3 Ways to Be More Sustainable with Fashion
World Earth Day is technically April 22nd but it should really be every day. I’m sorry for sounding like a happy couple on Valentine’s Day, but this is not Star Wars, we only have this one planet to live on and it is calling out for help.
Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of people were not taught to practice sustainability growing up. So simple things that should be no brainers like rinsing out recyclables, composting, and using a reusable waterbottle feel like we are going out of our way.
Similarly, a lot of people are either unaware or overlook the way fast fashion in particular is contributing to climate change. That’s why this April I am challenging you, reading this right now, to practice being more sustainable – especially when it comes to fashion.
Keep reading to see three ways to be a more environmentally-friendly fashionista.
3 Ways to Practice Fashion Sustainability
1. Thrifted clothes have more character
Not everybody has the time nor energy to thrift. Heard, valid. But for those that thrift regularly, you’ll understand when I say that something in your brain gets rewired when you start buying secondhand, specifically true vintage. Buying new becomes less fun or rewarding and new clothing doesn’t seem to have the same energy as something from decades past that has potentially lived multiple lives.
However, it’s totally okay if you don’t have time to spare searching through racks and bins at your local thrift. That’s why apps and sites like Depop, Ebay, Poshmark, TheRealReal, and ThredUp are amazing because they allow you to search and filter through all the options.
I also want to mention rental sites like RenttheRunway and Nuuly. These sites operate as flexible subscription services that allow you to rent clothing for a specific amount of time and return them for new styles. A lot of the time too, the clothes that have been donated to these sites come with tags and have never been worn.
These sites, along with TheRealReal, also feature higher-end brands at a fraction of the price. Even outside of practicing sustainability, renting or thrifting is always a great option to play around with trends and introduce change into your wardrobe as it’s natural for your style to change over time.
If you’ve never thrifted, I invite you this Earth Month to look at Depop first before buying new. Even if it is a new article of clothing from a current store, Depop will often have it because someone bought the wrong size and can’t return it or is past the store’s return policy. A little “loophole” for buying new but still technically buying secondhand.
2. Shop green brands
For those of you who are still reading, good for you for caring about the environment.
Additionally, you might also already know that fast fashion is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions.
I have to note that as a wardrobe stylist, as I’ve said before, I am not only aware of the fashion industry’s environmental impact but I also do my part to minimize, if not avoid, contributing to its footprint. In my personal and professional outfitting, I prioritize shopping secondhand or vintage pieces for clients as well as sourcing clothes from green brands. I also currently work for the best brand ever, Reformation.
Ref is a climate-neutral and soon-to-be climate-positive brand that was created by badass boss lady Yael Aflalo who worked in fast fashion and essentially said fuck this, I’m going to challenge the fashion industry’s norms and do better. Ref uses recycled fibers as well as ethical manufacturing processes to create timeless, high quality garments. Ref also executes just-in-time inventory production to eliminate excess waste and avoid contributing clothing created landfill.
Buying from green brands is a great way to practice more sustainable shopping. Of course thrifting is always number one, but buying green is a close second.
Not sure where to shop? Here is a list of brands, at a variety of price points, that make high quality pieces and whose practices are actually environmentally ethical – not just greenwashing:
Reformation - duh ;)
I’ve linked the above brands to Good on You, a site that rates brands on how environmentally conscious they are based on a variety of criteria. I only included brands with a Good or above rating but feel free to explore their website to find more amazing green brands to shop.
Or look up your favorite brands to check their ratings. You’ll also be surprised at how low “green brands” promoted by influencers on social media like Sezane and Everlane rank. Still a step in the right direction away from Forever 21 and Shein, but there are loads of better brands out there!
3. It pays to be green
Clothing, fast fashion or not, contributes to 62.5% of landfill when it is thrown out. And because spring cleaning is in the air, I challenge you to sell your clothing instead of just tossing it.
Yes, donating is an option. But unfortunately, some thrift stores/charities can’t afford to sort through donations which results in an estimated 25% clothing contribution to landfill.
Instead, mend the clothing to see if you can keep it in your closet for longer unless you’ve just outgrown the style. From there, give it to friends or family, upcycle it if you can, host a clothing swap or find one in your area.
Or make some green by being green! Try selling the pieces from your closet cleanout on Depop, Poshmark, Ebay, etc.
Or ship them to ThredUp if you don’t want to worry about them continuing to take up space as you wait for them to sell. Reformation has partnered with ThredUp as well meaning you can walk into any of our stores and ask for a ThredUp kit. From there, package up your clothing you’d like to sell and come back in to receive a monetary credit to shop green at Reformation. Truly a win-win.
Simple sustainable changes for everyday life
Outside of fashion, there are super easy changes we can make to practice sustainability.
Here are 8 simple (but also quite frankly cute & fun) examples to start implementing during April if you haven’t already:
Use a refillable water bottle – be an It Girl with your Stanley, Hydroflask, Camelbak, Simply Modern, or whatever speaks to you
Carry fun reusable straws & utensils in your car or bag
Get a cute reusable bento box to pack your meals & avoid eating takeout from plastic & styrofoam
Keep your favorite tote bag & reusable produce bags on you for trips to the grocery store & farmer’s markets – they roll up small enough to keep in your purse!
Move away from single-use plastics & paper products like Ziplocks, paper plates, plastic wrap, etc. & invest in reusables & compostables like Beeswax brand products & Stashers
Look for natural & refillable alternatives to beauty products like deodorants, shampoos, and conditioners
Swap your current Tide & Dawn products for refillables or compostable laundry & dishwasher alternatives like Dropps Dishwasher Detergent & Friendsheep Dryer Balls
Make a day of it & do your produce shopping at a local farmer’s market now that spring is in the air!
Over time, these practices will become second nature to us. But it is our job to slow down and recognize climate change is happening and our planet needs it to treat it more respectfully.
Comment below two things you’re excited to try this month as you embark on your sustainability journey!
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Want to shop more sustainably but don’t have the time to thrift? I gotchu. Submit a Style Request Form here & I’ll find secondhand pieces and eco-friendly brands that you will love!