In a world of increasing environmental awareness, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly fashion has become increasingly popular over the years. Sustainable style is about more than helping the planet – it’s an ethical way of shopping that goes beyond simply buying clothes made from sustainable fabrics. To help fashion lovers stay ahead of the trend, this article is a complete guide to sustainable style, detailing the best eco-friendly shopping practices for finding fashionable, ethical clothing.
1. Green is Chic: A Sustainable Shopping Guide
Discovering sustainable options for our clothing and accessories can be a tough task. Lucky for us, going green has never been so chic. With more retailers creating eco-conscious lines, you can have both style and sustainability in your wardrobe. It’s time to make like a tree and leave plastic and fast fashion behind.
The Basics of Sustainable Shopping
- Shop your local eco-friendly stores and thrift shops.
- Invest in timeless and staple pieces.
- Shop secondhand.
- Look for organic materials and natural dyes.
- Opt for a repair-over-replace mentality.
Embrace Worthy Brands
As you invest in eco-friendly clothing, be sure to shop from brands that are worth investing in. Look for retailers who are socially and environmentally responsible in their materials and production commands. Choose companies that have solid policies that protect workers from labor exploitation, use renewable energy, practice water-saving techniques, and use post-consumer recycled materials.
Choose Durable Pieces
As you shop sustainably, quality over quantity is key. Selecting garments that are built to last—such as wool, linen, and cotton—can help you to reduce your garment footprint. They’ll also be more comfortable and will save you time and money in the long run.
Green Your Laundry Routine
One of the simplest sustainable shopping tips is to treat your clothes with extra care when washing them. Skip harsh chemicals and opt for natural detergents or bar soap for your delicates. Line-dry your items for longer lastingwear. Seeking out garments with natural fibers is another great way to reduce water and energy use and have items that need fewer washes.
2. Ethically Fashionable: Doing Good While Looking Good
These days, it is increasingly important to keep in mind the ethical implications of our everyday purchasing decisions. Thankfully, it is also becoming easier and easier to be an ethical consumer. In the world of fashion, there is a rapidly growing movement of sustainable and ethical fashion that thanks to the rise of e-commerce, is quickly gaining traction.
The push for sustainable fashion has allowed companies to offer fashion-forward clothing, jewelry, and accessories that are ethically produced and manufactured, environmental safe, and incredibly stylish. From sweatshirt dresses made out of recycled plastic bottles, to vegan-friendly shoes with recycled soles, there is no shortage of options when it comes to looking good while doing good.
Organizations such as Good Trade have taken it a step further, providing detailed information about each brand and their commitment to ethical practices, empowering shoppers to make conscious, informed decisions.
Here are a few of the ways to make sure that what you’re wearing is also doing good:
- Look for labels like “GOTS” (Global Organic Textile Standard) and “Fair Trade Certified.”
- Support locally-made products to minimize the environmental impact of shipping and production.
- Shop on websites that provide detailed information about the ethics of what you’re buying.
- Check to see if a company is a member of the UN Global Compact or the Ethical Trade Initiative.
- Ask questions and research the materials used to make the clothing.
As the sustainable fashion movement continues to grow, so too will the number of companies offering fashionable clothing that is produced ethically and with the environment in mind. So go ahead, rock that sustainable look with pride – you’re doing good while looking good.
3. Shop With Purpose: Investing in Eco-Conscious Clothing
With the rise of eco-conscious fashion, more people are becoming aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. Investing in sustainable, eco-friendly clothing is a great way to contribute to a more balanced world. Here are a few tips on shopping with a purpose:
- Start your search with ethical fashion brands. Many companies are addressing the need for more sustainable materials, cleaner production methods, and fair labor practices.
- Pay attention to the details. Look for clothing items made from natural fibers like hemp, organic cotton, and bamboo. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are petroleum-based and non-biodegradable.
- Read up on the company’s production process. Companies should be transparent and list the suppliers and materials used in the manufacturing process.
Go vintage: Secondhand stores are treasure troves of past trends and hidden gems. Shopping secondhand not only reduces the number of clothes produced, but it also offers unique pieces that fit your style and budget. Not to mention, it’s fun to explore!
DIY it: If you have skills in painting, sewing, or embroidery, take some time to refashion or upcycle your clothing. Bringing out and celebrating its uniqueness, you can make it your own to make a definitive statement.
Consider quality: Cheap fashion usually means fast fashion, but it doesn’t have to. Choose items made with natural fabrics that don’t need much upkeep, but will last longer and remain timeless. After all, quality is the key to a good wardrobe that stands the test of time.
By shopping with purpose, you can make a difference in the fashion industry and your own wardrobe. So head out with these tips in mind, and start investing in eco-friendly fashion today!
4. Make an Environmental Statement: Classy Reusable Accessories
Even if you recommend going green, it’s nearly impossible to go completely plastic-free. Leaving the convenience of plastic containers and disposable products behind can be a challenge sometimes. But, creating an environmental statement with fashion-forward, affordable, and reusable accessories could just be the twist you need to go green.
For starters, consider RockBag, an inexpensive alternative that allows you to opt out of plastic bags. RockBag is designed in an eco-friendly way, using recycled materials for its manufacture. It’s also lightweight, waterproof, and stylish. Or, if you need more organization while on the go, Vers2go offers the perfect fit. It has side pockets and a padded bottom to take your lunch in style, reducing your environmental footprint.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a splash, backpacks are a modern option for all your travel needs. The Everlane Twill ReNew Work Backpack is soft and lightweight and made from 86% recycled plastic bottles, making it a great choice if you’re eco-conscious. The Thule Subterra PowerShuttle, on the other hand, is a multi-purpose bag with a spacious 35 litre capacity. It’s made from high-quality polyester, which is scratch-resistant and recyclable.
Finally, if you’re more of a traditionalist, a canvas tote bag is the way to go. From the classic classic blue and white striped design to fun designs, there are plenty of fashion-friendly options that will suit your personality and help you make an environmental statement. The Mercado Global Olga Canvas Bag is made with 100% organic cotton, and they come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and designs, so you can find something to fit any occasion.
- “RockBag” – an inexpensive alternative to plastic bags, using recycled materials for its manufacture.
- “Vers2go” – side pockets and a padded bottom for on-the-go lunchtime.
- “The Everlane Twill ReNew Work Backpack” – made from 86% recycled plastic bottles.
- “Thule Subterra PowerShuttle” – multi-purpose bag with a 35 litre capacity and made from polyester.
- “Mercado Global Olga Canvas Bag” – made with 100% organic cotton, comes in all kinds of colors, sizes, and designs.
Now that you’ve armed yourself with the knowledge to make more sustainable fashion choices, you are well on your way to making the fashion industry more eco-friendly—one stylish outfit at a time. Put on your fashionable and eco-friendly garments, and feel good knowing that your fashion choices are making a difference for the environment.
