DOES ECO-FRIENDLY CLOTHING EXIST?
It’s a common belief that ‘sustainable’ and ‘fashion’ don’t mix and for good reason! According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the fashion industry produces 10% of annual global carbon dioxide emissions and is uses an estimated 1.5 trillion litres of water.
There’s no denying that the fashion industry has a long way to go in reducing its environmental impact. The good news? Ecological fashion is rising in popularity and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon! In fact, between 2016 and 2019, online searches for “sustainable fashion” tripled.
But what exactly is eco-fashion? What are the benefits of eco-friendly clothing? And how can you make your wardrobe greener? Let’s take a look!
What is eco-friendly clothing?
So, what exactly does environmentally friendly clothing mean? Eco-fashion simply refers to manufacturing clothes while considering the environmental impact, as well as the health of consumers and the working conditions of labourers. Take a look at some of the defining characteristics of ecological clothing:
Made from organic raw materials
Doesn’t involve the use of harmful chemicals
Often made from recycled and reused textiles
Manufactured to last
Certified fair trade
Why eco-sustainable fashion?
The benefits of eco-friendly clothing go well beyond having one-of-kind, good quality garments. Here are some of the amazing advantages of having a wardrobe stocked with environmentally-friendly clothing:
Your clothes last longer, which helps you save money in the long run.
Your clothes are more unique, rather than one of the same mass-produced factory items.
You help spread awareness about eco-friendly fashion brands.
Organic fabrics are better for your skin.
You’re doing your part in helping the planet.
How to shop for eco-conscious clothing
Now that you know why eco-friendly sustainable clothing is so popular, let’s talk about how you can dress more environmentally friendly.
How do you know if you’re shopping in an eco-friendly fashion? Check out these simple ways to transform your style and reduce your environmental impact:
Look at the material
When you’re browsing clothes, be sure to check the labels for the material. Some of the most eco-conscious clothing materials include hemp, soy silk/cashmere, organic cotton, and linen.
You can learn more about sustainable fabrics here.
Shop locally
Search your nearby stores for eco-friendly sustainable clothing. Not only will you support your local economy, but you’ll help reduce carbon emissions, too!
Donate unwanted clothes
Instead of throwing away clothes that you don’t want, donate to a charity! Check out this article for more information on how to put your unwanted garments to good use.
Use eco-friendly detergents and fabric conditioners
Make sure you care for your clothes with the right products, and always read the care label! Treat your wardrobe with eco products like Ultimate Care Fresh Skies. Your ecological clothing will look, smell, and feel amazing. Not to mention, you’ll know that you're cleaning your clothes while helping the environment.
When you add a fabric conditioner it'll help keep clothes like new so you throw them out less often! Our fabric conditioner coats the fibres of your clothes and helps to keep them soft, smelling great, and able to retain their shape and colour. It helps to keep them from bobbling and makes them easy to iron, and with less static. Ultimately, it helps to keep clothes in good condition, so you can enjoy your favourite items for longer.
Upcycle your clothes. Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving your old garments a new life.