5 Ways To Quit Fast Fashion & Save The Planet

eco friendly fashion
As society becomes more aware of how our actions contribute to climate change and the pollution of our planet, people are looking for ways to live more sustainably. One of the many contributors to climate change and pollution is the fashion industry, more specifically fast fashion.

Fast fashion refers to cheap clothing made quickly, often in non-eco-friendly ways, by well-known brands to keep up with the latest trends. If you are looking to quit fast fashion to decrease your impact on climate change (and save some money), good for you!

Here are 5 tips to help you move on from consuming fast fashion!

#1 – Shop at Consignment Stores

If quitting fast fashion cold turkey is too difficult, consider shopping at vintage stores or luxury consignment stores – if that is more to your liking. This practice is not only environmentally friendly, it will also help your wallet as the prices are always significantly less than RRP.

If you’re willing to spend time browsing, you may even find clothes with the tags intact, or unique vintage items that you can be guaranteed nobody else will be wearing.

When you don’t buy new clothes, you don’t contribute to fast fashion as much by limiting waste, and you can be proud of your eco-friendly practice. Additionally, some vintage and thrift stores also support charities, so you can feel even better about buying from them.

#2 – Invest in High-Quality Pieces

There are times when purchasing new clothes is necessary, as not everything will always be found at a thrift shop. If this is the case, consider buying a higher quality piece that you know will last for a long time.

Sure, you can probably find a $30 pair of boots that could last for a few months to a year, but if you are willing to spend more on a high-quality pair, they could last for many years. While you may have to pay more upfront, this practice saves money and prevents creating waste down the line as you won’t have to purchase and throw out the worn-out items as often.

#3 – Research Your Favourite Brands’ Practices

We all have favourite clothing brands whose clothing fits just right or suits your style. It’s important to do your research to find out if your favourite companies are sustainable, ethical and eco-friendly. This includes using organic, recycled and sustainable materials and ensuring the clothing is made in safe environments by respected, adequately-paid employees.

If your favourite company contributes to the problems of fast fashion more than you would like, perhaps it’s time to shop there less frequently, or not at all.

eco friendly fashion

#4 – Rent Clothing You’ll Only Wear Once

There are occasions in life that require a special outfit, including attending a wedding, going to a formal or dressing up for the races. Instead of buying something you will only wear once and get rid of afterward, you can look into renting outfits for these special occasions.

A simple web search can uncover online renting websites like The Volte, or nearby stores that rent dresses, suits, and special occasion outfits. Not only will you save money, but you can also wear it without worrying about contributing to fast fashion and waste!

#5 – Recycle Your Unwanted Clothing

Inevitably, there will come a time when the clothing in your wardrobe must go. Whether you have worn it out, it no longer fits, or it just isn’t something you will ever wear again (no matter how many times you tell yourself you will), it’s time to say goodbye.

Before you simply throw it in the rubbish however, consider recycling your clothing. You can either offer your unwanted clothing to friends and family, sell it online, bring it to a store that recycles textiles, or donate it to a charity.

All of these options are eco-friendly and can provide peace of mind when getting rid of unwanted clothing. Think of new ways you could wear it also, such as re-purposing an old scarf as a belt.

MORE – Sustainability: Second-Hand Shopping Is Officially ‘In’

MORE – Sustainability Series: 5 Tips To Choosing Clothing Wisely

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