There’s no doubt about it: the fashion industry is far from stable. Massive amounts of energy and natural resources are required to support the global demand for clothes, shoes and accessories.
While there has been increasing pressure on fashion brands and textile manufacturers to reform, the resulting efforts have amounted to little more than greenwashing. Much more will need to be done before the fashion industry gets anywhere close to carbon neutral.
Meanwhile, individuals have the power to take matters into their own hands. They won’t transform the industry, but they will embody the change they hope to see on a larger scale and scale.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the following six ways for individuals to achieve sustainable fashion:
Buy used
The volatile nature of the modern fashion industry comes down to the sheer volume of textiles produced. This production depends on demand. But what if demand decreased because more people were choosing to buy earlier items? Buying used clothing extends the life of clothing that would otherwise be thrown away. When individuals choose pre-owned fashion, they avoid spending money on new items, reducing demand over time.
Stable shop
While the fashion industry as a whole has so far failed to take the initiative in developing sustainable practices, individual companies have chosen to offer eco-friendly options to consumers. From biodegradable shoes to clothing made using recycled materials, there are many sustainable alternatives to traditional fashion. While some of these offerings may prove to be more experimental than practical, others are shaping up to be viable future replacements.
Invest in quality
It is virtually impossible to completely avoid fickle fashion. Sooner or later, you will need to buy new jeans and other clothes that are difficult to produce in an environmentally friendly way. With this in mind, consider choosing quality over quantity. In other words, buy items manufactured to last more than a few years. Part of the problem with cheap “fast” fashion is the relatively short lifespan of the typical garment. By investing in slightly more expensive alternatives due to the expectation of durability, you reduce the amount of clothing you buy over your lifetime.
Stick to classic styles
Those concerned about style may wonder what good it is to buy clothes that last if the style goes out of style in a year or two. The answer to this conundrum is to stick to classic styles that never go out of style. Denim jeans, khaki pants, canvas sneakers, black dresses and coats are just a handful of examples of timeless fashion. Moreover, high quality items can be found at reasonable prices.
Avoid throwing
Do everything you can to avoid throwing away clothes and shoes. While no one wants a holey T-shirt covered in stains, any clothing that looks in good shape should be donated to your Goodwill or Salvation Army. Depending on the brand and quality, you may even be able to sell your old items to thrift stores. The less clothes and shoes you throw away, the less you contribute to the huge volume of fashion-related waste that accumulates in landfills across the planet.
Take care of clothes and shoes
The instructions found on the labels are there for a reason; they provide useful information about the proper care and maintenance of clothing and footwear. The better you take care of your clothes and shoes, the longer these items will last. With this in mind, start following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If it says wash in cold water and air dry on a clothesline, it’s because it will keep the shirt looking newer for longer.
The unfortunate reality is that the fashion industry is far from sustainable. But that doesn’t mean consumers can’t take the initiative and start making sustainable fashion choices. The burden should not fall on the individual, but the longer we continue to support the industry as it exists, the more it will take to see it change. Consider this election a mild form of protest. If enough people do this, the change will go from a possibility to a certainty.
