The planet shouldn’t have to suffer for fashion. Through responsible shopping and an Earth-friendly wardrobe makeover, it is possible to look stylish without contributing to problems like global warming, unsustainable farming practices or sweat shop labor. The following eco friendly clothing tips will help you look your best while at the same time reducing your personal impact on the environment:
1. Choose organic fabrics. Fabrics like organic cotton are made from plant fibers that have been grown in an environmentally responsible manner. They don’t rely on herbicides, pesticides or potentially harmful fertilizers that can pollute the local ecosystem. Instead, they are grown using sustainable farming methods that support the planet rather than harming it.
2. Shop second hand. Visiting consignment shops, thrift stores or vintage shops to buy second hand clothing is a great way to give old pieces new life. Oftentimes you can find clothing that is practically brand new. Best of all, you can create a unique wardrobe that showcases your own personal style. Instead of wearing the cheap imported clothing that everyone else is wearing, you can buy well-made pieces that are designed to last, all for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
3. Shop for fair trade, cruelty-free clothing. Fair trade clothing is sourced from farmers who are paid justly for their crops and who employ sustainable farming practices. Cruelty-free clothing, on the other hand, ensure that no animals were harmed to make the clothing. The last thing you want is to have a stunning wardrobe that is build on the backs of sweat-shop labor and animal cruelty. Choosing fair-trade, cruelty-free clothing helps ensure that no people or animals are being harmed or taken advantage of to produce the clothing.
4. Avoid trendy clothing. Trendy clothing tends to go out of style quickly. If you build your wardrobe entirely around trendy pieces, you will have to update it far more often than if you choose classic pieces that won’t go out of style. For instance, a high quality pencil skirt, a nice fitting pair of trousers and a perfectly tailored blazer are all items of clothing that will never go out of style. Building the bulk of your wardrobe around these types of pieces will help you get the most possible use out of each piece of clothing you purchase.
5. Donate your old clothing. Don’t throw away clothing that is outdated or that doesn’t fit. Instead, donate it to a local thrift store or give it to your friends. If it is too worn or damaged to donate, brainstorm other ways to give it new life again. For instance, perhaps you could cut it up into rags or tear it into strips and make a rag rug for your kitchen from the pieces.
Choosing to build a wardrobe that is based around eco friendly clothing is an easy way to do your part to protect the planet. Taking steps to reduce your impact on the Earth is the best way to ensure that future generations aren’t faced with serious environmental problems.
