6 Sustainable Fashion Resolutions You Can Keep
It's that time of year again — New Year's resolution season. If you're aiming for a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle, why not consider some fashion related goals?
These 6 sustainable fashion goals are realistic, and manageable, and will help reduce your environmental footprint.
Buy Less Clothes
When you buy fewer clothes and use the ones you already have for a longer time, you prevent these garments from ending up in landfills and reduce the demand for new items. Even if you intend to buy new clothes from sustainable brands, they still use planetary resources and energy to manufacture — which means they contribute to emissions.
Sustainability Starts with Buying Less
Repair and Upcycle Your Clothes
If you have a small rip, tear, or hole in your clothes, try repairing them instead of tossing them out. This will help you keep your garments in use longer and reduce the need for new clothes. Repairing or mending clothes might seem daunting at first, but our guide on The Basics of Mending Your Clothes should help you get started. You can also dye your less-worn clothes to give them a new life or tailor and upcycle them for a fresh look. For example, you could turn an oversized t-shirt into a trendy crop top or convert old jeans into a fashionable denim tote bag.
{{cta-join2}}
Choose Secondhand First
Secondhand shopping is a win-win for your wallet and the planet. It extends product lifecycles, reduces demand for new items, and conserves resources. You can find pre-loved clothes at thrift stores or online resale platforms. If you're already embracing this habit and want to take it up a notch, consider decluttering your wardrobe and selling your own clothes online.
5 Tips to Successfully Sell Your Clothes Online
Choose Natural Fabrics
Choose clothes made from natural fibers or the ones that have a very small percentage of synthetic fibers. While synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic offer benefits like water resistance and stretch, they're not the most sustainable choice. They're made from fossil fuels, shed microplastics when washed, and are hard to recycle. On the other hand, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are more sustainable and are a great way to build a planet-friendly wardrobe.
What Are Natural Fabrics? 7 Examples
Give Away Responsibly
Some brands offer buy-back programs for your old clothes if you'd rather not resell them online or donate to a thrift store. These 9 brands will take back your old clothes, then resell, recycle, or upcycle them depending on their condition. If your clothes are beyond salvaging, consider responsible disposal methods.
Responsible Ways to Get Rid of Clothes, Shoes, and Socks
When You Buy New, Pick Sustainable Brands
When buying new clothes, choose sustainable brands prioritizing natural fabrics and ethical labor practices. Look for companies that offer repair services and hold certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, Climate Neutral, and GOTS.
6 Brands Proving Sustainable Fashion Can Be Affordable
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
Join the community
