As prices rise and we all feel that pinch in our pocketbooks, consumers are seeking ways to shop for the things they need and want without breaking the bank.  On the other hand, we are constantly being shown ads that encourage us to shop always for the latest trends, so it’s no wonder fast fashion has been taking over the world.  

“Fast fashion” refers to the trend of clothes that are made with cheap materials in areas that have low environmental and labor rules, so they are basically disposable.  Some studies have found that the average item is worn only seven times!

With everyone being more climate aware, you may have asked yourself, how can I stop contributing to the fashion industry and its polluting ways? It’s simple, think before you shop! Here are three feasible ways to be a fashionista without hurting the environment.

Buy clothes that use leftover fabrics

Since fashion is all about trends, apparel manufacturers need to predict what will be in style six to nine months from now. This is incredibly hard to do, and as a result, many clothes produced every season don’t end up selling, which wastes a lot of fabric, not to mention energy and dyes.

Some brands like Christy Dawn and Dorsu make all their clothes using the leftover fabric from other brands, known as deadstock. Buying from brands that use deadstock is certainly one way to be more conscious as a consumer, but it doesn’t solve the big-picture problems. In the end, it would be much better for everyone if deadstock didn’t exist in the first place.

That said, these fashion brands are beautiful, but not everyone can afford them. This is the double-edged sword of ethically sourcing any product, from clothes, to food, to cleaning supplies. Luckily, Good On You has compiled a list of sustainable fashion brands that don’t break the bank.

Rent rather than buy

Renting clothes was once limited to fancy attire such as gowns and formal wear, but now it’s possible to rent all kinds of clothing online from lots of brands. The only problem with rental clothing is that emissions are still generated when clothes are being brought back and forth.

Purchase clothes that don’t use plastic

Washing clothes made of plastic fibers cause microplastics to wind up in our waterways, so it’s better to buy clothes made with other materials. If you do have clothes made of plastic fibers, however, make sure to wash them in a laundry bag that prevents microplastics from entering the water.