Fast fashion is the second largest consumer of the world water supply makes up about 10% of all humanities carbon emissions. Not to mention the amount of waste that comes from buying clothes, shoes, purses and even more! Each year more that 100 billion garments are manufactured with about $450 billion worth of textiles thrown in the trash. When it comes pollution, waste, and even labor laws, the impact of fast fashion on out world is definitely something to look out for.
Now that we know the influence of fast fashion on our environment, how do we shop sustainably and ethically to avoid fast fashion?
Here are some of my top tips along with my favorite places to make your closet more environment friendly and sustainable.
1. Shop at Thrift Stores, Consignment Stores, and Resale Sites
Buying clothes from a local thrift store or even a resale store online can make a huge positive impact on your wardrobe, and your wallet too. Purchasing clothes second hand is an extremely easy way to combat clothing waste and shop brands you know and love. My favorite places to shop second hand are Depop, Thredup, Poshmark, local consignment stores, and especially small business stores through instagram that resell clothing items.
2. Buy From Sustainable and Eco-friendly Brands
If you want to buy clothes, shoes, and purses first hand, shopping from brands that are fast fashion friendly are a great way to go. There are many clothing brands that use eco friendly materials and fabrics making the whole store an ethical place to shop. Some sustainable clothing brands I like are Everlane, Patagonia, Reformation, Levi's, ADAY, Amour Vert, Urban Renewal, Nube, Whimsy+Row, and Girlfriend Collective.
3. Upcycle What You Already Have!
Upcycling your own clothes lets you be creative with what you already have and trasforms an item. You can upcycle clothes in a number of ways, like cutting/cropping the item or adding something with sewing of fabric paint. Upcycling creates a more sustainable wardrobe and brings a unique, personal touch to your clothing.
With many ways to shop sustainably and ethically, helping to eliminate fast fashion is easier than ever. When it comes to helping reduce your carbon footprint with fashion it is not about being perfect, but it is about trying your best. Fashion trends come and go, but a clean planet is always trendy!
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