Given these grave concerns, is it really possible for anyone to shop sustainably?
The first, and in many ways most important, step is to just make the decision to slow down your consumption and production of fashion by adopting sustainable clothing and shopping ethically.
1-Buy less, buy better: Although it's better for the environment to avoid shopping altogether or to choose used and hand-me-down items instead of brand-new ones, these options might not always be available. As a result, attempt to purchase fewer, higher-quality products from brands that practice sustainability. The detrimental effects that our clothing purchases have on the environment and society can be reduced by exercising caution when choosing what and where to buy.
Nonetheless, the majority of fashion retailers are unable to ensure the sustainability of their clothing because they do not have complete control over the supply chain. This implies that buyers need to exercise caution and make well-informed decisions for themselves.
Both recycling and renting clothes are viable options, but keep in mind that recycling textiles can be costly and has an impact on the environment in terms of both the materials used and the carbon footprint.
In the event that you choose to rent clothing, stay away from online delivery-focused services. Similarly, if you must buy clothing online, stay away from fast fashion websites like Temu and instead buy straight from reliable manufacturers.
2. Repair, reuse, and recycle: Extending the life of your clothes by wearing them for a number of years and fixing them when needed instead of throwing them away can also be a great way to lessen the environmental impact of your wardrobe. In the long run, saving money on a pair of professionally repaired jeans will probably be less expensive than purchasing a new pair.
Outdoor gear company Patagonia, with headquarters in California, promotes "repair, reuse, and recycle" among its customers. Since 1993, they have acted as role models by employing materials composed of recycled bottles, among other materials.
In an effort to decrease the quantity of clothing that is thrown away, the French government recently launched a nationwide program to subsidize shoe and clothing repairs. If there aren't any comparable programs in your area, find out and submit a petition to start one.
3. Give natural fibers top priority: Choose natural fibers like hemp, bamboo, silk, linen, and organic cotton. Clothes should ideally be strong, produced nearby, and composed of natural materials that are fairly traded and sustainably sourced.
4-Select basic, classic pieces: Clothes like jeans should be made of safe, recyclable, or renewable materials and should be worn for as long as possible. The clothing should have a simple design as well. For example, to achieve the worn-out look of distressed jeans, multiple toxic chemicals must be used.