OPT FOR SECOND HAND OR VINTAGE
If an occasion arises where a new piece is needed, try to opt for second hand or vintage where you can. Sustainability is about finding creative ways to give garments a new lease of life, which is easily attainable - not to mention cost-effective - where pre-loved pieces are concerned.
TRY RENTING
From weddings to dinner parties, upcoming events might tempt you to spend. However, with renting now an option, you needn’t cost the environment by purchasing a brand new outfit that’ll likely never be worn again. Available for a fraction of their retail price, choose from a variety of designer pieces that’ll elevate your look instantly - perfect for those one-off glamorous occasions.
SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE BRANDS
I’ve worn the Charleston floral dress quite a lot and always get compliments and people asking where it is from. The colour-block shirt and the Eccentric pieces are great, and the Luxury jumper feels amazing on. I am also in the process of acquiring every single piece from the Essentials collection, it’s all beautiful.
BE WARY OF GREENWASHING
Although fast fashion brands might say they’re working towards sustainability, this isn’t always the case. The term ‘greenwashing’ describes the process of misinforming consumers of a brand’s current practices, usually leading to increased purchases. Make it your responsibility to scrutinise the brands you shop with, looking for any evidence that suggests their supposed sustainability isn’t all it seems.
SEE THE FACES BEHIND YOUR CLOTHING
Rather than making a mindless purchase, consider the garment workers behind your clothing. Look at a brand’s website and search for evidence that their current practices are sustainable - such as proof of an ethical supply chain. For example, are garment workers provided with safe working conditions? Are they paid a living wage? What is the packaging like? These are questions you should ask yourself whenever the opportunity to spend arises.
DISPOSE OF OLD CLOTHES CONSCIOUSLY
After spring cleaning your wardrobe, you might discover clothes you no longer wear - the way you dispose of these is critical. In the UK alone, around 1.75m tonnes of clothing and textile waste is created annually, with 1.2m tonnes of it ending up in landfill. Non-biodegradable, synthetic materials - such as polyester, spandex and nylon - can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose, all whilst releasing microplastics into the soil below.
MAKE SMALL, GRADUAL CHANGES
Small, gradual changes can make working towards a more sustainable lifestyle appear less overwhelming, particularly for those at the beginning of their journey. Start out small, do your research, and forgive yourself for occasional and minor setbacks - nobody becomes the perfect ethical fashion consumer overnight.
