Growing up, I never really cared for fashion - I mostly left that to my younger sister. But as I've grown older and enjoy exploring different styles and pieces, I've begun to understand the enjoyment more. I wouldn't say I'm a huge fashionista at all, but by becoming more aware of the styles I like, the materials used in garments, and where they were produced, my eyes have been opened to the world of sustainable fashion! The first time I ever came across the notion that the fashion industry, particularly the fast fashion industry, has a detrimental effect on the planet, I was utterly shocked! Even now after a couple years, I am by no means perfect in my sustainable fashion choices or knowledge. However, I definitely know more now and I'm so passionate about this subject because I know how big of an impact it has on the environment, and how, if we all were to implement some small changes (like the ones below), the earth would really thank us.
SHOP YOUR WARDROBE
This one can actually be really fun, especially if you've forgotten about clothes under your bed or in a storage box for a long time! Obviously if it's been years, those clothes might not fit or suit your current style anymore. But, it can still feel like you're shopping for a completely new wardrobe without spending any money or impacting the planet!
SELL/DONATE CLOTHES YOU NO LONGER WEAR
There are so many sites you can use nowadays to sell or donate your clothes you no longer wear that it's too easy not to do it! If you're like most people, you have many clothes that you've never worn, only worn once, or are holding onto 'just in case'... But if you actually take the time to realistically think about why you're holding onto them and if they would be of better use in a different home, then consider selling or donating. Your closet, wallet and mind will thank you!
OPT FOR NATURAL OVER SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
Natural materials are made out of plant-fibres such as cotton, hemp, tencel (wood pulp) and bamboo, or animal-fibres like wool and silk, and they are biodegradable, breathable and hypoallergenic. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, such as nylon, polyester and acrylic, are inorganically made-made, non-biodegradable and polluting. There's no doubt that synthetics have their place; however, the cost that they've had on our environment, like our waterways, by leaching microplastics and chemicals, indicates that they really have to stop being overused. Luckily there are many brands out there using more or solely natural materials, but as they become cheaper, it's quite obvious which materials should be our first choice, and try recycled materials if possible!
TRY A "NO-BUYING MONTH"
As most would know by now, anything we buy has some kind of impact on the world; some having much more of an impact than others, but unfortunately, even the 'good' things have an impact. So, having the challenge of not buying anything for a whole month, besides the necessities, can actually be a very fun and rewarding experience! It can also help you organise your belongings (not just clothes but other things as well) and prevent you from cluttering your life with clothes and things you likely don't need. I think it can actually help us realise how little we really need to live a happy and comfortable life and it can really clarify what it is that we actually need. And if we challenge ourselves to resist trends and all the pressures to buy certain things, it can have a huge impact not only on our on lives but also that of our planet!
TIMELESS OVER TRENDS
I would be lying if I said I've never bought something because it was on trend. However, I have definitely tried to become more conscious over the years about purchasing items that I know, or at least think, I will hopefully wear for many years to come. A shocking study by McKinsey found that the "average consumer bought 60% more clothing in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment half as long". It's not only unsustainable for the planet, but also the garment workers who have to keep up with the endless demands of the consumer and get hardly anything in return. So the next time you want to buy something, think about how likely it is you'll be wearing it in 5, 10 or even 20 years time!
AVOID BUYING NEW (FAST) FASHION WHERE POSSIBLE
Fast fashion has become ubiquitous over the years, and for a good reason! It's cheap, keeps up with the trends, and is available everywhere. HOWEVER, there are too many negative impacts to ignore. In fact, "textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined" according to the House of Common Environmental Audit. Obviously, there are many who can only afford fast fashion, but for those who buy it because they want to, consider shopping second hand next time to greatly reduce your carbon footprint!
AVOID TUMBLE DRYING YOUR CLOTHES
The tumble dryer has to be one of the greatest conveniences of our modern world, and whilst it can save a lot of time and work, you might want to consider reducing your use for the sake of your energy bill and the longevity of your clothes. Tumble dryers can reach very high temperatures and take a lot of energy to use, so try using it sparingly or not at all. In terms of the longevity of your clothes, tumble dryers have definitely been proven to shorten it. Physical evidence of this is in the dryer's lint trap - every time you dry something in the dryer, some of it ends up in the trap when it would have stayed on the piece of clothing. Tumble dryers can also just create wear and strain on the items and if you have clothes with synthetic materials, they actually don't take a long time at all to air dry! In fact, sunlight is one of the best ways you can naturally dry your clothes and keep your whites super white and also bacteria-free with the UV rays! However, you definitely don't need an outdoor space to air dry your clothes. You can have a drying rack or just put them on door knobs or anywhere in the house that is suitable to dry clothes!
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