Affording a Sustainable Closet: Tips & Tricks
We build wardrobes as a form of self-expression. Clothes go beyond just the function of protective articles, especially since the fashion industry continues to be a powerful force. People use clothes and accessories to express, empower, and inspire—making it both necessary and artistic.
Although the beauty of fashion is undeniable, it’s important to realize that the industry has also been negatively impacting the environment. According to an article by The Guardian, fashion consumes nearly 1.5 trillion litres of water annually. It’s also responsible for 10% of all global carbon emissions, effectively making it responsible for the damaging effects of climate change.
To help curb the negative impacts of fashion, people have been moving towards sustainable consumption. This move has paved the way for conscious closets to emerge, which means spending a little more time and love prolonging your already existing wardrobe.
There’s more to an environmentally sustainable fashion closet, however, so we present you some tips and tricks to affording a conscious closet you can enjoy for the years to come:
Tip #1: Shop Secondhand
Building a sustainable wardrobe may seem expensive to do, but it doesn’t have to be. It pays to pay more for ethically sourced and made pieces, but you can always consult your local thrift stores and flea markets for new clothing articles. Clothes that already exist have more chances of ending up in landfills across the globe, so it’s best to make some room and welcome them into your closet.
You can also opt to give your own clothing items away as donations, or perhaps swap with friends to spruce up your style. The best thing about shopping secondhand is that there’s no one way to do it!
Tip #2: Take Good Care of Your Clothes
Washing machines and dryers have been created for a reason—they’re incredibly convenient, especially for the people constantly on the go. Unfortunately, using them often isn’t environmentally friendly. The sheer force and energy applied with every cycle are not good for your clothes, either, effectively shortening their lifespan.
Washing your clothes often is standard practice, but this should only be done for those items that get extremely dirty and sweaty—like your socks, underwear and gym clothes. Anything else can be used twice or thrice a week before washing, ensuring that fibres and dyes remain intact. Not only do you save litres upon litres of water, but you also prolong your clothes’ life!
Tip #3: Reframe Your Mindset Towards Contentment
Shopping sustainably and taking good care of your wardrobe are sustainable practices, but it’s important to address the problem of fashion wastage at the root. Simply put, you need to take your consumerism patterns into account.
To build a truly sustainable closet, you need to think about what you already have in your closet, and how each reflects your personal style and values. Everything else must be donated away, but you need to make sure to shop sparingly. You don’t have to have a lot of clothes to look and feel stylish.
Invest in Ethical Clothing Brands in Melbourne
Creating a sustainable closet may seem like a daunting idea, but it doesn’t have to be. It may seem uncomfortable to spend a little more on clothes than you normally would, or perhaps visit local thrift stores when you haven’t before.
The concerns are valid, but the impacts of your decisions today can go a long way. You will eventually learn a little more about yourself in the process, especially when it comes to honing your ultimate form of self-expression.
For beauty, fashion, and even sustainable sleepwear in Australia, Stride is the place to trust. We are the go-to destination for everything ethical and environment-friendly, offering items that cater to everyone. Shop your new favourites today!