Fast Fashion II.
Easy-to-follow tips for an ecofriendly wardrobe
Introduction
In our previous blog, we discussed the human and environmental costs of the cheap fast fashion industry. In this blog, we'll share ideas and practices on how to transition to sustainable fashion without falling into the trap of greenwashing or having to spend a fortune on expensive designer brands.
- Ask yourself these 3 questions before you buy a new item of clothing
1. Do I need this?
2. What has it taken for this item to get here to me in my hands?
3. Will I really value it, and take good care of it?
2. Swap clothes or buy second-hand
If you're in need of purchasing new clothes or shoes, consider going on a treasure hunt in a second-hand shop, which is always a fun experience! Alternatively, you can explore their online versions. For instance, on platforms like Vinted, you can not only buy but also sell your old, unworn clothes, extending their useful lifespan.
At Clothes Swap markets, people bring their gently worn, unwanted clothes and exchange them for new items brought by others. Check out Swappis Ruhaforgó in Budapest and swap your clothes!
If there's no clothes swap market in your area, why not take the initiative to organize one with your friends? Introduce this practice to your community and enjoy the benefits of sustainable fashion together. :)
3. Say no to Fast Fashion, say yes to ethical fashion
In our previous blog, we discussed the harm fast fashion causes to the environment and society. But how do you know whether the brand you like so much is fast fashion or not? We recommend researching the companies you are buying from. Websites, like Good On You can help you filter out and find ethical and sustainable brands.
In Hungary, Zöld gardrób for instance, helps customers by providing info on eco and fair trade labels. They also offer a big selection of sustainable fashion brands.
4. Donate your unworn clothes
Donation is a good option to expand the useful lifespan of your clothes and help others in need. But only if you do it well! Here are some things that you should pay attention to if you decide to donate clothes:
Well-worn underwear and bras are considered unhygienic, don’t give them for donation
Worn out clothes shouldn’t be donated since they cannot be used anymore.
Last, but not least, donate to places where your garment is truly needed – do research and be considerate who to give your clothes to - to avoid your clothes ending up in landfills in developing countries causing even more harm to people and the environment.
5. Take care of your clothes properly
1. Wash less: Over-washing can cause colors to fade, elastic to stretch, and garments to shrink or fall apart in the dryer. Unless visibly dirty, try wearing your clothes at least three times before washing.
When it comes to jeans, denim manufacturers recommend washing them once in every ten wearing, using cold water and avoiding drying machines.
2. Reduce the use of detergent: Excess detergent harms the environment and can make clothes dull and stiff. Try using half the recommended amount of detergent and adding half a cup of baking soda as a booster. This method cleans clothes effectively while reducing your environmental footprint.
3. Store in a cool
and dry environment: Clothes dislike being confined and can be damaged by excessive light exposure. Besides, avoid storing them in damp places like moldy basements or bath-rooms, where bacteria can thrive. Give them room to breathe in your wardrobe to prevent wrinkling and color fading from friction. Use breathable canvas bags to hang suits and minimize creasing and mold.
4. Mending: Have you ever thrown out clothes because a strap came loose or a button fell off? Instead of tossing them out, learn some basic stitching and sewing. It can be a relaxing activity or might even become a hobby later on. :)
Check out The Ultimate Guide To Making Your Clothes Last Longer - Good On You for more tips!
Conclusions
Each conscious step in our clothing decisions makes a small difference in the short term and a significant difference in the long term. In our next blog, we'll demonstrate that you're not alone in this fight. We'll also share the good news in the EU about the shift to ethical and sustainable fashion, as well as efforts to protect consumers from greenwashing in general.
Author: Katalin Miklós, Community and Civil Development Studies MA student at the ELTE, Budapest & intern of Youth Bridges Budapest
This blogpost was created in the framework of Feel Good project (2022-1-PL01-KA220-YOU-000086018).
