Sustainable Fashion

I believe sustainable fashion has become a trend, more than anything. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining. Even if it is a trend, there is still a growing awareness of the detriment of fast fashion, supporting unethical brands and not being at all aware of the impact that fast fashion has. But, it is more than just being sustainable – it is about being intentional with everything we consume. Let’s face it, we live in a world of consumerism and it is so easy to fall into the trap of more.

There are a few ways Fast Fashion is a detriment. Two, in particular that struck me as important. At phys.Org the University of Manchester writes:

“The fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter after aviation, accounting for up to 10% of global pollution. Despite the widely publicized environmental impacts, however, the industry continues to grow, in part due to the rise of fast fashion, which relies on cheap mass-manufacturing, frequent consumption and short-lived garment use.”

University of Manchester

Sustainable Fashion

The earth has always been important to me, nature playing a huge role in shaping who I am. It feels wrong, to disregard that for something as superficial as the clothes that I wear. At one point, it never occured to me. I just bought what I liked, especially if it was cheap. But, as the world keeps turning, becoming more chaotic and uncertain everyday, little things have been grabbing my attention.

Admittedly, it is hard to be completely 100% sustainable, because every time you wash your clothes, you are emitting some sort of carbon footprint. It is all the small steps, however, that are slowly coalescing into something bigger, into a movement that is actually making a difference, so do not lose hope!

Sustainable Fashion: What it is and why you should care

Starting, as in everything, is the hardest. It can get so overwhelming and confusing. When you really delve into what sustainable fashion entails, I usually get lost. So I though I would compile a list of the easiest steps you can take today, to start your journey into supporting the sustainable fashion industry, and not the exploits of the fast-fashion industry.

1. Pass on what you no longer use

What I am learning is, the easiest way to begin, is simply evaluate the items you already have. Go through them carefully, think of where they came from, how they serve you, if you wear them or even feel good in them. The ones you love stay, you take care of them, are careful with how you wash them and increase the lifespan of them. Besides, we have all heard of the Life changing Magic of Tidying up, it is truly a great place to start.

The ones you do not care for, that are not important to you, you pass them on. Give them to someone you know will enjoy them, who needs them and will use them. Don’t just toss them, that is contributing to the landfills and goes against everything you are trying to accomplish. Give them a chance to be used and loved by someone else. What isn’t you cup of tea, could easily be someone else’s.

2. Try fixing what is broken or worn out

I have this pair of shoes I have been holding on to for ages. I refuse to toss them, they still have so much life left in them, but the soul has rotted out. It feels way easier to just buy a new pair, but I can’t wrap my head around it. I love the pair I have, they are worn in and fit me comfortably. They are perfect for walking, I use them as paddock boots and I use them for town. They are kinda the perfect, versatile pair of boots and I really don’t want to throw them out.

I also have a pair of gorgeous wool pants that, sadly, have a rip in the crotch (it breaks my heart as they are vintage and just gorgeous). I am choosing to learn how to patch them, and to do so well, because they have a lot of life left in them as well and it would be a shame to get rid of them.

In doing this, I feel two things. Satisfaction at learning how to fix something, to give them new life. And content in knowing that I am trying to do my part. (I also, hate the thought of spending the money on something new, that I will probably not love as much)

3. Second Hand ALL the way

First of all, let me just tell you, the best clothes I have ever found, have all been secondhand. I think I only have one or two things I have bought brand new that I have loved and enjoyed as much as the curious items I have found in charity shops.

Still, even when shopping second hand I am careful with what I buy. What is the point in purchasing something, when you do not love it and probably will not wear it?

I think the greatest step we can take, slowing down the fashion industry, is to shift our focus from buying, just for the sake of it, to purchasing something because we need it, or truly love it.

Never buy something thinking, “Oh, it will be amazing when I lose 5 lb” or “I don’t love it, but I like it well enough. It may work with this or that”.

I’ve done that more than once and, let’s be honest, I still haven’t touched those clothes ( or I have grudgingly worn them when I really need to do laundry, but don’t want to.)

4. Slow Fashion

Buying new in the Slow Fashion world is, admittedly, not cheap. I don’t do it often. But when I am looking for a timeless, classic piece I will almost always go for a Slow Fashion brand or a Local Sustainable Fashion store. Things like leggings ( rarely wear them, so they last forever), underwear, I bought a beautiful blouse and a timeless dress.

Every time I have purchased something new from a Slow Fashion store, it has, without fail, become a treasured piece in my closet.

So while it can be more expensive it is worth every penny.

I would rather spend more money on one, quality item, then the same amount on a bunch of clothes that will fall apart with the first wash

My favourite Slow fashion Brand Right Now

I love the brand Kotn, I purchased a basic white t-shirt from them and I absolutely adore it (so comfy and soft!)

5. Be Conscious of what you are purchasing

There are many “quality” brands out there that completely disregard Ethical, Moral or Sustainable standards. Always make sure to be aware of what materials they use.

Search for Organic Cotton, recycled material, vegan, Tencel, lensing, and hemp etc! There are so many options out there.

My favourites are linen, bamboo and cotton. I choose to be careful with cotton and try to look for as unprocessed as I can. When buying second hand I usually look for wool, mostly because I love it and it lasts forever.

There so many ways to take actionable steps today. Just choose one, start small, but at least start!

I will link a few great resources, ones that have helped me start in seeking simple and sustainable. I love reading blogs, books and watching videos on it all and I have learned so much through others with a passion for being mindful in every aspect of their lives. Here are a few awesome resources I love

Blogs

• Jessica Rose Williams

• Sustainable Fashion Matterz

Youtube

• Sarah Therese
• Jinti Fell
• Jessica Rose Williams

Instagram

Olivia Megan @livslarder_ (more so on slower living, going back to our roots. I love this woman and what she shares!)

Nanhe @nanhes.jungle (searching for a slow and authentic life)

There are so many more amazing people to share, but these are some of my favourites right now. People who inspire me to keep seeking a simple, sustainable life and who are beautiful souls to follow and support. I would love to hear about those who have supported you, who you have learned from and who you are loving to follow right now!

With love,

Faye Wilde