How to Shop for Fashion more Sustainably
If you’re reading this, you likely share my passion for sustainable fashion, and I'm here to assist you on your eco-conscious style endeavors! In kicking off this blog, I aim to address a question that frequently comes my way - how to adopt a more sustainable approach to shopping. This subject is very dense, so I will strive to keep it short and simple. But first things first, let's unravel the essence of sustainable fashion before delving into the nuances of mindful shopping practices.
Fashion is one of the most environmentally damaging and ethically compromised industries there is. Fashion contributes significantly to pollution and corruption, evident in the mountains of fashion waste dumped in neighboring lands, the release of toxic chemicals as by-products, and the inhumane treatment of garment workers. We can help fashion be better by focusing on what our clothing is made out of and the people who make our clothing.
Most clothing today is made out of synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon, which are derived from fossil fuels. Yes, that’s right, most of our clothing is plastic! It’s disgusting. Needless to say, the use of fossil fuels to make clothing emits tons of greenhouse gasses and pollutes our earth with dangerous microplastics.
Natural: A much better alternative is natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These natural fibers, produced from plants or animals, are by no means perfect, but almost anything is better than fossil-fuel derived fabric. Take cotton, for instance, which requires substantial water for cultivation. It is also essential that these natural fibers are organic as the pesticides used on the crops are extremely harmful to the land and the people working with the land and fibers. There are also natural animal fibers such as wool, which are great when the animal is being treated humanely. Unfortunately, that’s very rare.
Upcycled & deadstock: Upcycled fashion and deadstock fabric are also much more sustainable alternatives to synthetic textiles. Upcycled fashion involves repurposing fabric from previously owned or unsellable garments, breathing new life into materials that might otherwise go to waste. Deadstock fabric comprises unused material surplus from factories or designers. Crafting clothing from upcycled materials or deadstock fabric is a creative solution to transform unwanted fabrics into cool new clothing.
Recycled: Similarly, opting for recycled fabric presents a more eco-friendly option to newly produced synthetic materials. The process of recycling old fabric, even if it's synthetic, into new textiles stands as an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of existing materials and prevent them from going to landfill. Beyond waste reduction, recycling also curbs demand to make new fabric from new fibers, decreasing consumption of resources.
Processes: One last factor to consider is the environmental impact of the manufacturing processes involved in clothing production. Numerous practices in the fashion industry consume excessive amounts of water and energy. Moreover, the dyes employed for fabric coloring can pose significant environmental threats, being highly toxic and polluting.
In addition to the environmental impact of materials, the current methods employed in the fashion industry often contribute to significant harm and injustice. Garment workers, responsible for crafting our clothing, face egregious conditions characterized by unlivable wages, excessive working hours, and widespread exploitation. Big fashion brands frequently outsource production to factories without sufficient oversight, engaging in negotiations that drive manufacturing costs so low that workers are inadequately compensated. An illuminating exploration of this pressing issue can be found in the documentary "The True Cost."
My top priority when shopping, is to consume less and consume better! In a society that glorifies constant newness without considering the consequences of overconsumption, this conscious mindset is very valuable. The more we shop, the more waste we create. One of my all time favorite videos that explains this cycle is The Story of Stuff. By promoting a culture of mindful consumption, we can contribute to a more responsible way of living.
Shop your own closet: The best way to consume less is to shop your own closet! This might sound ridiculous, but we often already have more clothes than we need. To fully utilize your wardrobe, I highly recommend going through each item in your closet and considering how often you wear it. Donate or sell (more on that in the next blog post) the clothes that you don’t love anymore. For clothes that you want to keep in your wardrobe, make sure you have an outfit for each one. I did this recently and found a new love for clothes I had not been wearing. You might be surprised to discover all of the cute outfits you already have! Pro tip - tailor clothes that aren’t fitting properly. It’s so much better to mend clothes that you already own and love than buying new clothes every time an item requires a small alteration.
Shop secondhand: The next best way to shop more sustainably is to shop for clothing that already exists. Whether it's thrifting, swapping clothes with friends, or shopping vintage, shopping for pre-existing clothing keeps clothing in circulation and curbs demand for newly made fashion. Shopping secondhand is not only a more sustainable approach to shopping, but also fosters a sense of uniqueness to your style as you find one-of-a-kind pieces with their own stories.
Shop small: Another great way to shop more sustainably is to shop small! Unlike big fashion companies, small designers and brands often create less waste and treat their workers well. Operating in smaller batches, small businesses maintain a closer connection to and oversight of the entire production process. This transparency is crucial in ensuring that the clothes you purchase are not inadvertently contributing to the excessive waste and ethical concerns prevalent in the fashion industry.
Shop high quality: Lastly, prioritize shopping for higher quality clothing, as garments with superior durability are inherently the most sustainable. While higher quality items may come with a loftier price tag, it's essential to consider the cost per wear. Investing in a well-crafted, enduring piece that you will frequently wear can ultimately save you money in the long run. Unlike cheaper alternatives that wear out quickly, necessitating frequent replacements, higher quality clothing not only curbs overconsumption and waste but also proves to be a prudent financial choice.
Shop consciously: When searching for a specific item that isn't available in your own closet or secondhand, there are ways to shop for new clothing that are more sustainable options. Numerous fashion brands prioritize ethical and environmentally conscious practices in their manufacturing processes. Direct your attention towards clothing crafted from sustainable materials, and seek out brands that provide transparency regarding the garment's production journey. To simplify your search for ethical fashion, platforms like Good on You and Remake can be invaluable resources. These organizations conduct thorough research to inform consumers about the sustainability practices of various brands, empowering you to make informed and eco-friendly choices in your clothing purchases.