Woman with bag looking through clothes in shopping mall
Investing in ethical, sustainable clothing is a good way to use your purchasing power to help those in the garment trade and to reduce the impact of clothing production on the environment. Here are some tips on how to become a sustainable shopper.
Where and who – Where a product is made will provide you with a lot of information about the people who make the product and their working conditions. Some fashion brands avoid disclosing information about their suppliers, supply chain, and their policies and practices. The more transparent a brand is, the more ethical and sustainable they will be.
Material – Animal-derived products such as leather, wool, silk, and cashmere will all include some form of an animal dying. Look at trendy, stylish, durable options that all animal free.
How it’s made or produced – Sustainable shoppers will also have to look at the effects of their clothing choices on the environment. Look at how your clothing is produced regarding the water, toxic chemicals and pesticides used when manufacturing.
How much does it cost? – Sustainable, ethical clothing is expensive because it involves quality materials and procedures that help the garment last a lot longer.
Do I love it? – Impulse shopping is not a good idea for sustainable shoppers as items can be expensive. Look at pieces that you can often wear and those that can be worn for different occasions, instead of items that are on trend.
