This Earth Day, let's celebrate by taking action towards a sustainable future. In this blog, we will provide you with eight tips on how to create a sustainable wardrobe. From taking care of your clothes to buying second-hand and investing in quality pieces, these tips will help you reduce your environmental footprint while still looking great. Let's dive in and learn how to build a wardrobe that is good for you and the planet.
Tip 1: Take Care of Your Clothes
Proper care can go a long way in extending the life of your clothes while minimising your environmental impact. One way to achieve this is by washing clothes at a lower temperature of 30C, which reduces energy consumption and extends the lifespan of your wardrobe. Another eco-friendly option is to incorporate the use of microplastic filter bags during the washing process. These bags capture tiny plastic fibres that shed from your clothes in the wash, preventing them from entering the waterways and harming marine life. You can also protect our waterways and promote eco-friendliness by switching to natural detergents.
Tip 2: Participate in Clothing Swaps
Clothing swaps are a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. Instead of buying new clothes, gather with friends and swap items that you no longer wear. This not only saves money but also reduces waste and promotes responsible consumption. You can also organise larger clothing swaps within your community or workplace to promote sustainable living and build a more sustainable wardrobe.
Tip 3: Repair Your Garments
Repairing your clothes is a simple and effective way to extend their lifespan and reduce waste. From fixing a tear to replacing a button, repairing your clothes can save you money and help reduce your environmental impact. So next time you find a hole or a loose seam, don't throw the garment away just yet - consider repairing it instead. Check out Sojo, a repairs and alterations platform, for a convenient and eco-friendly way to give your clothes a second life.
Tip 4: Upcycle Old Clothes
To truly build a sustainable wardrobe, it's important to not only focus on what you're buying but also what you're doing with what you already own. Rather than simply discarding old clothes, why not consider upcycling them? Upcycling involves transforming pre-loved garments into new, fashionable pieces. The internet and social media are full of resources and inspiration for upcycling, so unleash your creativity and breathe new life into your old clothes
Tip 5: Resell You Wardrobe
One person's trash is another person's treasure, and reselling your wardrobe items is a great way to reduce waste while earning some extra money. There are plenty of platforms available for reselling clothes, such as Vinted and Depop. Simply take photos of the items you want to sell, list them on the platform, and wait for a buyer to come along. This not only helps you make some extra cash but also extends the life of your clothes and keeps them out of landfills.
Tip 6: Buy Second-Hand Clothes
Shopping at thrift stores or online marketplaces like Depop or Vinted can be a great way to find unique and affordable pieces while also reducing your carbon footprint. The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and buying second-hand clothes helps reduce the demand for new clothing, which in turn reduces the number of resources needed for production.
Tip 7: Consider Renting Clothes
Opting to rent clothing instead of buying new is a sustainable choice that can help reduce waste and environmental impact. By renting, you can enjoy a fresh, stylish look without contributing to the demand for new clothing production. This is especially true if you're only looking for an outfit for a one-time event. Platforms like By Rotation and Hurr offer a range of options to choose from. To make it even more appealing, use code "GENZSTUDY15" for a 15% discount on By Rotation.
Tip 8: Invest in Quality Pieces
Another way to build a sustainable wardrobe is by investing in high-quality pieces that will last for years. Rather than buying cheap, trendy pieces that will fall apart after a few wears, opt for classic, timeless pieces that can be worn for years to come. Look for items made from high-quality, natural fibres like cotton, wool, and silk, which are more durable and better for the environment than synthetic materials like polyester.
Tip 9: Choose Sustainable Brands
If you do choose to buy new clothes, be sure to choose sustainable brands that prioritise ethical and environmentally friendly production practices. Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester, and prioritize fair labour practices. You can also look for certifications like Fair Trade or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure that the clothes you're buying meet high sustainability standards.
Building a sustainable wardrobe is an essential step towards reducing the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. By adopting these tips, you can promote responsible consumption, support ethical production practices, and reduce waste. Together, we can create a more sustainable fashion industry and make a positive impact on the world.