Let’s start here. What is sustainable fashion? How does Sustainable Fashion impact the world? Sustainable fashion is a term used to describe clothing, accessories and lifestyle products that are designed, produced, and distributed in an environmentally responsible way. It takes into consideration the entire lifecycle of a product, from the sourcing of raw materials, to the manufacturing process, to the end of life of the product. Sustainable fashion not only reduces the environmental impact of fashion, but also supports the social and economic development of communities. From upcycling vintage pieces to using natural fibers, sustainable fashion is a growing movement that is making a positive impact on our planet.
1.Shop Second-Hand: Buying second-hand clothes from thrift stores, vintage stores and online marketplaces is an easy and affordable way to add sustainable pieces to your wardrobe. The most obvious benefit of shopping second-hand is a financial one. Buying second hand often allows you to find items of a quality that you wouldn’t be able to afford if you were to purchase them new. In addition to this, purchasing second hand items is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. By buying second hand items, you are extending the life cycle of an item and preventing it from ending up in a landfill. This is great for reducing waste, as well as for preserving natural resources. Finally, another benefit of purchasing second hand items is the ability to find unique and interesting pieces that you may not be able to find elsewhere. Shopping for second hand items can be a great way to find unique pieces that have a special story behind them. My favorite second hand shop is Plato’s Closet. Find a Platos location near you!
2. Shop Sustainable Brands: Doing your research and investing in brands that are certified sustainable is a great way to ensure that you’re making a conscious decision when buying clothes.Many sustainable brands now have dedicated websites and social media accounts that highlight their sustainable efforts. Look for certifications from organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard or the Forest Stewardship Council. These certifications can help you identify brands that are committed to sustainable practices. Support local businesses. Look for small, independent businesses in your area that are committed to sustainability. Shop at second hand stores or consignment shops. You can find gently used items from sustainable brands at these stores, which helps reduce the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry.
3. Choose Natural Fabrics: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and hemp are more sustainable than synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon that are made from plastic. Using sustainable fabrics is an important part of creating a more sustainable future. Sustainable fabrics are materials created from natural, renewable resources like organic cotton, hemp, and linen. These fabrics are not only more environmentally friendly, but also often healthier for people who wear them since they are free of synthetic chemicals. Sustainable fabrics are also more durable and last longer than traditional fabrics. When purchasing clothing and other items, it is important to consider the material used and choose fabrics that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
4. Repair and Mend: Instead of throwing away clothes that are damaged, take the time to repair and mend them. Repairing and mending clothes instead of throwing them out is an excellent way to incorporate sustainability into your wardrobe. Doing so helps to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills and can give new life to an old favorite. Even if you have no prior experience with sewing, there are plenty of tutorials and guides available online that can help you learn the basics. Additionally, many local sewing stores offer classes and workshops for people who want to learn more about repairing and mending clothes. Not only is repairing and mending a great way to stay sustainable, but it can also save you a lot of money in the long run.
5. Invest in Timeless Pieces: Investing in timeless pieces that won’t go out of style is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your wardrobe and reduce the amount of clothes you need to buy. This is also a great way to incorporate sustainability into any wardrobe. Timeless pieces are items that never go out of style, such as a classic trench coat or a little black dress. These types of pieces are an investment because they can be worn for years and still look fashionable. Investing in timeless pieces means you won’t have to buy new items every season and you can easily mix and match them with current trends. Not only is investing in timeless pieces a sustainable choice, but it is also an economical decision as these items will last longer and be used more often.
6. Buy Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to invest in quality pieces that will last longer and be more sustainable than buying cheap, fast-fashion items that you’ll only wear a few times. Quality items last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often. This reduces the amount of resources and energy needed to produce new clothing. Additionally, investing in quality items often means these clothing items are made with more sustainable materials and techniques, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics. Quality pieces also tend to fit better and look more stylish, so you won’t need to buy new items as often. Investing in quality items is a great way to be more sustainable while still looking fashionable.
7. Try a Clothing Swap: Organize a clothing swap with your friends or your local community can create outreach within your community. A clothing swap is a great way to incorporate sustainability into the wardrobes of your community. It allows people to exchange clothing items that they no longer need or want for something that they will use. It helps to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills, while at the same time providing people with a chance to freshen up their wardrobe with something new. Additionally, clothing swaps can be a great way to build relationships in the community, as they provide an opportunity for people to meet and share their interests. It also encourages people to think more deeply about their clothing decisions, and to be more conscientious of their purchases in the future.
8. The 30#Wears Challenge: Embrace repeat outfits. The 30#Wears Challenge is an innovative way to incorporate sustainability into one’s wardrobe. This challenge encourages individuals to wear each item of clothing at least 30 times before considering replacing it. This challenge is a great way to reduce waste and save money, while also helping the environment. By buying fewer items of clothing, we can reduce the amount of water, energy, and resources used in the production process. Additionally, wearing clothes more often helps to prolong their lifespans, thus reducing the amount of clothing that is thrown away, which is a major contributor to the global waste crisis. Furthermore, the 30#Wears Challenge encourages people to be more creative with their wardrobe and think outside the box when it comes to styling their looks. Overall, the 30#Wears Challenge is a great way to help reduce waste and live more sustainably. Download the 30wearschallenge app today!
9. Fold Heavy Sweaters and Clothes: Folding heavy sweaters can be a great way to save the integrity of your clothing and make them last longer. Sweaters can often be delicate, so folding them can help to prevent stretching or pulling of the fabric, which can damage the sweater over time. Folding also creates a more organized look, making it easier to store and find the clothing you need when you need it. Folding heavy sweaters can also help reduce wrinkles and keep them looking fresh for longer. All in all, folding heavy sweaters is an easy way to keep your clothing looking great for years to come.
10. Choose Sustainable Garments: You can start by looking at the tag on the article of clothing. When choosing sustainable garments, the first step is to research the materials used to make the garment. Look for products made from fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and Tencel, which are all renewable and biodegradable materials. Additionally, try to purchase items made with recycled fabrics, such as recycled polyester or wool. Another important factor to consider is the company’s ethical practices. Look for companies that use eco-friendly dyes and processes, such as natural dyeing, or that use fair labor practices in the production of the garment. Finally, consider the longevity of the garment- opting for higher-quality items that can be worn for years, rather than those that will quickly fall apart and need to be replaced.
Athens and Company is dedicated to providing sustainable fashion and other products that are made using ethical and environmentally friendly practices by makers and artisans from around the globe. Our makers and artisans strive to use all natural and recycled materials, such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp, to create their products. All of our brands prioritize fair labor practices, supporting local artisans and small-scale producers. Athens & Company is committed to reducing our carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and using recycled packaging materials whenever possible. We believe that sustainability is essential for the future of fashion and business, so both we and our makers and artisans strive to make our products as ethical and sustainable as possible.
Live sustainably,
Christina Joy