Your Guide To Buying Eco-Friendly Clothing That’s Both Sustainable And Stylish

As we journey further into this modern age, our fashion industry has started to approach the production of clothes differently. Becoming increasingly knowledgeable of the impact that our human actions can have on the ecosystem, some brands have started to produce eco-friendly alternatives to help reduce our percentage of carbon emissions.

As a buyer, you should be thinking about what you are actually wearing. Has it been sustainably sourced? Or has your purchase helped encourage the further production of harmful, polluting goods? Both customers and companies need to collaborate in this process to make a positive change. Read on to find out what you should keep a lookout for when buying eco-friendly clothing.

The Fashion Industry's Devastating Impact

The fashion industry contributes to a colossal percentage of greenhouse gases emitted into our environment. This is down to the energy utilized during the clothing production process, manufacturing, and transportation.

With millions of garment items bought every year, this ginormous industry constantly has to expand for the customer demand. Fast fashion particularly negatively eats into our ecosystem, with cheap prices allowing everyone to buy more and more and low-quality materials meaning that the clothes cannot be worn for as long as high-quality garments.

Further still, textile factories often prompt wastewater, which is discarded straight into nearby rivers. Untreated wastewater holds toxic counterparts such as mercury, arsenic, and lead, which are all harmful to marine life as well as the health of humans who live by the rivers. This toxic contamination eventually reaches the sea, causing problems to more animal habitats.

Furthermore, harmful runoff also comes from using fertilizers in cotton production, which pollutes the water around it.

Durable clothes last longer than the flimsy, easily tearing materials produced in fast fashion.

Eco-Friendly Clothing: What to Look Out For

With the crushing impact which non-eco-friendly clothing makes, opting for a kinder alternative can help you do your bit for the ecosystem.

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The materials

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester are constructed from materials like petroleum, water, and coal. These require massive amounts of energy in their production. Furthermore, the microfibres these materials break down into often end up in our waterways. Grown cotton should also be avoided. This is because it requires a large water input and harmful pesticides. You'll want to purchase materials like natural fibers. This includes organically produced linen, which is produced with very little water and no input of harsh petrochemicals. Bamboo materials are also eco-friendly. Furthermore, organic cotton and recycled cotton are more eco-friendly than conventional cotton, again reducing water intake. Recycled cotton is particularly efficient because it stops cotton materials from going to landfill sites.

Local production

When you can, try to look out for locally produced clothing. Buying locally will reduce your carbon footprint since the transportation process will be eliminated in this instance. In turn, this lowers the energy it has taken to move a product from one place to another, making it incredibly efficient compared to the process of products that are shipped across different continents.

Shop second-hand

Shopping for second-hand clothes is a great way to continue a product's life cycle and put them back into the circular economy. By reusing items, there will be less demand for new production, reducing the energy consumption needed to produce more and more new clothes. Some charity shop clothes have even barely been worn with many bargains out their worth being found.

Choose quality

Durable clothes last longer than the flimsy, easily tearing materials produced in fast fashion. With a larger lifespan, you can keep your wardrobe for longer, meaning you don't have to buy into the fashion industry often.

Key Takeaways

• Incorporate eco-friendly practices and products into your business strategy to demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability and attract customers who prioritize green initiatives.

• Emphasize the positive impact of sustainable clothing on the environment to educate and engage consumers, and provide them with a compelling reason to choose your brand over competitors.

• Consider the long-term benefits of sustainable clothing, including reduced pollution and improved environmental health, as well as the personal satisfaction of wearing clothing that aligns with your values.