We are harming the world with our lifestyles and fashion is part of the problem. Yes, I know I sell fashion but it is vintage and sustainable and I still suggest we all buy less, but buy better.
Fast fashion is ruining the world. Literally. Clothes go in landfill, cotton farming is harming the environment and plastics are choking our oceans and beaches. We can do better. Go and watch Stacey Dooley's documentaryFashion's Dirty Secretsto find out more, if you haven't already seen it.
Here are our five ways to shop more sustainably.
1. Shop better and wear more of what is in your wardrobe
Last year 350,000 tonnes of clothing in the UK was sent to landfill sites. It will now sit there for who knows how long. Probably centuries. Try and invest in less and better quality. I know price is an issue but if you add up the cost of all your cheaper pieces you can probably buy a better made piece of vintage that will last you longer. We all love trends but investment dressing (sounds boring, but it works) is better for us all. You don't need to stop shopping but just stop and think before purchase (I can't believe I am saying this!).
If you are reading this blog post the chances are that you already buy vintage. It really does lessen your carbon footprint and environmental impact, plus you get to wear stuff that nobody else will be wearing. No chance of going to a party and seeing your sartorial twin across the room. Also, generally speaking the clothes and jewellery are better made and will last longer.
If you want to support new designers, as well as buying vintage, then look for brands that use upcycled materials. E.L.V. denim upcycles all its denim products for example by creating their jeans from vintage deadstock ones.
4. Try different beauty brands
Some of the sustainable beauty brands to try are Aurelia, Aveda, Kjaer Weis, The Body Shop, L’Occitane, Dr Hauschka, Manasi 7, Burt’s Bees, Neighbourhood Botanicals and Lush. Try and choose organic and plastic-free products. Try and avoid silicone and petroleum. Bottles that have a simple ingredients list and are certified organic are good to try. The big brands such as LVMH, Estée Lauder, Unilever and L’Oréal have all made clear recently their policies on sustainability, reducing water use, waste reduction and respecting biodiversity.
5. Watch out for plastic on the label
Polyester, nylon and rayon are plastics. Avoid them in new clothing as single-use plastic is a huge issue facing our planet. All those sports and leisurewear trends...not good. Aim to buy activewear clothing made from natural fibres. Look for Tencel, bamboo and Cupro. They are all natural and will biodegrade.
