This article was featured in the 2nd issue of Ensemble Magazine (Pg 14, Dec 2020). To access the full issue for free download click here
It is a well-known fact that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting, wasteful, and environmentally harmful industries. To make a change, we need to aim for progression, not perfection. By watching our own consumer behaviour, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but in-turn impact demands. Brands, companies, and businesses respond to our demands.
In this article, I share 3 easy ways to incorporate a more sustainable outlook regarding fashion consumption.
SLOW DOWN
The most effective way you can be a more sustainable consumer is to sustain the rate at which you consume. Sustainability is not just about the branding, but also about how you use and continue to use an item. It can be easy to be lured into brands that position themselves as green. But, if you are buying from them constantly and recklessly, then it doesn’t matter how eco-friendly they are. You are still costing the earth its resources. So, slow down.
CIRCLE OF LIFE
Think about the end. There is no point throwing away what you have to replace your entire wardrobe with sustainable pieces. Think about what happens to the items that you no longer own. They end up in landfills. Use what you have for as long as you can, and think about the circle of life. How can you extend its life? Rather than throwing away your clothes, share with friends and family. Before donating, try to pass it on to people you know who would use it. If you have exhausted this list, then donate to local charities. Be careful though, an article by the BBC in 2015 revealed that often second-hand clothing may be shipped overseas, if not sold. The fate of those clothes being sold abroad or if they end up in landfills is undetermined.
THINK FABRICS
Many brands are starting to label their products with buzz words like “organic” or “recycled”. Check the labels. Going for products that are made from natural materials is your best bet, such as cotton, cashmere, wool, etc. Every product made is costing the environment. So, opting for clothes that are more natural will last you longer and will be of better quality. This means it is less likely that they will need replacing. Disclaimer: fabrics are often carbon negative, but due to their natural properties they can be easier to recycle and in some cases biodegradable. They may also be more expensive. But, a new t-shirt was never meant to cost £3.50. Acknowledge the value of materials, and invest in pieces that will last you a long time and cost the Earth little.
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