The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to pollution and waste. As consumers, we need to take responsibility for our impact on the environment by making more sustainable choices in our wardrobe. We explore how we can make our wardrobes more sustainable and discuss the importance of conscious buying habits.
Why Should We Care About Making Our Wardrobe More Sustainable?
The fashion industry is responsible for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. Fast fashion, where we produce clothes at a rapid pace and sell them at low prices, also contributes significantly to massive amounts of textile waste in landfills.
This has a negative impact on the environment, perpetuates unethical labor practices, and harms the local communities where these clothes undergo production.
How We Can Change Our Wardrobe for the Better
Making small changes to our buying habits can drastically improve our sustainability and fashion choices. We have the ability to make a positive change in the fashion industry through our wardrobe choices.
Mindful Shopping
One of the most significant steps toward a sustainable wardrobe is being mindful of what we purchase. Before buying an item, consider its longevity, versatility, and if it aligns with your personal style.
Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that you can wear for multiple occasions and seasons is the key to creating a sustainable wardrobe. You can also aim to buy pieces from stores and sellers that promote and contribute to a sustainable effort.
Embrace Secondhand and Vintage
One of the most effortless ways to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe is by embracing secondhand and vintage pieces. This diverts clothing from landfills and gives new life to pre-loved items.
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Poshmark or ThredUp are great places to find unique and affordable secondhand pieces. You can also try swapping clothes with friends or attending clothing swap events in your community.
Choose Sustainable Fabrics
The materials used to make our clothing have a significant impact on the environment. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, come from non-renewable resources and take hundreds of years to decompose.
On the other hand, natural fibers like cotton and silk require large amounts of water and pesticides to produce. To make your wardrobe more sustainable, opt for fabrics made from renewable resources such as organic cotton, linen, or Tencel.
These materials are biodegradable and have a lower impact on the environment. When shopping for accessories, look for things such as wooden wallets with an eco-friendly appeal and construction to divert the waste of unnatural materials.
Understandably, it can be challenging to finger through our closets and find ways to improve or cut corners. With these simple but effective tips on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable, we hope you feel compelled to make one small change that will create a greener tomorrow.
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