World Environment Day: 4 Tips for Sustainable Fashion

World Environment Day: 4 Tips for Sustainable Clothing

June 5th marks World Environment Day: an annual occasion designed to raise awareness about environmental issues. Sustainability is a central theme of World Environment Day. In the past, sustainable clothing was a given—people would wear the same pair of jeans for years. Today, trends shift constantly, driving consumers to seek new items repeatedly. To meet this demand, vast quantities of clothing are produced as quickly and cheaply as possible. Naturally, this comes at the expense of our environment. It's no wonder, then, that many people increasingly value sustainability. Yet finding fashionable and sustainable clothing can be quite a challenge. That's why we've compiled 4 tips for sustainable clothing especially for World Environment Day. Read on!

Choose Timeless Pieces

Rather than blindly following the latest trends, it's wise to think carefully about which items you want to purchase before buying them. It's far more sustainable to opt for timeless pieces that will last multiple seasons. Examples include plain shirts in neutral colours such as white or light blue. Pay attention to the quality of items too: the higher the quality of the fabrics and craftsmanship, the longer the garment will last. And yes, the longer it lasts, the less negative impact on the environment! Still want to follow current fashion? Combine timeless pieces with statement items and accessories.

Opt for Natural Materials

Synthetic materials such as fleece and polyester are not sustainable: they're made from crude oil, a fossil fuel. Moreover, washing these materials releases microplastics, which harm the environment. More sustainable choices are natural materials like cotton, linen and bamboo. Unlike synthetic materials, these are renewable and biodegradable. That said, these materials still require processing to become clothing, and producing natural materials requires considerable water. Buying 100% sustainable clothing is therefore quite difficult, but natural materials remain a more sustainable choice than synthetics regardless.

Repair Instead of Discard

Is an item damaged? Rather than throwing the garment away, repairing it is far more sustainable. A pair of jeans with a hole can, with a bit of creativity, easily get another lease of life. For example, by sewing patches onto it yourself. Sustainable and exclusive too, since no one else will be wearing the same garment as you. Not feeling particularly creative? You can always take your damaged clothing to a tailor. Having something repaired costs far less than buying new, and a mended garment can then serve you for years to come!

Give Away or Sell Your Clothing

This tip builds on the previous one: No longer wearing a garment? Don't simply throw it away—you might make someone else happy with it! Sell clothing you've tired of online, give it away, or organise a clothing swap with friends. Items you no longer wear can also be placed in a clothing collection bin. They'll then be reused or recycled into materials such as insulation or new yarn. You help the environment and get rid of your old things: win-win!