The fashion industry, fast fashion, in particular, has fallen under fire for environmentally damaging impacts and a lack of sustainability. While the average consumer cannot fully curb these effects, there are some things you can do to reduce the effect your closet has on the world.
Extend Wear ability
One of the most environmentally damaging aspects of modern fashion is that it has limited wear ability in changing styles and how long the products hold up. By donating out-of-style clothing, upcycling your items or even repairing damaged leather Scottsdale AZ goods, you can extend the wear ability of virtually everything in your wardrobe. Repairing instead of replacing clothing reduces the amount of water and land your clothes represent, as well as your carbon footprint and the amount of landfill space packed with fast fashion items.
Shop Sustainably
Environmentally conscious shopping is as much about your habits as the company practices of the stores you frequent. Online shopping can help reduce the amount of carbon your errands produce. Still, if you order multiple sizes or frequently return unwanted and unused items, you ultimately add to the carbon production. Research the environmental efforts of the brands you buy and the stores you frequent, order what you will use and reduce the number of things you purchase to increase sustainability.
Wash Efficiently
Did you know that, unless items are visibly soiled, you do not have to wash most of your clothes after only one use? Energy and water-efficient washing machines, keeping the load size in the optimum range and hang-drying your clothes when possible can also help you wash your clothing more efficiently and sustainably. Wearing pants for two or three days between washes can lower the amount of water you use and keep more chemicals out of the system.
While the fashion industry concentrates on increasing sustainability and reducing environmental impact, there are some things you can do to help at home. By researching your shopping, extending the wear ability of clothing, and extending the length of time between washes, you can reduce the water and energy waste that goes into making and cleaning clothes.
