Loving fashion often entails trying new styles and pushing your comfort zone. However, constantly buying new clothes produces a lot of waste. This creates a competing interest for those who both adore fashion and want to be eco-friendly.
You don’t have to accept that dynamic as your reality, though. There are ways to be low-waste and fashion-forward at the same time. It just takes a bit of planning and effort. If you hope to maintain your style and be more green in the process, here are a few ways to start.
1. Buy Reusable
There’s a lot about the fashion industry that’s wasteful. Fast fashion, single-use products, and even laundry products create substantial waste. That’s why buying reusable products whenever you can is so important.
The best part? You can get creative with new reusable fashion musts. Invest in dryer balls instead of single-use dryer sheets. Pick up reusable pasties instead of the cheaper ones that lose their adhesiveness after one use. Add period underwear to your routine to cut back on how many pads and tampons you’re throwing away each month.
These aren’t always easy swaps to make — single-use products exist because they’re convenient. However, if you’re intentional with your purchases and committed to making low-waste fashion choices, they’re a great option. You may even find solutions that perform better than their single-use counterparts.
2. Invest in Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to buy inexpensive clothes because they’re trendy or on sale. It’s especially difficult if money is tight or you’re giving a new budget a go. But in the long run, quality will always win out over quantity.
Think of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. They’re likely not cheaply made, poorly constructed items. Your closet standouts are probably ones you wear often and can see yourself wearing for years to come. They’re timeless and quintessential components of your personal style.
So, the next time you’re shopping for a new item, think back to your commitment to low-waste. Yes, you may need to spend a bit more and save up to get what you’re lusting after. But the payoff for your wardrobe’s longevity and the earth is worthwhile.
3. Shop Your Closet
Scrolling on social media is inspiring for fashion lovers and fashion-challenged alike. There are plenty of photos featuring well-put-together outfits that are perfect for your next social outing. They can, however, also be a driver of impulse purchases and feelings of constantly needing more.
Instead, think about what’s in your wardrobe already. That adorable outfit you saw online can probably be recreated, even in part, with items you already own. If not, see how many pieces you can pull from your wardrobe that fit the same aesthetic. You may find you’re happier with what you can put together using your existing items than you thought.
If you’re still missing that standout item, then you can shop around. The goal isn’t to stop shopping altogether — although that’s extremely low waste. It’s to find ways you can be more sustainable and use what you have. That way, you’re not contributing to fashion waste and getting the most out of your wardrobe.
4. Be an Outfit Repeater
Some days, outfits just work. You have a confidence boost and a pep in your step. Compliments come pouring in with regularity everywhere you go. It’s not up for debate, you look good.
Unfortunately, there’s pressure to not outfit repeat. It’s a fashion faux pas that isn’t to be done. But it’s awful for the planet and your confidence. If you love something you wear, throw it on whenever you can. No matter if you were photographed or if everyone you know saw you wearing it, your clothes deserve to be worn.
This unashamed approach to outfit repeating saves time and money. You know you have combinations of clothes that work and feel good. That makes all the difference when you’re looking to be low-waste.
5. Wash Intentionally
It may go overlooked, but laundry is an inherently wasteful process. You’re using heaps of water, energy, and products to clean your clothes. Not to mention the single-use items like dryer sheets that are thrown away after each load.
One of the best ways you can be more green with laundry is simply doing less of it. Think about how frequently you wash clothes you’ve worn for only a few hours. Were they really dirty or could they be worn again? If so, consider doing that to cut back on the number of loads you have piling up.
Of course, if you spill something or sweat in your clothes, throw them in the wash. The point isn’t to break up with your laundry machine, it’s to avoid doing unnecessary laundry. So, wear your clothes and be intentional about how often you clean them. You’ll save yourself time, money, and resources in the process.
Low-Waste Fashionista
Building a wardrobe you love takes time and no shortage of effort. It’s a balance of finding pieces that fit well, are within budget, and don’t create unnecessary waste. However, once you do, you may find you love fashion and your wardrobe even more. And lowering your carbon footprint proves to be the cherry on top.