Steps To A More Sustainable Wardrobe
As the new year gets people thinking about the things they wish to change or introduce to better themselves and their lifestyle, being more sustainable and ethical are more prominent decisions than ever. Life/self-improvement goals are within some of the most popular resolutions, but with a mere 9.2% of people actually sticking to them, it is vital to move in stages in order for them to be upheld.
There has been an incredible rise in veganism, sustainable living and people making more ethical choices due to the communication of some of the major issues. Such as these affecting workers, animals, the environment and ourselves. It is no wonder why so many of us have been opting for more thoughtful goals in order to better ourselves, the lives of others and the planet. As consumers, we have huge control over how we operate in the world and how we buy. In conjunction with our previous post why you definitely DO have something to wear, the conversation is continued as we focus on the goals surrounding being more sustainable within apparel consumption.
The world now consumes 80 billion pieces of clothing each year! A figure that needs to drastically fall. So, if you are striving to be more conscious about what you wear and how you shop, we have a few pointers on how to create a more sustainable wardrobe moving forward.
1. Buy second-hand
Vintage and second-hand fashion are hugely popular at the moment, despite the ever-looming fast fashion brands pushing the need for new items all the time. The experience of searching for gems in charity shops, on Depop or other second-hand retailers can be very rewarding and financially beneficial too. Look for inspiration online and build your own unique outfits from pre-loved pieces that will help fight against apparel wastage.
Online pre-loved retailers such as Vestiaire Collective are perfect for luxury shoppers as you can find some amazing deals on second-hand designer pieces.
2. Streamline your wardrobe
Clearing out your wardrobe and streamlining what you already have can be really beneficial in learning to love and style your clothes. Once you have donated, sold or given pieces to a clothing recycling scheme, you are left with the best of what you own which you should be able to wear over and over again. Moving forward, aim to buy more staple pieces that can work with your wardrobe as opposed to trend-led items that have a short lifespan and end up discarded at the back of your wardrobe.
3. Reduce your consumption
A basic point to make but equally as important. Buy less. Start to try and put more thought into what you consume and make better and more justified decisions. Such as, whether or not you really need that pair of animal print boots or a cream fleece. Consequently, if this is the case – try and find what you want in other places like the ones we’ve mentioned and try to avoid the big fast fashion retailers as your first point of call.
Words by Ellie Pinder
Some useful resources:
- Good On You - https://goodonyou.eco/
- Sustainably Chic - https://www.sustainably-chic.com/
- Venetia Falconer - https://www.instagram.com/venetiafalconer/
- True Cost - on Netflix
- Stacey Dooley Investigates: Fashion's dirty secrets - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bn6034
References:
· https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/5-crazy-facts-new-fashion-documentary-true-cost/