6 Things to Consider When Building a More Sustainable Wardrobe

Let’s be honest, the fashion industry hasn’t had the best reputation when it comes to sustainability or being eco-friendly in the production of their goods. However, in recent years, we’ve seen an influx of labels, both big and small, that have been going more “green”.

We’ve drawn up a list of things to consider when shopping for a more responsible wardrobe. Check out our top 6 tips and how you can contribute to a more sustainable fashion future!

1) Upcycling Recycled Materials

The process of upcycling and transforming recycled materials into high-quality, beautiful and sellable items isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

The Sea Plastic Differently project is showing people why they should support ocean conservation by turning sea plastic into high-end sunglasses. The sunglasses have gained the attention of ocean lovers and beach goers, but also bring in funds to clean up the ocean and turn trash into treasure. The Sea Plastic Differently project isn’t the only company out there that sells items out of recycled material, check out Titania Inglis, Matt & Nat and tonlé.

Read the labels, check the brand’s website, and find out for yourself if you’re supporting a company that believes in upcycling and recycling materials.

2) Faux Fur

A trend that seems to resurface season after season is fur. Real fur is highly unsustainable and cruel to animals in so many ways. Faux fur is a much more sustainable option and these days, can look just as good as the real thing.

Designers like Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten and Shrimps have all been leading the way of “fur free fur” creating luxury products out of ethically-sourced materials. Although there is some debate regarding whether chemicals used on faux fur is necessary and sustainable, faux fur is nonetheless one easy step in a more ethical direction for the industry.

3) Manufacturing Transparency

1,134 people were killed and over 2,500 injured when the Rana Plaza complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Brands sourcing from this factory at the time included: Joe Fresh, Benetton, Mango, Primark and The Children’s Place.

Transparency is one of the most important steps in transforming the fashion industry. Organizations like Fashion Revolution and Project Just are powerful advocates in the movement towards a more transparent and ethical fashion future. You can become a part of the movement by asking the question “Who Made My Clothes?” this April 2017 on social media and/or all year round.

The film, The True Cost on Netflix is another great way to learn more about your garments and their effect on our global community.

4) Source of Energy

Multi-million dollar companies have no excuse to not use renewable energy. Some more environmentally conscious companies have various conservation strategies that they implement throughout their business. Today’s carbon footprint that companies have created through production is way too high.

Columbia is a brand that focuses on outdoor lovers and sells products wearable for outdoor adventures. Due to their love of the environment and the outdoors, their commitment to sustainable production shows throughout their business as they use renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.

Other brands that use renewable energy include: Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Reformation and Rapanui.

5) Leftover Materials

Have you ever wondered what happens to products that stores don’t sell? Do they care what happens to their products when consumers are done using them? Leftover materials and textile waste get thrown in landfills, or even end up as trash in the ocean. As the world’s second most polluting industry, after oil, the fashion industry creates over 13 million tons of textile waste each year.

One of the biggest fast fashion brands in the world, H&M has been making a notable effort and a part of their brand mission to help solve this waste issue. If a consumer goes into an H&M store and brings a bag of H&M clothing they’d like to recycle, they’re offered a 15% discount at the register. Once the old garments have been dropped off in a store, they are sold as second-hand clothes, turned into other products like cleaning cloths, or used as textile fibers for things like insulation. Since 2013, H&M claims it has recycled 25,000 tons of unwanted clothing and actively participates in World Recycle Week.

6) Chemicals and Pesticides

You may not have known this, but your clothes are sprayed with chemicals and pesticides before they reach the store. Cotton is the most pesticide intensive crop in the world, which harms not only the environment but also humans.

The fibers used in the fashion industry leak harmful chemicals into the environment and cause pollution. Clothing companies that take an ecofriendly approach to textile fibers seek to protect the environment, animals and their habitats, and the human race.

Our beloved fashion industry still has a ways to go when it comes to sustainability, responsibility and the environment. We hope you’ll get on board and help contribute to a more sustainable fashion future by keeping our tips in mind when you’re out on the hunt for your next fashionable purchase!