoid adding to landfills while having pleasure shopping for new clothing! - Donate; don’t discard. What one person considers garbage, another view as treasure? Instead of tossing away old clothing, donate it to a local shelter or resale shop.
Earth-friendly benefit: By avoiding landfills, you may also help your neighborhood. - Sell unwanted clothing. Sell your clothing at secondhand stores in person or online. You may buy and sell secondhand clothing on a huge variety of websites and mobile applications. Here is a selection of websites that can help you organize your closet.
Earth-friendly benefit: Waste will be kept out of landfills while you make money! - Upcycle clothing. Old clothing may be given new life by using a pair of scissors, a needle, and thread.
Earth-friendly benefit: You’ll save money and prevent garbage from going to landfills! You give each item of clothing a unique and distinctive touch when you mend it! - Know that you cannot make systemic changes. Customers as a whole have the power to pressure the sector to switch from its present price- and volume-based business strategy to one that emphasizes value. We can influence the dynamic and course of fast fashion through our collective purchasing power.