10 Ways to Build a Sustainable Closet

Raise your hand if you love fashion and care about protecting the environment!

If you raised your hand, guess what? You’re in the right place. 

Unfortunately, those two topics have been at odds with each other since the industrial revolution. And with climate change rapidly increasing, it’s time for a change in the fashion industry.  

As of right now, apparel and footwear production accounts for 8.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, think again. It’s the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the entire continent of Europe produces. Textile production actually contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined. 

Pretty scary right? 

Well, luckily here are 10 ways to up your fashion game for the environment!

AVOID FAST FASHION BRANDS

I know H&M, Zara, Shein, Forever 21, etc. are all great places to shop when you’re on a budget but also want cute clothes. However, the clothing production from fast fashion brands is very poor for the environment due to textile waste, dyes leaking into water systems, carbon emissions, pollution and much more, not to mention the exploitation of workers as well. These effects are extremely harmful and there are much better ways to spend your shopping moola.

Go thrifting in your community

Thrifting can be found anywhere from local markets and businesses, garage sales, local artists, online platforms like Depop or Poshmark, or giant thrift stores like Goodwill. Thrifted clothes also have the possibility of lasting longer if you’re able to purchase items that aren’t made of plastics like most fast fashion clothes are. 

If thrifting yourself isn’t for you, you can send inspo pics of the type of style you’re looking for and send it to a thrifter who will send you an assortment (or bundle) that’s similar to your style. TikTok is a great app to find these personal shoppers. 

Choose mostly simple pieces with a few staples

By choosing pieces that have classic cuts or similar color palettes (like neutrals for example), it’s easier to diversify your outfits and make the most of your closet. Owning less clothing while still making tons of different outfits sounds like a win to me.

Upcycle, Restyle, or Tie Dye

Who says you need to buy new clothing when you can just make it yourself. This is definitely a more labor intensive alternative, but still very effective nonetheless. When you’re tired of an old piece, transform it into something new. TikTok has lots of simple tutorials from tie dyeing clothes to creating cutouts. If it’s an old top you’re not into anymore, why not give it a shot?

Rent Clothing

Something more new to the fashion world is the ability to rent clothing for a set period of time. Let’s say you need a dress for a special occasion, why not rent one just for the night? You save money while looking stunning and saving the planet. Some companies you can try include Rent the Runway, Tulerie and Style Lend.

Swap clothes with friends

Now this is a classic idea. If you have a close friend that’s willing to do this, exchange clothes from time to time. This could be a way to get a fresh fit for a day or push yourself to try clothing you may not typically go for (if you and your bestie have different styles).

Accessories, accessories, accessories

Instead of investing money in your clothes, try switching it up and going for accessories. Accessories can make any simple outfit into something entirely different. I personally love a cool hat, a preppy headband or rings I’ve thrifted to completely change the vibe of my otherwise everyday outfits. 

Research fabrics 

Based on my research, fabrics to avoid would be polyester, acrylic, conventional cotton and nylon. These fabrics waste water and cause major pollution. Some awesome alternatives instead would be organic cotton, organic hemp and organic linen.

Focus on shopping from sustainable brands

Since the increase of awareness surrounding climate change, brands have started implementing practices to reduce their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these include Reformation and Patagonia. However, these brands can also become pretty pricey, so I’ve included a list of brands with items under $100 to invest in! 

pact

Bamboo Clothing

Thought

Levi’s

Vote

The last and most important action you can take to protect our planet is to vote for policymakers you believe will make the changes you wish to see. Register to vote here.

Now get to creating that sustainable wardrobe and feel better about your contribution to our planet! 

• Fashion Industry
• sustainable
• thrifting culture