Did you know that mainstream retailers you buy from like Zara, H&M, and Bershka actually have a detrimental impact on the environment? Let me tell you how this is happening and how you can update your closet to avoid negatively impacting our planet’s health.
The production process of fast fashion brands like Shein and Temu are super quick and cheap, which is why they’re so popular, but it comes with some serious environmental costs. These companies often use harmful dyes and materials, and their factories waste a ton of water and generate massive amounts of pollution. Plus, the relentless production cycle contributes to huge amounts of textile waste, since so many clothes are thrown away after just a few wears. It’s kind of crazy to think that our desire for trendy clothes is damaging the planet! Fashion significantly contributes to global warming through its high levels of carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste. The production of synthetic fibers like polyester requires fossil fuels, releasing Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Additionally, the agricultural processes for natural fibers like cotton demand large amounts of water and pesticides, which contaminate water sources. Furthermore, considering how quickly fast fashion trends occur and how much they influence our buying habits it encourages overproduction, leading to a massive amount of waste in spare products or no longer ‘trendy’ items. Many discarded clothing items are made from non-biodegradable materials, like spandex, nylon, and polyester which release harmful chemicals as they decompose, worsening environmental damage and contributing to global climate change. So, assuming that you don’t want to speed up the process of global warming I strongly suggest that you partake sustainably.
There are many different ways and options for you to help protect the planet. How about participating in the sustainable fashion movement? It is one of the most accessible movements and user-friendly causes to participate in and can truly make a difference in a number of ways. The first thing you can do is prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than buying a large number of different clothes to add variety to your wardrobe, you can just have some basics and some statement pieces to mix and match, and if all of these items are from sustainable brands, even better! Although it may be a little pricier now, your impact on the environment will be worth it.
What if you have clothes that you no longer wear? If your older sibling doesn’t want their old clothes they don’t wear anymore and you have no interest in them either, you could sell them online or donate them to local shelters and support those in need – both are very sustainable ways to do fashion.
How about the trend of ‘Vintage’ shopping? I’m calling it refashion. Shopping at vintage shops, thrift stores, or even charitable shops for the coolest fashion finds has become the most creative way to support the sustainable fashion movement. Gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories for every taste can be found in these shops that are popping up all over the world. Why follow the crowd and your wardrobe with pieces of clothing and accessories that so many others will be wearing as well? Instead, be original! Get together with your friends, and go on the hunt for one-of-a-kind items that only you will be able to wear! You can put together styles that are unique with a story to tell. Vintage or second-hand shopping is an easy way to help preserve the environment and all why saving money, have fun, and unleash your creativity.
Finally, the most obvious of them all is to take care of your clothes. Although this may seem very obvious, by consistently taking care of your garments, keeping them clean, mending them when needed, and not leaving them behind wherever you go, you are positively contributing to the sustainable fashion movement.
So there you have it! Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement that’s cool to be a part of. By making small changes like shopping second-hand, taking care of the clothes you already own, and choosing quality over quantity, you’re helping protect our planet while still looking awesome. Imagine showing off your unique, vintage style and knowing you’re doing something good for the environment at the same time. So, the next time you’re tempted to grab that fast-fashion item, think twice and ask yourself: can I find a more sustainable option? Your style can make a difference, and trust me, the planet (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
If you want to find out more ways to reduce, reuse, and refashion in our FIS community you can contact the FIS Sustainability Club as they also focus on this topic and have recognized that this is a very pressing issue.
