Sustainable Fashion
I have loved clothing ever since I can remember. It is possible I may have come out of the womb excited about what outfit I was going to wear home from the hospital. In 1st grade I would bring home sketchbooks full of outfits complete with color swatches. While I devour fashion I also grew up in a sustainably conscious home where I was taught the importance of being mindful of my impact on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world and fast fashion is a major contributor to this. It seemed my love of fashion and moral obligation to protect the planet were always at odds. While the Fashion industry as a whole has its flaws there are ways to approach style and fashion from a sustainably conscious standpoint, little changes can make big differences in our carbon footprint.
Renting clothing is a more sustainable option for experimenting with different styles, trying out new trends, or simply having something fun to wear to an event. I have rented from Nuuly and Rent the Runway, both have been wonderful experiences. Renting also saves you money in the long run allowing you to wear higher quality, more expensive clothing at a lower price because you are sharing it.
Another great option is shopping second hand. I love visiting local consignment stores and using services like Poshmark or ThreadUp to find unique pieces that are new to me. By shopping second hand, you can help reduce the demand for new clothing and give new life to pieces that might have otherwise gone to waste. Even simply trying to shop less frequently and investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years to come makes a difference. Consider when you are shopping supporting brands that have a sustainable ethos and use eco-friendly materials in their products.
As we approach Earth Day, I think it’s important to remember that small changes can make a big difference. By incorporating sustainable fashion practices into your life, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future. Commit to second hand shopping even just for a month or challenge yourself to rent clothing for a special event instead of buying something new. You can also donate any clothing you no longer wear to local thrift or consignment stores. Remember that small changes have a big impact! Let’s Celebrate Earth Day by making more conscious fashion choices and supporting sustainable practices.