Make like Stella McCartney and get your sustainable fashion on
Want to heal the world, make it a better place, for you and me and the entire human race? Okay, Michael Jackson.
One way to start is by adopting sustainable fashion principles.
Did you know the fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic metres of water - enough to meet the consumption needs of five million people? Or around 20% of wastewater worldwide comes from fabric dyeing and treatment? Or that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions (more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined)?
With staggering facts like the aforementioned, there’s never been a better time to shop sustainably. Read on for some sustainable shopping tips to reduce CO2 emissions, pollution and waste, and protect our water sources and most importantly, our home we call Earth.
Shop seconds, first.
Your best bet to reduce emissions and keep clothing out of landfill is buying secondhand clothing. From Goodwill to the Salvation Army, there's plenty of thrift shops and vintage stores to purchase your next preloved piece. Bonus - you may even discover designer pieces for a fraction of the price. Boop!
Donate, don’t hesitate.
Why? Because by donating your unwanted clothing to second hand stores, charities or community groups, you’ll divert waste from landfills AND support your local community! Two birds with one sustainable stone. Score!
Shop sustainable brands only.
What do LEVI’s, Patagonia, Stella McCartney and Conscious Collection by H&M have in common? They are all sustainable, fashion forward, fashion brands! These brands care about the planet so you know what you’re buying will be Earth friendly fashion.
Did someone say clothing swap?
Swap with friends, swap with family, swap with neighbours - whatever you do, swap your clothing and save the planet. Host a clothing swap and say hello to circular fashion! Cheese and wine optional ;)
Sell your used clothes.
Because one person’s trash is another person’s treasure right? Go through your wardrobe, take photos and list the clothes on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Better yet, rent a rack at your nearest preloved fashion shop and watch the kitty cash roll in - while saving the environment = win/win!
And just like fashion icon Vivienne Westwood once said, “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”
Amen!
Do you have an Earth friendly fashion tip to share? We’d love to hear all about it! Find us @podandparcel and let us know what things you do to get your Earth fashion friendly on.