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In today's world, more and more people are becoming conscious of their impact on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, and it's becoming increasingly important to take steps to reduce our impact. One way to do this is by making more sustainable fashion choices. Here are some tips on how to find out if your clothes are sustainably made, and how to make your shopping habits more sustainable.
Check the materials: The materials that your clothes are made of have a big impact on the environment. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are made from non-renewable resources and don't biodegrade. Look for natural materials like organic cotton, linen, or wool, which are better for the environment.
Look for certifications: Many brands now carry certifications that indicate that their clothes are sustainably made. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade Certified, which indicate that the clothes were made using sustainable and ethical practices.
Research the brand: Do some research on the brands you buy from to see if they are committed to sustainability. Look for brands that use sustainable materials, have ethical manufacturing practices, and are transparent about their environmental impact.
There are also several resources and platforms that you can use to find out if your clothes are sustainably made. Platforms such as Good On You that actually rates fashion brands based on their impact on people, the planet, and animals. They provide a rating system, as well as detailed information about the brand's practices which is really handy for comparison. Ethical Consumer is also another website that provides information about the ethical and environmental records of different brands. It also publishes reports on different sectors of the fashion industry so you can be well-informed about what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite brands. Lastly, if you want a deeper dive into data, The Fashion Transparency Index is an annual report that assesses the transparency of fashion brands, providing information about the brand's supply chain and labour practices, this is also a great way to see if brands are greenwashing.
Buy second-hand: Buying second-hand clothes is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. By purchasing clothes that have already been made, you're keeping them out of the landfill and reducing the demand for new clothes.
Rent or borrow clothes: Another option is to rent or borrow clothes. This is a great way to try out new styles without committing to buying something new. There are many clothing rental services available now that allow you to rent designer clothes for a fraction of the cost of buying them.
Take care of your clothes: One of the most sustainable things you can do is to take care of the clothes you already own. Wash them less frequently, air dry them instead of using a dryer, and repair them when they need it.
Avoid trends: Fast fashion is driven by trends, which means that clothes quickly go out of style and end up in the landfill. Instead, look for timeless pieces that you can wear for years to come. Upcycling and transforming your already existing clothes into new pieces is a great way to tap into new trends without buying fast fashion.
By taking these steps, you can make your shopping habits more sustainable and reduce your impact on the environment. Remember, every small change makes a difference, and we all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable future.
Written by AI, adapted by Rosette Ale.