Fashion, But Make It Sustainable

There is something about the start of a new year that brings a different level of ambition and dedication to marking off goals and resolutions. There could be several things you want to hone in on this year, including your wardrobe. However, it is vital to find ways to accomplish it sustainably.

Simply being more intentional with what you buy and what pieces you own can make a world of difference not only in your closet but also in our environment. Fast fashion is something that has slowly but surely crept up. With the rise of online stores such as Shein and Temu, it makes it easy to keep up with new trends for great prices, but at what cost?

Trendy clothes that do not last past a season create pollution, not only to create the clothing but also in their afterlife. They fill landfills by the tons and even take over thrift stores, sometimes getting a higher price tag than the original. On top of that, the clothes have been exposed for being made in horrid conditions. 

Think about when a garment from a company like this does not fit: do you attempt to return it or do you toss it to the back of the closet?

We are not here to shame but to bring awareness to the issue and offer some alternatives because at the end of the day who does not love a good deal? Buying clothes that have a longer life, such as better quality basics and jeans, will save you money in the long run and prevent so many garments from ending up in the trash. According to theroundup.org, "as much as 92 million tons of clothing ends up in landfills," and "only 20% of textiles are collected for reuse or recycling globally."

If you have clothes you don't want and you don't think anyone else will want them, look into recycling them. H&M's recycling program allows you to earn 15% off your next purchase. H&M has some great basic pieces that, from experience, have lasted a few years, and I know they have a few more years to go. 

According to Theconsciouschallenge.org, "to produce just one cotton shirt requires approximately three thousand liters of water." When you put it that way, you may start looking at your closet a little differently and may want to be more intentional with what you put in it. 

If you have clothes that you don't want, and you don't think anyone else will want them either, look into recycling them. H&M's recycling program allows you to earn 15% off your next purchase. H&M has some basic pieces that, from experience, have lasted a few years, and I know they have a few more years to go. And, of course, there are other alternatives, such as thrifting and clothes swapping.

Photo credit: The Donkey Sanctuary via Flickr