Opt Out Of Fast Fashion

The fast fashion industry is one of the most damaging to the planet. While few organisations can agree on the exact impact it has, everyone agrees that it needs to adapt in order to mitigate its negative impact.

The fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions every year and it’s estimated that it uses around 1.5 trillion litres of water annually. On top of this, the industry expels chemicals as a byproduct of manufacturing. These chemicals are frequently found to be entering the fresh water supply, which means these clothes are directly impacting our health.

Until the industry starts to take accountability for the impact it has, we can make changes at home to reduce how much we add to the need for cheap and fast clothing.

Buy Second Hand Clothes

Shopping for second hand clothes used to have a stigma attached to it. Now, it’s the responsible and fashionable thing to do. With sites like Thrift+ and Vinted you can even shop second hand from the comfort of your home. There’s nothing quite like finding the dress of your dreams at a local charity shop either. You get a bargain and normalising buying second hand sends the message that we don’t need more cheap clothing in the market. By choosing second hand it’s estimated that with about 600 kilos of used clothes bought there will be a reduction of 2250 kilos of CO2 emissions, 3.6 billion litres of water saved and the equivalent of 144 trees planted.

Shop your own closet

How many times have you sorted through your wardrobe and picked something up that has the tags on? We’ve definitely done it, I’m willing to bet there’s something in our wardrobe that has the tags on. We buy things for special occasions, keep things we’ll fit into someday and hold on to sentimental items. This means that chances are whatever outfit you’re trying to make, you already have exactly what you need. Shopping your own wardrobe saves the planet and saves your bank balance, definitely make it a habit to shop your own wardrobe before you hit the shops.

Rent Clothing

Looking for the perfect dress to wear to that wedding or fancy do? Instead of buying an expensive dress or suit you’ll only wear once – rent it! There are plenty of services online where you can shop for the perfect outfit to borrow. You’ll only wear it once, so why spend all of your cash and contribute to the production of more clothing.

A quick look online and you’ll be able to find a service near you. You’ll be amazed at what you can borrow and how much you can save. What’s not to like!