How to shop in a sustainable manner – A guide to a better future through fashion
According to a study published by the World Economic Forum in early 2020 the fashion industry produces 10% of the entire carbon emission and is the second largest consumer of water in the world, and us consumers play an important role in that. Most of us have gotten used to the idea of constantly buying and getting rid of clothing without really thinking about the consequences these actions can have on our world and the environment we live in. Fast fashion has become something so heavily integrated into everyday life that we barely can imagine living without it. With the ‘green-movement’ on the horizon a lot of us has become more and more aware of the significant effects our daily behaviour has on the planet. We are switching out our plastic straws for glass, paper or metal straws. Every single day more of us carry around a reusable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. It has almost become a trend to save the planet, but why should we stop there? So, if you want to make sure that you make as much as you can to keep our planet healthy and green, here are a few things to consider before going on your next shopping spree:
- Quality over quantity
With almost 80 billion pieces of clothing being thrown away and 100 billion pieces produced every year this is a crucial point to consider. It may sound obvious, but I believe a lot of us do not ask themselves these basic questions before purchasing a clothing item, such as ‘Do I really need that?’ or ‘Will I wear it often enough and will I take care of it?’. Meaning, that if you decide to buy something you need you will make sure it will last you for years and that it is made of good, non-toxic materials, preferably with an OEKO-TEX certificate.
- Shop locally
This is a crucial for sustainability to succeed. Shopping from small businesses and brands will not only reduce your Carbon-Footprint but will also give small businesses and business owners an opportunity to make a living while pursuing their passion. Small businesses most of the times source their goods locally, meaning the clothes are produced by people earning a fair wage and that have safe working conditions. A great example for that is NALU Bodywear. The owner of the brand makes her clothes in a little sewing studio in her polish hometown Słupsk and does not create overproduction of clothing. This principle can also be observed at every other brand available at KOSA.
- Give your clothes a second life
Fashion changes constantly, as well as our personal preferences and style does. When you decide to get rid of certain pieces in your closet make sure to not simply throw them away. A great option is re-selling your clothes, this way you do something great for the planet as well as something amazing for your wallet. You could also ask around in your community and inform yourself if anyone there might need clothing. If the clothes are worn-out and not in the best condition anymore you can get a bit more creative and crafty and transform your old pair of jeans into a potholder or bookmark. An old dress can be easily transformed into a crop top or a skirt. As you can see there are many ways to reuse your old clothes, you just have to use your imagination a little bit.