If you’re eco-conscious but don’t want to blow your tight budget on sustainable fashion, then you’ve come to the right place. Sustainable fashion has grown in popularity, but this doesn’t mean it’s out of budget for the average person. Read on to learn more about how ethical fashion choices just got more affordable.
1. Dressing Smart with Sustainable Fashion
As the environmental crisis looms and the fashion industry’s sustainable production practices come under increasing scrutiny, smart dressers everywhere are recognizing the need to bring sustainability to their wardrobe. Luckily, there are plenty of fashion-forward and sustainable options out there for those who want to dress in style while protecting the environment. Here are some tips for sustainable dressing:
- Buy Used Clothing – One of the best ways to dress sustainably is to shop for used clothing. Second-hand stores often carry some hidden gems that you won’t find in regular retail stores, and you’ll be giving a garment a second life instead of buying a new one.
- Opt for Organic Materials – Synthetic materials often contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and to your health. If you’re buying new clothing, make sure that it’s made from organic materials such as cotton, linen, and wool, as these materials are biodegradable and much better for the environment.
- Support Local Brands – Shopping from locally-owned boutiques has two major benefits – you can find unique pieces and you’re reducing the environmental impact of your fashion choices. Supporting small businesses helps keep production and shipping of goods closer to home, which means less pollution from transport.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your style choices are sustainable and fashionable at the same time. Sustainable fashion is no longer an oxymoron, and with a bit of research you can easily find pieces that complement your style and your values.
2. Kind to Your Clothes and the Planet
It may not seem like it, but the way we care for our clothes – from the fabric we choose to wash them with – can significantly impact the environment. Here, we’ll explore some steps to reducing the environmental impact of clothing.
- Choose Quality Pieces – Invest in fewer, higher quality pieces. Quality materials last longer, require fewer washes, and often look better for longer. Now really isn’t the time to buy into fast fashion – shop responsibly.
- Organic and Recycled Fabrics – Choose organic and recycled fabrics if possible. By opting for these types of fabrics, you are reducing the growing water consumption used for cotton production, helping to save energy, and reducing water contaminants.
- Give Clothes Another Life – Donating clothes to your local charity or providing them to someone who need them is a great way to make sure your clothes get the most out of life. Or, give them a second life by reselling them.
Caring for your clothes and the planet is possible, with a little extra work and thought. Not only are these practices beneficial for the environment, they often mean buying fewer clothes and expanding the life of the clothes we already own – an ideal combination if you ask us.
3. High-Quality, Low-Cost: Shopping Ethically on a Budget
Many people feel apprehensive when it comes to shopping ethically on a budget. The perception is that ethical products cost more and that shopping ethically will soon have you broke. But it’s possible to make ethical choices and also stay on budget.
Here are some tips to help you find quality, budget-friendly items that also meet your ethical standards:
- Research Your Options: Smart shoppers always check for the best price, and this is especially important when you’re shopping ethically. Do your homework before you shop. Research the various brands and determine which one best meets your ethical demands and is also affordable.
- Shop With A List: Before you head out to the store, make a list and stick to it. Taking the time to list out your priorities can help prevent impulse buying and ensure that you stay mindful of your budget.
You can also choose to purchase second-hand clothing, furniture, and other items from thrift stores and online auction sites. Not only can you get great-looking items for a fraction of the cost, but you’ll also be giving these items new life so they don’t end up in a landfill.
With some advance planning and creative shopping strategies, anyone can find high-quality, low-cost items that meet their ethical standards.
4. Cultivating a Conscious Closet
With ever-changing fashion trends and the vast list of clothing retailers out there, it may seem daunting to choose garments that have been produced ethically and consciously. However, making small changes in our closet can contribute to reducing our environmental footprint.
Here are some tips to help you cultivate a conscious closet:
- Do your research and only purchase from ethical, sustainable and transparent brands.
- Be aware of the fabrics you buy. Look out for natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk and hemp.
- Look for clothes that are made with organic, eco-friendly materials.
- Invest in better-quality pieces that will last longer, and seek out vintage garments.
Taking the time to think through our clothing purchases and do a bit of research can make a big difference. Choosing pieces that are ethically made and sustainable is an important way we can help reduce the impact of fast fashion on the environment.
Make a conscious choice! Start building your mindful wardrobe and be proud to wear items created with responsible manufacturing techniques.
5. Making Sustainability Affordable and Accessible
It’s hard to believe that we can create a more sustainable world – both affordable and accessible – in the near future. But innovative technologies, renewable energy, and effective conservation efforts could be our saving grace.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways we can make sustainability more affordable and accessible to all. Here are five steps to take:
- Invest in Clean Energy. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind have become increasingly cost-efficient in recent years. Installing renewable energy on an individual level or investing in large-scale renewable sources can not only help the planet but also save money in the long run.
- Start Composting. Instead of buying fertilizer for your garden or lawn, start composting and create the same result. Organics composting is free but it does require time and energy. The good news is that it can be done in a small space and it’s a great way to reduce your dependence on chemical-based fertilizers.
- Carpool or Use Public Transit.Using less gasoline is one of the simplest ways to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Carpool with neighbours or co-workers, or look into taking public transit if available. Depending on the city, public transit may be more expensive than driving, but if there is a monthly pass option, it may save you money in the long run.
- Reduce Water Use.Conserving and reusing water is incredibly important to sustain a healthy environment. Collect grey, reusable water that has been used from a single source to water outdoor plants, rain barrels are an ideal way to reduce water consumption. Reducing your water consumption can also lead to lower water bills.
- Make Sustainable Choices.We all have a responsibility to be mindful about the way we buy and consume. It’s essential to know where our resources come from – buy organic and local when you can and reduce your dependence on processed or packaged goods. Making smarter choices can help reduce waste, save money, and help the environment.
Each of these strategies will help reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability. It may not be possible for each of us to make a difference on our own, but with a collective effort, we can make a positive impact that will be felt for generations to come.
So, if you’re looking to make more ethical fashion choices without breaking the bank, you now have a guide to help you find budget-friendly sustainable fashion. From upcycled garments, to second-hand clothing, to no-waste shoppers, there’s something for everyone out there. So start shopping, making the world greener one fashion purchase at a time!
