We all love the elation of buying a beautiful new addition to our wardrobe. A new jacket, purse, or set of earrings can brighten up any day and add a stylish new look to your collection.
But have you really looked at the environmental impact behind your purchase?
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with fast fashion being one of the biggest culprits. That’s why at Natural Nuance we are sharing some of our favorite ways to reduce your fashion footprint and create a more sustainable wardrobe without sacrificing style!
Instead of buying new clothing or dumping your gently used fashion items into the trash bin, look at ways you can recycle your clothing, purses, and other items. Here are some ideas for reusing your clothes:
- Buy from, or donate to, secondhand shops. There is a huge range of secondhand shops that sell quality clothing, purses, and other items that can still be worn and used for years to come.
- Swap items in a collective. An economic and eco-friendly way to add some life to your wardrobe, you can organize or join a clothes swap to offload some clothes you aren’t interested in anymore and find some new gems.
- Rent clothes. Clothes and fashion rental sites are growing in popularity, especially if it is for clothing or items you don’t anticipate wearing for a long time (like pregnancy clothing or party outfits). By renting clothes or other items, you can renew your wardrobe with quality items with less of an environmental impact.
In the world of fast fashion, it can be really easy to buy a cheap shirt or purse, and just replace it in a couple of months when the seams have ripped out or they have lost their shape or appeal.
But with the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles being burned or taken to a landfill every second, fast fashion is a trend that simply can’t continue. Higher quality pieces may have a higher price tag, but with that also comes a product that is designed to last long-term and create less of an impact on the environment.
With Facebook and Instagram ads populating our feeds, it can be really easy to make impulse purchases. Another denim jacket to add to the three already hanging in your closet? Done. Another cute summertime purse to add to your collection? Bought.
But before you make your next instant purchase, consider the intention behind that buy. Is it something that you need or will treasure in the years to come? Is it made with good quality and from a sustainable brand, or is it simply fast fashion that won’t make it through the year?
These are all thoughts to consider before you make your next purchase. Don’t just ‘add to cart’ because something is cute, but foster intention behind each buy.
More and more fashion brands are taking into account the environmental and social impact of their production. When you go to buy from a brand, take a moment to see how transparent they are when it comes to their ethos and ethical responsibilities.
You should easily be able to find out information about their supply chain, impact on the environment, where they manufacture, and fair wages to workers.
At Natural Nuance, we value style and sustainability over a fast fashion look. Reducing your fashion footprint is not a one-time thing, but a life-long commitment. Join us in our commitment to circularity.
