Fashion is an integral part of our lives, whether we want to admit it or not. It’s how we express ourselves and show off our individuality. The fashion industry, however, is one of the biggest polluters in the world, as it accounts for up to 10% of humanity’s total carbon emissions.
It’s responsible for significant environmental destruction, but also serious exploitation of workers that are actively working in this industry. To combat these problems, sustainable fashion has emerged as a promising solution.
Sustainable fashion is a movement that aims to reduce fashion’s environmental and social impact. It includes various principles such as ethical production, the use of environmentally friendly materials, and the reduction of waste. Sustainable fashion is, in other words, a holistic approach that considers the entire life cycle of a garment, from production to disposal.
In this article, we’ll try our best to explain why sustainable fashion is a great choice to make and how to create a conscious closet.
Why Choose Sustainable Fashion
Fast fashion is the production of cheap, trendy clothes at a rapid pace, responsible for large amounts of waste, pollution, and exploitation of workers.
If you’re looking to make better choices when it comes to your clothing, sustainable fashion is the better alternative. It’s an approach aimed at reducing the impact on the environment but it’s also mindful of the people who work to produce the garments.
Today, consumers have their eyes on many sustainable fashion brands such as Cider, that claim to be using processes and raw materials which have a lesser impact on the environment. So, if you’re wondering “is Cider clothing ethical and sustainable,” the answer is yes. The eco-friendly brand uses ethical production methods, only produces on demand, and adopts recycled materials in the production processes. Below we mention other reasons why you should adopt sustainable practices while still enjoying fashion.
Sustainable Fashion Lasts Longer
Conscious fashion consumption can be a way for consumers to help the environment and stop exploitation. You can buy less and better quality clothing, which means you will spend less money and your clothes will last longer. Although they may cost more than cheaper garments, and you might need to save money for some items, the price will be worth it in the long term because you will get a lower cost-per-wear.
A timeless piece that will never go out of fashion is always a smart purchase, so why not invest in a top-quality trench coat, a classic white shirt, and a nicely fitted blazer? You don’t have to buy a lot of fast fashion items to keep up with the latest trends. Instead, you can refresh your wardrobe by updating it with a few fashionable timeless garments and chic accessories.
Sustainable Fashion Is More Eco-Friendly
Slow fashion is better for our planet. Sustainable brands use less water and energy during manufacturing and produce less waste and pollution. They consider the entire garment’s lifespan, from its sourcing to its manufacturing, through the end of its life.
Sustainable fashion is also better for the environment because its producers value sustainable materials that have a low environmental impact. This includes recycled and upcycled materials. Natural resources such as bamboo and hemp are more sustainable than synthetic ones. They also require less land and water to grow and emit fewer greenhouse gases.
Creating a Conscious Closet
Now that you know why slow fashion is a good choice to make, you might wonder how to make your closet more sustainable. Below we share our best tips for achieving this.
Buy Less
An easy way to practice slow fashion is to buy fewer items. Therefore, choose carefully and invest in garments that will last. Purchase only what you need and what you will truly use. For fashion to be sustainable in the long term, an approach to clothing that prioritises fewer, finer garments, of higher quality, with less environmental impact, and preferably with a unique design is recommended.
Shop Second-Hand
Buying clothes second-hand is a smart and fun act of environmentalism, that’s also good for your wallet. Not only is second-hand shopping great for the environment but you can also find inexpensive, eye-catching garments and even valuable vintage outfits that no one else has.
Swap Clothes
Swapping clothes is another great way to save the environment and get new outfits. Some of the items you have eliminated from your wardrobe might be loved by family, friends, or colleagues. You can invite them over for a clothes swap party and exchange your valued but no longer used clothing for something they’ll use.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ll shop sustainably is entirely up to you. There are plenty of reasons why you should choose sustainable fashion, the main reason being it reduces our environmental footprint. When looking to create a conscious closet, then try to invest in high-quality, timeless garments, support sustainable brands, and shop second-hand.
