1. LESS IS MORE
Quantity is an essential factor in the fight for sustainability. Many times we get carried away by news and trends without asking ourselves if we really need that product. This does not happen only in the fashion industry but in many other sectors. To face each new season, it is essential that you ask yourself a simple question: what do I need? Once you have the answer, create a list of what you are actually going to use. Thus, you will stick to this list and avoid unnecessary purchases.
2. BET ON THE VINTAGE
Vintage fashion gives clothes a second chance, reuses them and, as a consequence, avoids new productions and reduces waste. For a few years, this consumer model has been much more present for using timeless, quality pieces with a history that accompanies them. The clothes of yesteryear were made with the aim of lasting a long time. You couldn’t buy clothes frequently, unlike what happens now, and that’s why time and effort was invested in creating pieces with high-quality fabrics and handcrafted details or finishes.
3. LEARN ABOUT THE FABRIC AND COMPOSITION OF THE GARMENTS
There are fabrics that are more sustainable than others due to their origin or their manufacturing process. It is important to know the composition and fabric of the garment. For example, 100% polyester is not recommended as it consumes a lot of energy and is derived from petroleum. Among the natural fabrics, there are some more sustainable than others due to their manufacture: linen is a better option than cotton, since much less water is needed to grow it. It is important to look for improved fibers (BCI cotton, CmiA, recycled polyester, more responsible viscose, etc.). On the other hand, a single type of fiber for making the garment facilitates recycling.
4. READ THE LABELS CAREFULLY
To consume in a more sustainable or responsible way, it is essential to understand how materials and fabrics impact the environment. A good way to ensure that we are buying garments that have little environmental impact is to see what companies say and if they have any external certification. It is also important to find out who makes the garments: if the textile workers have a fair wage or not, and if the working conditions are safe. Trust only those firms that make this information public or provide.
5. LOOK AT THE MANUFACTURING PLACE
By protecting and consuming garments from firms, it not only ensure jobs but also minimize the impact of emissions due to the transport of garments from the place of manufacture to the place of sale. Whenever possible, try to buy locally made products.
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