Written by: Giulia Simolo
Fashion changes at a speedy rate. Those platform wedges you’ve splurged on might be hot now but in a few months they could be considered less trendy. If you’re a self-confessed fashionista, you might wonder how to combine your love of fashion with your keen interest in saving the environment, especially when fashion changes in the blink of an eye.
Here are some obstacles that arise when trying to look good while saving the planet, along with advice on how to deal with them.
Eco-fashion obstacle #1
You want clothing that’s got its finger on the pulse of fashion, which means clothing enters your wardrobe and then leaves shortly.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of eco-friendly living, but buying new clothing doesn’t have to be a problem for the environment. It’s a myth that eco-friendly fashion isn’t as trendy or gorgeous as its alternative. Start small. Do your research into local green brands and try to incorporate as much of their fashion as you can. You can’t overhaul your entire wardrobe overnight, but you certainly can start adding a few new green items. Remember that although you want to save the planet, taking small steps is a way to get the ball rolling and over time it will amount to a lot. It’s also a good tip to think about what basics your wardrobe needs and then try to ensure that these items are green. These will not go out of fashion in a hurry and they form a healthy foundation for a versatile wardrobe.
Eco-fashion obstacle #2
I’m stuck with a lot of non-green clothing! Help!
It might not be very eco-friendly to say that you only have a few, or no, eco-friendly clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your clothing greener. Part of sustainability is not wasting what you currently have, even if those items are not eco-conscious. Try to purchase clothing that you know will be trendy over many seasons, thus adding more life to your clothing. This prevents you from having to buy new items because your clothing is out of style, resulting in less waste from your wardrobe. Even if you’re new to the eco-fashion circle, just paying a bit more attention to how the garment is made can make a big difference. Try to find clothing that is made from sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton to ensure that your clothing will last longer than a few washes.
Eco-fashion obstacle #3
You’re tempted by non-green brands.
You can’t help it. Sometimes you enter a shop and are met by gorgeous brands that promise the world in skincare and beauty. So what’s a girl to do?
Here is where you have to go back to the root of your eco-friendly lifestyle. Why do you want to live green? Make sure that you are focusing on core values, not just when it comes to hoping to make the world a better place, but also in your own life. For instance, if you have committed to living green because you know how harmful chemicals can be to your body, then this will continue motivating you to support a healthy green lifestyle. It’s also a good idea to research eco-friendliness regularly so that you learn more about the movement and gain valuable information that is sure to keep you on the right path. In this way, when you’re approached by the latest glossy non-eco products, you will not be swayed because you’ll know that however pretty they are, they are not as good for you as their shiny green alternatives.
The liveeco team
