The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It's responsible for a significant amount of water pollution, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
But there are lots of ways to make your own closet just a little bit more sustainable.
Coincidentally, we just talked about this on the podcast - catch up here!
Here are a few tips:
1. Support your local makers and fair trade businesses.
When you buy from local makers and fair trade businesses, you are supporting businesses that are committed to sustainability. These businesses often use sustainable materials and practices, and they pay their workers a fair wage.
2. Shop second hand for styles that are easy on the eyes and easy on your wallet.
Shopping second hand is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. When you buy second hand, you are giving clothes a new life and preventing them from ending up in landfills. (And you know we love that)
3. Bring your own reusable shopping bag.
When you bring your own reusable shopping bag, you are reducing the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills. Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose! Boo!
For those interested in deep-diving with us, Amber just wrote about her green journey. Spoiler alert: plastic is the worst.
4. Invest in the pieces that you’ll wear again and again.
When you invest in quality pieces that you love, you are less likely to buy new clothes all the time. This can help to reduce your environmental impact and save you money in the long run. Sometimes designer really is worth the investment (that's why we have an eBay shop FULL of our pre-loved designer fashion!)
5. Care for your clothes properly.
Proper care of your clothes can help them to last longer. Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them to dry whenever possible. This will help to reduce the amount of energy and water that is used to care for your clothes.
6. Consign, donate, or recycle your old clothes.
When you are done with your clothes, don't throw them away! Sort your pile of old clothes into consign, donate, and recycle. The consign pile should have gently worn clothing that could still have a fabulous new life. Your donate pile should have your tee shirts and more heavily used pieces. The recycle pile is for stained items or items in disrepair. These items can be used for cleaning cloths, pillow stuffing, or making patches in work clothes!
Every little bit helps!