- Shop for clothing made from eco-friendly materials
- Engage in other forms of shopping, such as thrift shopping
- Think of clothing as a need, rather than a want
We asked a sustainable fashion blogger and environmental advocate on the ways we can play our part to fight against this trend.
Firstly, we can be more conscious of where we are getting out clothes from, and the materials that they are made from.
A good way is to shop for sustainable clothing, which are made from eco-friendly materials. One common and popular material used is organic cotton, which is grown without the usage of pesticides and fertilisers, and can be found in brands such as Thought Clothing and Beaumont Organic.
Other materials to look out for are hemp and bamboo, which are biodegradable and environmentally-friendly. Some brands such as Ecoalf go a step further into incorporating recycled denim and cashmere into their manufacturing processes.
The downside is that these clothing pieces usually cost more, and there is less variety.
Alternatively, thrift shopping is a viable and more affordable option. Think of it as a way to ‘sell’ your clothing in exchange for a ‘new’ piece of clothing; at the same time pre-loved old clothes are able to receive a second life.
Lastly, and ultimately, is to change our buying habits by reducing the amount of clothes we buy. This is the most straightforward way that sends a clear message to fast fashion retailers.
Blogger and stylist Dana Frost suggests embracing the idea of slow fashion. “Supporting slow fashion is more than just positively impacting the environment. It’s about making a choice to choose quality over quantity, to choose longevity over trends.”
Cheryl Nam, 23, who is an environmental advocate, advices: “Always ask yourself whether you really need the clothing item, how often you’ll wear it and how durable it is.”
She adds: “Most of the time, it is just a want and never a need.”
The Social Fashion 