Eco-fashion: what it is and how to become a conscious consumer
If previously the combination of "sustainable fashion" or "eco-fashion" caused incomprehension and surprise in many people, now it is one of the main and necessary features of the fashion industry. Brands care more about the planet, refuse to use natural furs, create collections from recycled fabrics, and popularize recycling and upcycling. All this is aimed at conserving the planet's resources and caring about the environment. A conscious approach to fashion lies not only on the shoulders of brands but also on each consumer.
We propose to understand in detail what eco-fashion is and why it is important to be conscious today.
How easy and painless transition to eco-consumerism
- Try to consume less. Or at least not to buy unnecessary things.
- Use things longer. You don't have to buy just one season's worth of quality goods, but a few seasons at a time.
- If possible, give things for recycling. Or give them a second chance - sell or donate them.
- Give up plastic and paper bags that are lying around the house. Make a new habit of taking a shopper everywhere.
- Make shopping lists during sales and try to refrain from impulse purchases.
Eco-fashion: clothes that don't harm the planet
A sustainable trend in the fashion world is very popular right now. Brands are finding uses for recycled plastic, using cutting-edge technology, aiming to switch to zero-waste production, finding eco-friendly dyes, etc. The essence of eco-fashion is to treat the planet with care and concern, to value its resources, and to produce clothes responsibly.
Not many brands are on this path so far, but every year there are more of them, which can't but make both individual consumers and the planet as a whole happy.
As for the consumers themselves, many are becoming close to shopping at vintage stores, flea markets or second-hand stores. Many give things for recycling than help reduces waste and discarded clothing.
You do not have to be an avid eco-activist to care about the planet. You can start with the simplest steps without turning to asceticism or giving up new things. Here's how to do it right now.
The basic rules of sustainable consumption
- Buy as little as possible. Think seven times, buy once. This rule works without fail. Before you buy another white T-shirt or another dress that will not go further than the closet, think about whether you need them.
- Wear things as long as possible. To follow this point, you need to buy quality items initially. So, you will not be able to part with your favorite jeans for eight seasons, wear T-shirts for more than one summer, and will not feel guilty about throwing away the next thing again.
- Don't throw clothes away. Smoothly move on to the next point. Try to prolong the life of all things as much as possible. Give it away, sell it, or send it for recycling or disposal. The recycling garbage can is the last resort for old things. Remember that from there they go to the landfill, where they will spend another few decades.
- Fix what can be repaired. A broken zipper or a hole is no reason to say goodbye to your clothes. Give it to a repair shop, dry cleaner, or atelier, but try to keep things alive.
- Give up polyethylene. The question, "Do you need a bag?" should disappear forever under the influence of eco-fashion. The shopper is your best friend on a shopping trip: both groceries and new clothes. So carry it with you at all times and don't settle for polythene.
- Choose ethical brands. Many brands don't hide their eco-intentions and boldly declare them. Some create collections from recycled cotton and others from ocean plastic. Follow the news from sustainable fashion and remember to make informed choices.
- Buy clothes made from natural fabrics. These things may cost more, but they will also last longer and take care of the planet. So every investment in clothing made of natural fabrics shows your concern for the environment.
- Sales and discounts are not an excuse for impulse purchases. You can strive to become an eco-consumer, but prices during sales tend to turn many into shopaholics. To avoid rash purchases, make a shopping list. Preferably include clothes made of natural fabrics and basic things that you'll wear almost every day. Just during a sale, those very eco-friendly items that cost more can be purchased at a nice price. Take advantage of the moment and do not waste your time and money on unnecessary things.