how to have a sustainable wardrobe.
Written By: Cassidy (a lady creator)
Often times blame for the condition of our environment is put on the individual. What’s important to know is it’s not simply one person who is responsible for climate change! With that being said, small changes can be made in our daily lives that allow us to make a big impact. One of the most obvious is our clothing. We wear clothes every day to express ourselves and make us feel confident and beautiful, however, waste from fashion is one of the largest contributors to climate change. Small steps can be implemented to help you change that! This is a three-step guide to beginning your journey of obtaining a sustainable wardrobe.
One of the most obvious ways of reducing our fashion waste is by shopping at local thrift stores, vintage stores, or consignment shops. Always be cautious of over-consuming at these places. Just because you are spending less does not mean you should buy more simply because it’s cheaper! A healthy practice is to donate one article of clothing (or two, or three!) for every item you buy from the thrift store. This practice can also be applied to non-thrift finds. Enjoy online shopping? Popular mobile apps such as Thred Up, Poshmark, Mercari, and Depop allow for a more curated experience when compared to sorting through racks and racks of clothing. You can filter through size, color, type, etc to find what you’re looking for while still shopping second hand!
Purchasing a sewing kit can be one of the most helpful things you can do! Learning to repair minor (or even major) damages to clothing you cherish can prevent clothes from winding up in a landfill. Also learning to dye T-shirt’s can give them new life! The average person will toss out 81 pounds of clothing. Stained or tarnished clothing can still be donated or repurposed into rags/cloths.
Step 3: Sustainable Fashion Brands
This is one of the more popular but difficult means of obtaining a sustainable wardrobe. This is because handmade, fair trade or sustainable brands tend to be much more expensive. Many young people do not want to drop $200 on a dress, but it’s important to remember supporting these brands supports men and women around the world fighting for fair wage/working conditions and a healthier environment. Some popular sustainable brands are Reformation, MuuMuu, Everlane, Outdoor Voices and PACT (for athletic clothing needs), and always check Etsy for handmade apparel.
Transitioning to this lifestyle can be difficult at first but remembering your small impact and create a ripple in preventing climate change allows us to reflect and be more conscious of our relationship with the world.
