We all know that fashion is a huge industry, and as it grows, so has its negative environmental impact. The fashion industry is now the second most polluting industry in the world, behind only oil.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! There is a growing movement of sustainable fashion brands making beautiful clothing while also being kind to the planet. When you wear sustainable clothing, you can feel good knowing that your clothes are not contributing to environmental destruction. And as a bonus, sustainable fashion is often more affordable than traditional designer brands!
Types of Sustainable Clothing
There are many different types of sustainable clothing made from various sustainable materials. Some of the most popular sustainable fabrics include organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled polyester.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides or herbicides. It uses far less water than conventional cotton and helps support biodiversity. Organic cotton is also softer and more comfortable to wear than conventional cotton.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an incredibly fast-growing grass that doesn’t require any pesticides or herbicides to thrive. Bamboo fabric is soft and similar in feel to silk or cashmere. It’s ideal for activewear because it has anti-bacterial properties and is breathable.
Hemp
Hemp is a versatile plant that can make everything from rope to building materials to fabric. Hemp fabric is strong and durable yet soft and comfortable to wear. It’s also absorbent and breathable, making it a great choice for summer clothes.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastics like water bottles or packaging. It takes far less energy to produce recycled polyester than to create new polyester. Recycled polyester is often used in activewear because it’s sweat-wicking and quick-drying.
The Impacts of Sustainable Clothing
When you wear sustainable clothing, you can feel good knowing that your clothes are not contributing to environmental destruction. Sustainable fashion is often more affordable than traditional designer brands!
When you buy sustainable clothing, you support businesses working to reduce their environmental impact. You are also helping to create a demand for more sustainable clothing options. As more people demand sustainable clothing, the fashion industry will be forced to change its ways and become more sustainable.
How to Change to Sustainable Clothing?
The first step to changing to sustainable clothing is doing your research. Find out which brands are making sustainable clothing and what materials they use. Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start shopping for sustainable clothing options that fit your style and budget.
Consider selling or donating your old clothes before switching to sustainable fashion. This way, you can make room in your closet for new sustainable pieces and help reduce the amount of clothing ending up in landfill sites.
Steps to Promoting Your Changes
You can promote the changes you are making by:
Posting Photos on Social Media
When you wear sustainable clothing, please take a photo and post it on social media with the hashtag #sustainablefashion or #sustainablestyle. You can also tag the brand in your posts or write about why you love their sustainable clothing. Create photo collages and albums by taking photos of your clothes through the seasons. Using specifically a fisheye camera lens, creatively capture wide angles of your clothing and showcase how many different ways you can style one piece.
Blogging or Vlogging About Sustainable Fashion
If you have a blog or vlog, you can use it to raise awareness about sustainable fashion. Write about your favorite sustainable brands and materials, share photos of your outfits, and give tips on how others can switch to sustainable fashion. You can also use your platform to call out unsustainable brands and encourage your followers to shop sustainably.
Collaborating With Other Sustainable Fashion Influencers
You can collaborate with other sustainable fashion influencers by guest posting on each other’s blogs or vlogs. You can also share each other’s posts on social media or do joint photo and video shoots. By working together, you can reach a wider audience and have a greater impact on the fashion industry.
How to Encourage More People to Join the Movement
There are many ways to encourage others to join the sustainable fashion movement:
- Educate your friends and family about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.
- Share your favorite sustainable brands and retailers with your friends and family.
- Encourage your friends and family to shop secondhand or vintage instead of buying new clothes.
- Challenge your friends and family to a sustainable fashion month where you only buy or wear sustainable clothing for one month.
- Volunteer with or donate to organizations working to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact.
The key to encouraging others is being clear and consistent in your messaging and using your platform to reach as many people as possible.
Final Thought
Sustainable fashion is not only better for the environment—it’s also better for your wallet! So next time you’re looking for something new to wear, consider checking out some of the many sustainable fashion brands out there. Your wardrobe—and the planet—will thank you!
