How to Take Your Sustainable Fashion Game to the Next Level
Do you shop at thrift stores, swap clothes with friends or have a streamlined, capsule wardrobe? You may feel like you have gone above and beyond on sustainability, and you have! You’re definitely more sustainable than the average consumer and your friends probably come to you when they are trying to up their sustainable fashion game. If you’re looking to take it a bit further, here are some tips on how to make your already sustainable closet even more so!
How frequently do you wash your clothes?
You don’t need to let your clothes smell bad or look dirty before you wash them, but sometimes you may wear something for an hour or never leave your house. If that is the case, put it back up on the shelf for another wear. Not only will this extend the life of your clothes but also wastes less water and electricity.
What products do you use to wash your clothes?
Using eco-friendly detergent and buying detergent that comes with sustainable packaging is a great way to wash your clothes in a way that is better for the environment. Washing your clothes in the netted bags sometimes provided with something very delicate can help extend the life of certain items of clothing as well. Next time you’re up for a new washing machine, check out the machines that weigh what you have and only use enough water for the weight.
Do you buy clothes that have little impact on the environment?
There is a study that was released in March 2020 that shows that we release more fibers when we wear our products than when we wash them. Are you buying products that release toxic fibers into the environment without even knowing it? Science Daily reports, “The polyester/cotton garment showed the greatest release during both washing and wearing, with a woven polyester one releasing the least quantity of microfibres.” Choose your fabrics wisely and you will be not only doing the environment a favor but your wallet too! Your clothes are sure to last longer when they are cared for properly.
If possible, buy products that don't have to travel a very long distance to make their way to you.
As always, traveling long distances has an impact on the environment so buying products that were made locally is definitely a more sustainable purchase than buying products that traveled across the world. If you find yourself ordering something online that you could get from a local boutique or business, set aside time to pick it up locally. That way, you are reducing carbon emissions and supporting local business!
Check out the wages behind your products.
It is not sustainable if someone cannot sustain themselves on their work aka your purchase. Buying from companies that verify wages is one way to do it. While buying second hand doesn’t help at the source, it prevents more slave made clothing from entering the supply chain. At Montie & Joie this is the most important thing we can do. What is a beautiful environment if the people who live in it cannot enjoy it? A quick way to learn more information about why this is important is to watch The True Cost.
As you look for more ways to live a sustainable lifestyle, consider shopping with Montie & Joie. It is our mission to empower people to use their purchasing power for good. Not only do we support second hand apparel, but we create jobs for women in Guatemala and Kenya. Each purchase you make helps us further that mission.
It’s likely that you’re already implementing some of these hacks to your sustainable wardrobe. Other tips might be new for you to try out. Whether you need to start buying more locally, washing less frequently, or purchasing from brands with fair wages, now is your chance to level up your game and gain more momentum on your sustainable journey. We know just the place to get you started. Head on over to our shop to explore your next level, wardrobe options.
