#susatainable fashion

[halfmoonramblings-blog]

Ways to Make Better and More Sustainable Shopping Decisions

Do you like keeping up with trends? If you do, read on.

The 21st century saw the rise of consumerism to another level. Most of the products in the market nowadays would not last for several months, either because of poor quality or they go out of fashion. It gives consumers reasons to buy and discard easily. Latest trends dictate the ever-present need to keep up with what’s in, which is not generally a bad thing until it becomes rampant and out of control. 

This cycle of buying and discarding does not only impact the social and economic aspects of one’s life. It also brings in huge environmental repercussions, with companies scrambling to meet demands without considering how it affects the world. Now more than ever, consumers should be aware of their purchasing habits and do more to improve product sustainability footprints, where every chain in the creation of the product has certain consequences. So, how do you make sure you are making better and more sustainable shopping decisions?

Doing Your Research

The move to ethical and sustainable shopping can only be realized if you are well-informed about the products you are using and buying. Do your part by conducting your own research. There are many traceable companies that give transparency on their production, from the harvesting of raw materials to transporting the finished products to your local stores. Traceability safeguards every person involved in the production of the products. In the case of clothing, you will be able to trace how your T-shirt was produced. Knowing where it came from, whose hands touched it, and whether they were well-compensated can put things into perspective.

Photo by Charles Etoroma

Making Use of Consumer Tools

Shopping for products with specific environmental and social is the number one consideration when it comes to sustainable purchasing. Make sure that you do your part as a consumer by checking if the products you’re buying meet the standards. Consumer tools like environmental labels can help you identify greener, healthier products. Look out for labels like ECOLOGO, Energy Star, EPEAT, Fair Trade, GREENGUARD, and many others.

Checking the Latest Statistics

Another way to put things into perspective is to know your numbers. Check the latest statistics on the CO2 emissions produced by the apparel and textile industry each year. How many trees are cut down to make cellulose fabrics? How many companies don’t know the origins of their raw materials? You’ll realize how bad it gets each year. Companies try to keep up with constant demand for new inexpensive clothes by exploiting third world countries and turning to safe labor. Keeping abreast with the latest statistics will inspire you even more to make sustainable shopping decisions.  

Photo by Christian Fregnan

Choosing Quality over Quantity

It might sound like a no-brainer, but hoarding clothes and the latest gadgets do not really help. It only costs you more money and enables companies to have more reasons to keep up the race to the bottom. Instead of investing in several inexpensive clothes, for example, you can shop for high-quality clothes that you know will last for several years. That way, you are saving money in the long run and stemming the rampant consumerism tendencies.

Considering Second-hand Stores

It is no secret that many clothes go to waste each year as people keep up with the latest trends, discarding the old ones that go out of style and replacing them with the hottest fashion pieces. You can help minimize the waste and fashion footprint by opting for second-hand stores to hunt for your wardrobe update. They usually sell at a fraction of their original price – a win-win for all.

Photo by Ashim D’Silva

Learning When to Say Enough

Overconsumption is a vice. Learn to draw the line and stop buying more things than you need. Be creative with your choices and mix and match what you already have in your closet. Love what you already have. Aside from letting your personal style shine, this practice can free your budget to let you take on experienced-based hobbies like traveling.

Getting More from Your Clothes

Knowing what your clothes are made of will help you better take care of them, which in turn makes them last longer. Get more from your clothes by determining whether they are made of silk, cotton, polyester, etc. and care for them accordingly. It’s also helpful to learn how to sew and mend your clothes and minimize the need to easily replace them when they only lose a button.

It’s easy to take the complexity of producing many of the products and goods you enjoy for granted when you are far removed from their history and origin. By being aware of sustainable actions when it comes to your shopping decisions, you can do a lot to help planet earth and improve society. Remember, a simple step is already a great start.