Sustainable Clothing: How Eco-Friendly Consumers can shop
If you are concerned about the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, you might want to adopt a more sustainable approach to clothing consumption. Sustainable consumption of clothing products (SCCP) is defined as "environmentally and socially responsible fashion products consumption" . It encompasses many aspects, from the production process to the consumption process in the clothing supply chain.
SCCP is a concept that aims to reduce the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. SCCP involves choosing clothing products that are made from renewable, recycled, or organic materials, that have a low carbon footprint, that are durable and easy to maintain, and that can be reused, repaired, or recycled at the end of their life cycle.
SCCP is based on the idea that clothing products should not only meet the functional and aesthetic needs of consumers, but also respect the ecological limits of the planet and the social well-being of the people involved in their production and consumption. SCCP challenges the current fast fashion model that encourages overconsumption, waste, and exploitation of natural and human resources. SCCP promotes a circular economy approach that minimizes resource use and maximizes value creation.
One way to assess the sustainability of clothing products is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) methods. LCA is a tool that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or a system from a "cradle-to-grave" perspective, covering multiple categories of environmental impact, such as climate change, water use, land use, etc. . LCA can help you compare different clothing options and identify the most sustainable ones based on their environmental performance.
However, LCA alone is not enough to capture the full picture of sustainability. LCA does not account for the social and economic aspects of sustainability, such as human rights, labor conditions, fair trade, etc. . Therefore, some researchers have proposed to use life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) methods, which integrate LCA with other tools that measure the social and economic impacts of a product or a system . LCSA can provide a more comprehensive and holistic view of sustainability and help you make more informed decisions.
In this post, I will provide some tips on how to shop for sustainable clothing using LCA and LCSA methods. I will also share some examples of sustainable brands and platforms that you can check out.
Tip 1: Buy only what you need
One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to buy less clothing. The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive and polluting industries in the world, accounting for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of global wastewater . By buying less clothing, you can save water, energy, materials, and emissions that would otherwise be used to produce, transport, and dispose of your clothes.
Buying less clothing also means buying more consciously. Before you buy a new piece of clothing, ask yourself: Do I really need it? Do I already have something similar in my wardrobe? Will I wear it often and for a long time? How will I dispose of it when I no longer need it? These questions can help you avoid impulse purchases and choose clothing that you will truly value and enjoy.
Tip 2: Buy from sustainable brands with transparent supply chains
Another way to shop for sustainable clothing is to buy from brands that are committed to sustainability and have transparent supply chains. These brands use more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, recycled polyester, etc., which have lower environmental impacts than conventional materials . They also adopt more ethical and responsible practices in their production processes, such as paying fair wages, ensuring safe working conditions, reducing waste and emissions, etc. .
However, not all brands that claim to be sustainable are actually sustainable. Some brands may use greenwashing tactics to mislead consumers and make their products appear more eco-friendly than they really are. Therefore, it is important to do some research before you buy from a brand and look for credible certifications or labels that verify their sustainability claims. Some examples of such certifications or labels are:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This certification ensures that the textile products are made from at least 70% organic fibers and meet high environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain .
- Fair Trade Certified: This certification ensures that the products are made in accordance with fair trade principles, such as paying fair prices, respecting workers' rights, promoting environmental stewardship, etc. .
- Bluesign: This certification ensures that the textile products are made using safe and sustainable processes that minimize the use of harmful chemicals, water, and energy.
Tip 3: Learn how to shop for quality and invest in higher-quality clothing
Another way to shop for sustainable clothing is to learn how to shop for quality and invest in higher-quality clothing. Quality clothing is clothing that is durable, comfortable, functional, and timeless. Quality clothing can last longer and require less maintenance than low-quality clothing, which can save you money and resources in the long run.
To shop for quality clothing, you need to pay attention to some factors that indicate the quality of a garment, such as:
- Fabric: The fabric should be made from natural or recycled fibers that are soft, breathable, and strong. It should also have a good weight and drape that suit the style and function of the garment.
- Construction: The construction should be sturdy and neat, with no loose threads or seams. The stitching should be even and tight, with no skipped or broken stitches. The buttons should be securely attached and aligned with the buttonholes.
- Fit: The fit should be comfortable and flattering for your body shape and size. The garment should not be too tight or too loose, too long or too short. It should allow you some movement without stretching or sagging.
- Style: The style should be classic and versatile, rather than trendy or flashy. It should match your personal taste and wardrobe preferences. It should also be easy to mix and match with other pieces of clothing.
Tip 4: Choose natural fibers and single fiber garments
Another way to shop for sustainable clothing is to choose natural fibers and single fiber garments. Natural fibers are fibers that are derived from plants or animals, such as cotton...
Tip 5: Ask questions
If you are unsure about the sustainability of a particular clothing item, ask the retailer or manufacturer questions. They should be able to provide you with information about the materials, production methods, and disposal options for the clothing item.
Tip 6: Buy secondhand
Buying secondhand clothing is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. It also helps to keep clothing out of landfills.
Tip 7: Repair your clothing
When your clothing gets damaged, try to repair it instead of throwing it away. This will help to extend the life of your clothing and reduce your environmental impact.
Tip 8: Donate or recycle your clothing
When you no longer need your clothing, donate it to a charity or recycle it. This helps to prevent clothing from ending up in landfills, where it can release harmful greenhouse gases.
By following these tips, you can help to promote sustainable consumption of clothing products. By making small changes to your clothing consumption habits, you can make a big difference for the environment.