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We all have our favourite items of clothing. Imagine if our wardrobe was just composed of these special items which we want to wear over and over again? When we need something special, we just hire it and/or update our incredible wardrobe by just swapping an item for something different.
Our desire for fast fashion is resulting in our wardrobes are getting filled by items that get used under ten times. This costs us an incredible amount and gives us only short-term satisfaction.
Here you will learn how sustainable fashion results in better selection of clothing and shoes, allowing for you to present yourself with pride and distinction.
Clothes
Clothes have incredible demands on the environment. To make a pair of jeans, over 7,000 litres of water is needed to grow cotton and process it, whilst 23kg of carbon dioxide is produced (equivalent to a flight from London to Paris). This impact is replicated across the numerous items bought unless clothes are made from synthetic fibres. These items cost less to make but affect the environment when they are disposed of or are washed. Synthetic fibres such as nylon release are estimated to have released a third of all microplastics in the ocean which persistent in affecting marine life.
To reduce environmental impacts, we have the following top tips:
- Be more selective. Buy clothing from ethical brands which pride themselves on sustainable production and long-lasting clothing. It may cost a bit more, but it’s likely that you’ll love it better!
- Swop clothing up. When you’re tired of clothing, you can swap it through numerous websites or even through the local charity shop. You’ll find some great items which will cost less and last longer.
- Lease specialist clothing. A necessity of life can be that amazing party dress. Check out the options for leasing these, there are many available. You can look amazing whilst saving on your money and your conscience!
Footwear
The most commonly bought footwear are trainers. They’re mostly made out of plastic, with a small amount of rubber, and are often created in less developed countries where environmental and labour standards are low. An average pair of trainers will result in 7kg of carbon dioxide being emitted to the environment and they will inevitably end up either in landfill or an incinerator.
Footwear is less of an issue than other clothing items as we are more selective about shoes and use them more often. We do need a shift in the manufacturing of shoes so that they use recycled or ethically sourced long-lasting materials. This way we do not generate waste.
There are numerous recommendations from our community for suppliers which help in this way. We all spend quite a lot on shoes, so why not spend it on a pair that last and are cool because they are made from ethically sourced materials!
Bags and accessories
There is an increasing number of amazing bags and accessories made from recycled materials. There are also a great number of options to buy second use of fashion items. Check out our recommendations!