Written by: Giulia Simolo
It’s not always easy to know where or how to start when it comes to making your wardrobe eco-friendly. Having a greener wardrobe is more than just reading fashion labels to know what materials have been used in the manufacturing of the items. Read on to discover how to make your wardrobe an eco-savvy one.
What’s it made of?
You will be checking out the label to find out what’s been used in the making of the product, so bear in mind these two words: sustainability and renew-ability. Sustainability means the product can be repeatedly used without doing harm to the environment. Renew-ability refers to renewable resources that are derived from something living (such as a plant) that is able to regenerate. To ensure you have these covered, when buying eco-friendly clothing always make sure that is has been produced from organic or recycled material.
Check the label
When reading clothing labels to know what materials have been used, take care to read the washing instructions, too. Often, organic clothing requires a little more TLC than regular clothing and this is vital information if you intend on keeping your clothing in great condition. A word to the wise: when washing organic clothing, remember never to use powerful detergents as these can damage your clothes. A bit of care will ensure that you don’t waste money on items that end up ruined.
Cut it down
One of the biggest ways in which you can achieve a more eco-friendly wardrobe is to slow down on shopping for brand new items. You don’t have to cut out shopping altogether, but try to adopt healthier shopping habits that will increase your wardrobe’s green factor, too. The danger of buying new clothing is that if you’re constantly purchasing, it means that you’re throwing other items out to make closet space – and thus contributing to more waste on the planet. Try to re-use clothing in creative ways wherever possible and buy classic items that will last for years (not just a season). Also, when shopping for clothes always ask yourself if the item that has caught your eye will match at least three pieces you already own in your wardrobe. This prevents impulse shopping that leaves you with more waste than wear.
Upcycle it
First there was recycling, now there’s upcycling! According to the Wikipedia site, upcycling is defined as the process of converting waste materials into new materials or products of better quality, or a higher environmental value. Upcycling has become a trend in eco-friendly fashion. It’s a great idea because it can inject life into clothing you thought was only good enough for the bin. In order to upcycle items in your wardrobe, all you need is to tap into your creativity. For instance, why not add sequins, studs or other embellishments to your clothing to give them a boost?
What to do when waste is warranted
Of course sometimes there are those items that you just can’t seem to revive, and no amount of creativity seems to help the situation. If an item of clothing is just not working for you any longer there is still no reason why you should throw it into the trash. Perhaps someone else could benefit from it, thus increasing its lifespan. Consider clothes-swapping with a friend who might have some treasures to exchange with you, or donate the clothing to a hospice where someone will definitely find a use for it.
Old isn’t always old-fashioned
Thanks to celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and Nicole Kidman, wearing vintage clothing is a hot trend that seems like it’s going to stick around. When you buy vintage clothing, you’re doing your bit for the environment. Did you know you’re lessening your carbon footprint because you are not consuming resources? You’re also finding clothing that gives your image a unique edge so that you stay on the forefront of fashion.
Know where to shop
You don’t have an excuse not to buy environmentally-friendly clothing because there are many great retailers out there that provide shoppers with beautiful but brainy clothing.
Here are three places to check out:
- Woolworths offers a green range of clothing, with some items being up to 100% eco-friendly
- Lunar, based in Johannesburg, is a company that uses natural fibres and pigment dyes
- Earthaddict is a women’s line of leisurewear clothing that is part of Earthchild. It strives to make use of natural fibres and earth tones
Some fabulous vintage stores to visit:
- Second Time Around provides not just dress-up party clothing, but if you look a little deeper you’ll find some vintage treasures. Contact them on 021 423 1674
- Rags and Lace in Craighall, Johannesburg offers hardly worn fashion that’s almost as good as new. Contact number them on 011 787 2130
- Jam Clothing in Durban provides international brands for cheap, so you save your wallet. Contact them on 031 566 2182
The liveeco team
