We all want to be more considerate when it comes to our wardrobes, but admittedly it’s difficult to know how to be more sustainable. Really, though, if you’re making an active effort to be more ethical, that’s the first step. To help you on your way to becoming stylishly sustainable, we’ve done our homework to bring you seven simple ways to start your thoughtful journey.
GET THE WEAR
Chances are, you’ve probably already heard of the 30 wears test. Essentially, it’s a social media movement encouraging users to get at least 30 wears out of every garment they own. We suggest going through your wardrobe, pin-pointing pieces you haven’t worn in some time, and working out why that is. From now on, before you make a fashion purchase, ask yourself whether you can see yourself getting 30 wears out of it. If the answer is no, you need to revaluate it.
REPAIR AND REPURPOSE
What do you do when you find a hole in your clothing? If you’re anything like us, chances are it winds up in the laundry basket where it’ll loom in the darkness, only to be thrown out at a later time. Instead, learn how to repair your clothes and accessories – or, if you’re not DIY-inclined, pay a professional to do it. Regardless, think twice before using it as an excuse to buy something new.
WASH WITH CARE
It’s all too easy to wear something once, add it to the washing pile and chuck it into the machine. Before you do, however, take a moment to question whether the item actually requires washing. Washing machines require copious amounts of water and energy to do their thing. This directly effects the environment from the moment you switch it on. Wash less and at cooler temperatures for a immediate way of minimising your carbon footprint.
DONATE OR SWAP YOUR UNWANTED CLOTHES
To make your wardrobe more sustainable, you must minimise your waste. Thousands of tonnes of clothing are sent to landfills each year, with governments buckling under pressure to dispose of our unwanted garments. Instead of thoughtlessly throwing away pre-worn pieces, consider donating them to a worthy cause instead. That, or arrange a clothing swap with your closest friends.