Sustainability has become a very important watchword for many areas of our lives. From how we move about to energy consumption and water usage, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live more eco-friendly lives.
The world of fashion is also catching up, and about time, too. For context, the fashion industry generates a staggering 92 million tons of textile waste every year. And guess what? Only around 1% of that waste actually gets recycled into new garments. These numbers underscore the importance of being mindful about what we wear, and it starts with our closets.
This article discusses the essentials of sustainable fashion and will show you how to put together an eco-friendly look that’s stylish, practical, and good for the planet.
Read on.
Audit Your Closet
Before you think about hitting the shops for clothes made from sustainable materials, why not first look to see what you can do with what’s in your closet?
According to recent Statista data, 21% of women and 15% of men in the U.S. admitted to often buying clothes that they never wear. And even if they do wear them, the result is the same: most of these clothes will be part of the 92 million tons that end up in landfills every year.
So, my advice? Don’t buy just yet. Instead, do an audit of your closet to see what’s in there and what can be repaired or repurposed.
That favorite pair of jeans with a busted knee? Turn that hole into a cool patch or even cut them into shorts.
That oversized shirt? It could become a pillowcase or even a skirt.
That old tee? Turn it into a tote bag.
These changes will not only stretch the life of your wardrobe and reduce waste, but they’ll also save you the strain on your wallet.
Choose Eco-Friendly Materials for New Clothes
If you’re done with your closet audit and you absolutely see the need for new clothes, then go ahead and get some. But here’s the thing: your clothes-buying habits should change. This means going for fabrics and materials that are better for the planet.
Organic cotton is a good place to start. It’s grown without those nasty pesticides that damage the earth. You should also consider linen. It’s made from resilient flax plants that require very little water.
Then there’s Tencel (lyocell), which has become quite popular recently. Tencel is a silky smooth fabric material made from wood pulp in a closed-loop system. It’s luxurious and has a serious eco-friendly stamp.
So, how do you know what’s what? Simple. Check the labels. Look for certifications. And if you know any brand that sells strictly eco-friendly fabrics, shop there.
Accessorize Intentionally
An eco-friendly look isn’t just in the clothes you wear. It also extends to your fashion accessories — shoes, bag, jewelry, and more. Intentionality is the keyword here. Look for bags and shoes made from recyclable materials and non-endangered animals.
As much as you possibly can, your jewelry should be natural and made from ethically sourced materials like recycled metals, responsibly harvested wood, or stones from fair trade suppliers.
If precious stones are your thing, be sure that they’re ethically sourced and comply with international conflict-free standards. Something as simple as a pair of luxury emerald earrings by Leibish can fit naturally into a sustainable wardrobe.
Choosing unique pieces like this will add a stylish personal touch to your outfit that mass-produced fast fashion can never replicate.
Shop Ethically
It’s not enough to opt for eco-friendly clothes and accessories; you need to know where to get them. The goal here is to buy from brands that treat both the environment and their workers’ rights fairly. This is what ethical fashion is all about.
So, how do you go about it? By looking for brands that use sustainable production methods, are transparent about their supply chains, and, more importantly, pay their workers a fair wage. After all, if shoppers are willing to pay up to 9.7% more for products that fit the definition of sustainability, some of this extra should filter down to the people who actually do the job.
Don’t ignore second-hand options either. Buying pre-loved pieces keeps more items out of landfills, and honestly, some of them are real gems if you take the time to look.
Resell Don’t Dispose
One of the most important things you can do in your drive towards sustainability is to keep your old clothes away from the landfills. So, what do you do when you’re done with them? Donate or resell, don’t trash.
There are dozens of apps and platforms where you can list your used clothes for people to buy. You make a little money, and someone gets a preloved garment.
If you choose to donate, choose local charities and non-profits over those giant drop-off bins. Some of those donation bins you see are actually disguised for-profit organizations. Plus, your preloved clothes will get to people who’ll actually appreciate them. Just make sure they’re in good and wearable condition.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, putting together an eco-friendly look doesn’t mean giving up your style or swag. It just means thinking differently about what you buy to wear, what you keep, and what you do with what you don’t keep.
Why not start with a closet audit this weekend and see how things go from there?