Sustainable Shopping Guide: How To Shop Mindfully
Sustainable Shopping Guide: How To Shop Mindfully
By: Mary Boyte
Sustainable fashion. You have probably heard this term a lot lately. But, what does it actually mean? Simply, it means shopping with the environment in mind. Shopping sustainably does not have to be a daunting task. There are plenty of easy things you can do to make sure your shopping routine is more geared toward a happy planet.
Shop Secondhand
One of the easiest ways to shop sustainably is to buy clothes that have been owned before. This way, you are not contributing to the pollution created by making brand new clothes. There are several options to find cute, gently-used clothes. The Real Real sells previously loved designer clothes and accessories all certified and reasonably priced.
2. Avoid Fast Fashion
“Fast fashion” refers to clothes that have been made without the environmental side effects in mind. Clothes in this category have cut corners for the sake of time. Avoid sites that offer clothes for super cheap prices. They might be tempting, but in the end, it is much better to invest in something you love and will hold up for years to come rather than buying cheap items in bulk.
3. Look for “Stamps” on Your Favorite Clothing Brands.
Many of your favorite fashion brands may already have a section for sustainability. Look for “stamps” that say things like “sustainability.” Aerie has a section called “real good” that keeps the earth in mind when creating their clothes. H&M, who strives to create better ways to produce clothing in all areas, has a section called “conscious”. If you see this stamp, you can rest assured that your new clothes have been made mindfully.
It is finally sweater weather! This elegant, balloon-sleeved sweater is made from recycled polyester fibers. It is the perfect way to welcome in the new fall temperatures.
Black leggings are a fall staple. This pair from Aerie’s “real good” collection is a great addition to any wardrobe. Wear them with an oversized sweater or a t-shirt and a cardigan to help transition from summer to fall.
4. Make Sure You Love Your Clothes
Another easy way to make sure your wardrobe is a little more earth-friendly is to make sure you really love something before you buy it. A good tip is to try on a piece and picture it paired with two to three other pieces that you already own. If you cannot see yourself wearing it often, do not buy it. We all fall victim to impulse buys, but this often leads to things getting shoved to the back of the closet and eventually getting tossed out without gaining much use.
Sustainable fashion is more than just a fad. Use these tips to make sure your next purchase is an earth-friendly one. Mother Nature will thank you!
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