In a world where environmental sustainability is becoming more and more of a pressing issue, companies and consumers alike have started to take the necessary steps to ensure the future remains green. For companies, it’s integrating initiatives like sustainable sourcing throughout the supply chain. For consumers however, it seems like people are still a bit confused on how they can make a difference through the purchases they make. This is especially prevalent towards areas like clothing, where billions of tons of textile waste are generated through the disposal of clothes.
Below are 4 fantastic ways to support environmentally sustainable fashion so that you can keep stylin’ without the world dyin’.
1. Thrift and Vintage Stores
Local thrift and vintage stores within your community are advantageous for the consumer and the community alike. Having access to a wide range of clothes from different years and eras gives you the opportunity to add to your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Additionally, you’ll find clothes in thrift stores that are extremely unique and rare, giving you the opportunity to create your own 1 of a kind style. Many thrift stores also act as a non-profit or serve some charitable cause, so shopping at these organizations help the support a charitable vision/mission. It’s a win win! Pro tip: Utilize the selling aspect as well! If you have clothing that you no longer care for, sell it to a vintage store for some quick cash or donate it to a thrift store to help support the community or a good cause!
2. Utilize the Secondary Markets
Utilize the secondary markets in order to buy new clothes at a fraction of the price, all while supporting sustainability. By leveraging platforms such as eBay, Kijiji, Grailed and Craigslist, you can find that brand new scarf at a fraction of the price! There are a multitude of reasons on why an individual will list a new/like-new piece of clothing on these sites: lost the receipt, didn’t like it, moved away etc. A lot of the time, you’ll even come across clothes with the tags still attached! Due to the sheer size of these sites, you’ll also be exposed to a collection of clothes that aren’t currently available in retail and department stores. On the environmental side, reusing a piece of clothing and keeping it in circulation means you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping the world become more sustainable. Instead of going to Clark’s to buy those pair of boots you liked, take initiative head over to eBay to get the exact same pair for half (maybe even less) the price.
3. Choose brands who support sustainable business practices
Supporting brands who practice sustainable business practices help drive systemic change within the fashion industry. Brands like Patagonia are purpose led and are committed to operating in a sustainable and ethical manner and environmentally friendly. For example, all products are extremely high quality and made of materials that are responsibly sourced. All cotton that Patagonia uses is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Through other initiatives such as offering a repair and reuse program, Patagonia inherently discourages fast fashion. Another company that is helping drive sustainable change is Levi’s. Levi’s has committed to numerous sustainable goals such as using 100% sustainable cotton by the end of 2020. Help make the future a green one, support brands who in turn support the environment!
4. Avoid Fast Fashion
What do companies like H&M, Zara and Forever 21 have in common? Trendy, up-to-date fashion that is most importantly: fast. The need for these fashion conglomerates to be fast-to-market have caused them to act unethical and environmentally irresponsible. 20,000 litres of water are needed to produce one kilogram of cotton, which is the base equivalent to one pair of jeans. Along with being resource intensive, the emergence of fast fashion is a large contributor towards why clothing is second largest polluter in the world. Without taking any initiatives towards achieving sustainable business practices, this problem will only escalate in the near to distant future. Going forward, don’t buy clothes just because they are trendy and cheap and avoid retailers who practice fast fashion! Instead, focus on buying clothes that are high quality and made with materials that have been sourced in environmentally friendly ways. Its all about quality, not quantity. Buy good quality clothes that you can wear a lot and will last instead of repurchasing clothes that eventually lose shape or break down.
As long as the environment and being environmentally responsible remains a top priority in modern society, reducing one’s carbon footprint is imperative towards achieving sustainability in the long-term. Above are 4 creative ways that you can help achieve this through your fashion choices! While I don’t expect you to make drastic changes towards your fashion choices immediately, try to implement 1 or 2! With everyone making conscious good choices, we can ensure the future remains green 😊.