I recently opened up on the conversation of sustainable fashion, ethical fashion and fast fashion, how I’m educating myself on the issues we currently face, and what I’m doing to play my part in tackling this crisis. Now I’ve introduced the subject of fast fashion, I thought it was time to talk about how to shop sustainably.
From social habits to how and where to shop, today I’m sharing 5 ways you could shop more sustainably.
Curate your social media feeds
I really believe in curating your social media feeds, no matter what the situation. I’m on social media every day, multiple times a day, and I want whatever I see on there to be inspiring and worthwhile. If you’re like me and only just starting your sustainability journey, your social media feeds are a great way to start. From following educational accounts that share bitesize nuggets of information on sustainable fashion, to fashion influencer that are charity shop queens, there’s a lot of ways you can expose yourself to some great content.
Think, and think again before parting with your money
A pretty simple thing to implement when shopping is to really think about your purchases. Have a few questions you ask yourself every time you find yourself eyeing up a new in piece. Do you really want it? Will you get 30+ wears out of it? Will still love it next season, and the season after that? It’s a great way to train yourself into a new way of thinking ensure you’re buying pieces you love, and that you’ll wear again and again.
Look to second hand
Something I’ve loved doing recently is shopping second hand. In these pandemic-struck times, that usually means online via Depop or eBay, but I’m keen to get into some charity shops and give it a go in person.
If you see a piece you like online, turn to Depop or eBay first. You might just find that somebody is selling it for a cheaper price.
Consider rental
I think it’s time we changed our opinion on rental clothing too. So often I’ve spent a substantial amount on a dress for an event, only to wear it for one night and it sits in my wardrobe untouched for another 5 years. Next time you have a wedding, a ball or big event, think about renting that dress, or that bag before splurging on something that’s only going to get one wear.
Donate your clothes with a one in one out policy
It’s only natural that we want to treat ourselves and buy new time to time. To help control your purchasing habits, consider a ‘one in, one out’ policy. That is, every time you buy something new, donate an old piece of clothing to charity. This’ll help your purchasing habits and ensure you really want that item of clothing and appreciate what you already have too.
What are your favourite tips for shopping sustainably?
Lucy x
