Fast fashion is one of the major issues contributing to the global issue we are facing with clothing waste. Fast fashion is clothing that is manufactured and produced quickly in large quantities. It is made from low quality material and sold at a low price point to the consumer, providing more incentive to buy the products. The life cycle of these items are short because of the quality of the products, unfortunately leading to many items being discarded within a small time-frame. This has resulted in landfills piling high with clothing that has been discarded. Here at Climate Wise, we want to help you make better, more environmentally friendly choices. Here are some ways that you can shop more sustainably for fashion.
- Buying from preloved shops
Charity and thrift shops, Vinted, Ebay, Oxfam, Depop, British Heart Foundation, just to name a few. There are so many second-hand shops both online and in your nearby town where you can purchase good quality, preloved clothes for a fraction of their original price. You can also sell, give away or donate your own clothes that don’t fit anymore, or you never wear. This is a simple way to reduce the amount of waste you are producing and reduce your carbon emissions by purchasing less clothing firsthand. - Take care of your clothes
Although it may seem straightforward, to really extend the life cycle of your clothes, make sure that you are taking care of them properly! By doing this it will reduce the number of times you will need to replace items in your wardrobe, saving both money and the environment. It’s as easy as making sure you are washing, drying and storing your clothes in the correct way by checking the labels. - Purchasing higher quality pieces from more sustainably conscious brands
Yes, the cost is likely to be higher than other alternatives, but these items will last for seasons and will mean that you are buying less clothing each year. By purchasing high-quality pieces, it will lead to you buying less and reducing your carbon footprint. Some UK brands include Mother of Pearl, KOHR, Will’s Vegan Store and Culthread. You can also check how sustainable the shops you buy from are by using platforms such as ‘Good on You’ which rate different clothing companies based on their sustainability and ethicality. - Repair tears
Don’t throw away old clothes and buy new ones just because they have a rip in the pocket, or the zipper is broken. Take your worn-out items to a tailor to get them fixed or save money and learn to repair your own clothes. Simple but effective, this will reduce the number of pieces you add to your wardrobe each season.
