Sustainable fashion refers to the concept of creating fashion items in a way that reduces the environmental impact and promotes social responsibility throughout the entire production process. It aims to create fashion items that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. That’s why cutting CO2 emissions, addressing overproduction, reducing pollution and waste, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring that garment workers are paid a fair wage and have safe working conditions.

Considering the number of factors involved, there are still too few brands out there currently tackling all of these complex issues, and even those that are will admit that there’s always room for improvement. This means simply shopping for items labelled ‘sustainable’ is not enough; we need to completely rethink our purchasing habits and the way we consume clothes.

So, if you want to ensure your wardrobe is as sustainable as possible moving forward, here’s everything you need to know.

Invest In Quality and Durability

Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that will last longer than fast fashion items. This will reduce the amount of clothing in landfills and save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Shop Vintage and Second Hand

Shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact. Look for second-hand stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces that offer gently used clothing items at a fraction of the cost of new items. Many thrift and vintage clothing stores sell designer items that are new and have never been worn. Purchasing items at these stores is a sustainable choice, because not only are you extending the life of the clothes, but you will also be able to find one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else has.

Choose Natural Material

When shopping for clothing, avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which accounts for more than half of all clothing worldwide. Polyester is sourced from fossil fuels and takes years to degrade. Instead, choose natural textiles such as organic cotton and linen. But, keep in mind that not all natural materials are created equal. Organic cotton is far superior to conventional cotton, which requires a significant amount of water and energy to produce and contains hazardous pesticides. To ensure that an item is truly eco-friendly, look for certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (for cotton and wool), Leather Working Group (for leather), and Forest Stewardship Council (for viscose).

Read More : 6 Explanations of How Sustainable Fashion Healthier for Our Planet

Stop Throw Old Clothes

Even after you feel like you’ve got the most out of your favorite jeans or classic white shirt, think twice before throwing it away. Discarding clothes in the garbage will only contribute to overflowing landfills.

Instead, consider these alternatives:

• Donating. Depending on the condition of your items, you could give them to friends, relatives, neighbors, or a charity.
• Reselling. There are many websites and consignment stores that resell quality clothing in good condition.
• Recycling. Some clothing brands will accept worn items. Or, take worn-out clothing to a textile recycling container. Textiles can be recycled and used to create new garments.
• Mending. Many items with rips, tears, or small holes can be easily repaired.

Rent For a Single-Use Occasion

Clothes rental is another rapidly growing, ethical business model. This is an excellent option, particularly for garments that you will not wear for an extended time or for special occasions. Some businesses also offer a monthly subscription, allowing customers to regularly update their outfits. Instead of buying a new dress for that wedding or BBQ this summer. According to one study, an astonishing 50m garments are bought and worn just once every summer in the UK alone, a dirty habit we need to quickly ditch, given that the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is burned and landfilled every second.

Avoid Greewashing

As consumers become ever more aware of their environmental footprint, greenwashing—brands using vague, misleading or false claims to suggest it’s more eco-friendly than it actually is—is becoming increasingly prevalent. Look beyond buzzwords such as ‘sustainable’, ‘eco-friendly’, ‘conscious’ and ‘responsible’ to see if brands have detailed policies to back up their claims.

By choosing sustainable fashion, individuals can help reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact and promote a more ethical and sustainable approach to fashion. It is important to remember that every small step counts towards a more sustainable future, and choosing sustainable fashion is an easy and effective way to impact the planet positively.

References:

• https://hayden-hill.com/blogs/journal/what-is-sustainable-fashion#:~:text=Purchasing%20vintage%20clothing%2C%20thrifting%2C%20sharing,items%20are%20also%20sustainable%20practices.
• https://dresslemuse.com/blog/what-is-sustainable-fashion/
• https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/vogues-ultimate-guide-to-sustainable-fashion