Your Wardrobe Choices Can Help Create A More Sustainable World

Every year, people throw away an average of 70 pounds of shoes and clothing. All of those discarded clothes can generate a lot of unnecessary waste. But, why do we have so many clothes in the first place? And, aren’t there better ways to get rid of them than throwing them out? 

Our clothing choices aren’t just about looking a certain way, they can also be a reflection of our values. Re-thinking our wardrobe is an important part of living a more sustainable life.  Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your wardrobe stylish, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Buy less

The best way to lessen your impact on the environment is simply to buy less. While “retail therapy” can be tempting, the reality is that the thrill of over-buying is short-lived and the repercussions on your wallet and the environment are long-lasting. 

Buying less will make it easier to keep your closet organized and your morning routine short. To make things even more efficient, consider creating a “capsule wardrobe.” Capsule wardrobes are a small amount of carefully chosen basics that can be mixed and matched. Clothes in your capsule wardrobe will be of higher quality and last longer. While the initial expense may be higher, choosing more sustainable clothes will save money in the long run.

Avoid “fast fashion”

Fast fashion is a term that refers to a business model that creates low-cost alternatives to high fashion trends.  Fast fashion clothes are both inexpensive to produce and to purchase, making them an alluring option. But, the disadvantages of fast fashion are plentiful. 

Production: Most fast fashion is made in sweatshops in developing countries. Workers in these companies are paid little, work long hours, and are subjected to unsafe conditions. 

Environmental destruction: The fun of fast fashion is that it is constantly changing.  But, that also means that these companies are putting out a lot of new products every week, promoting over-consumption. When consumers buy too many clothes, they also tend to throw away more clothes, creating a lot of waste.

Polyester clothing is particularly concerning because it’s not biodegradable and can stay in landfills for more than 200 years. But, even natural materials such as cotton can be harmful to the environment because they need a lot of water and pesticides to grow. Also, fast fashion brands use toxic chemicals that pollute the environment and are hazardous for workers. In fact, the fashion industry is the second largest cause of global water pollution.

Quality: Fast fashion is created to be expensive and stylish, but not to last. No matter how cute that outfit looks today, in a few weeks or months, it will likely start to fall apart.  

Shop thrift

One of the best ways to save money and purchase high-quality clothing is to buy used… and it’s never been easier! Second-hand clothes are gaining in popularity both online and at brick and mortar stores. One of the best parts about thrift stores is that you can find unique, high-quality clothing for the same or cheaper than you’d pay for fast fashion. And, not only is used clothing more sustainable, many thrift stores donate a large portion of their profits to charitable causes, increasing your positive impact on the world. 

Re-organize and reduce your wardrobe.

Sometimes, less really is more. No matter how great that new red sweater you bought is, if it’s hidden behind 20 other sweaters, you may never think to wear it.  The truth is, we all have a tendency to stick to a few favorites, even if our closet is full of other options.  Paring down and organizing your wardrobe will allow you to find your favorites more easily and waste less time getting dressed for the day. 

Try to think of your closet like a retail store, where items are accessible and pleasantly displayed. Make lists of the clothes you already have and what you could use more of. Fold or hang clothes so you can see everything you have and use uniform hangers.  A well-organized closet will help prevent you from buying more clothes you don’t need.

Recycle

Many places both online and in-person accept clothing donations.  Some places will even pay you for your gently used clothes! Sites like ThredUp, the RealReal, and Poshmark all allow you to re-sell your clothing online. But, for an even more sustainable option, consider consigning or donating your clothes to local stores. Some corporations like Patagonia and Nordstroms will even help you to recycle clothing purchased at their stores. 

Clothing may seem like a small way to make a difference in the world, but the truth is it’s an important component in an overall lifestyle shift towards more environmentally conscious living. Purchasing smarter and less, organizing better, and recycling responsibly are all ways to be part of the solution for a more sustainable world