Fast fashion is a $30 billion industry, and it’s easy to see why it’s the most convenient option for so many people. Unlike more traditional clothing companies, fast fashion brands focus on cutting costs by underpaying workers, creating affordable versions of high-fashion styles, and generally disregarding the impact their practices have on the environment.
In this article, we’ll cover a few of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable (and ethically sourced). While fast fashion is relatively inexpensive, you don’t have to break the bank to buy more environmentally friendly clothing. Make sure to visit our website and check out our catalog of women’s sneakers if you’re looking for sustainable shoes.
Buy Second-hand
One of the most common objections to sustainable clothing is that it’s simply too expensive. Fortunately, second-hand clothes typically cost a fraction of what you would pay for a brand-new version of the same item.
Buying second-hand offers several ethical advantages over buying from a fast fashion brand. First, you’re reusing something that’s already been worn, so you’re getting more value from past production instead of supporting new production. You’re also giving money to a second-hand shop or to the original owner instead of giving it to a clothing producer who will only use it to produce even more new clothes. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to share clothes that you no longer need with someone who will put them to use.
Check the Fabric
Different fabrics have different effects on our environment, and it’s important to consider that impact when you’re looking for clothes. Recycled fabrics reuse existing materials instead of requiring the production of new ones. The recycled fabric movement has gained momentum over the last few years, with Adidas pledging to use 100% recycled polyester by 2024.
Similarly, keep in mind that most synthetic materials aren’t biodegradable. Polyester, for example, takes between 20 and 40 years to break down, with some fabrics taking even longer. Some sustainable brands offer detailed information about the materials they use and their effects on the environment.
Change How You Wash Your Clothes
Buying sustainably produced clothing will reduce your impact on the environment, but you should also consider the effects of your laundry. Depending on how frequently you wash your clothes, you could easily be responsible for hundreds of kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
First, consider investing in a high efficiency washer to keep your clothes clean with far less water. Heating up the water requires a significant amount of energy on its own, so use cold water whenever possible. Finally, look for nontoxic detergents that don’t contain dioxane or any other hazardous chemicals.
The environmental consequences of our production and consumption aren’t always visible, so you may not realize how your wardrobe is affecting the environment. These simple steps will help you reduce your environmental impact without breaking the bank on expensive clothes. Don’t forget to browse our collection of sustainable men’s sneakers for environmentally friendly takes on some of the most popular styles.
