Choosing a garment means making a choice of style, comfort and price, but few people buy thinking about the environmental and social consequences of such a purchase. If you want to change your habits and consume fashion more responsibly, several criteria need to be considered before, during and after the purchase. Here are some easy tips to apply in your daily shopping routine:
- Learn about the origins of the clothes (manufacturing process, traceability, social responsibility…)
- Buy locally or nearest to you.
- Give priority to natural, organic materials over conventionally treated natural materials and synthetic materials.
- Prefer brands that are certified by recognized labels for their strict and complete standards (Oeko-tex, GOTS…)
- Adopt a new way of buying by practicing “slow-fashion”, which advocates quality rather quantity: consume less but better !
The use in the life cycle of a garment is also very important. The environmental impact of clothing is caused 50% by its production and 50% by its use. Washing and drying consume a lot of energy and water, laundry and softeners pollute the water. Simple actions can limit this ecological impact:
- Wear clothes several times before washing
- Decrease the washing temperature (ideally at 30 ° C)
- Fill the machine completely and use economical programs (short cycle, reduced spinning speed)
- Use ecological laundry detergents, softeners and avoid overdose
- Opt for energy efficient washing machines (A, A + or A ++)
- Dry clothes in the open air and not in the dryer
- Limit the number of washes by ventilating your garment inside out after having worn it
If you happen to get tired of your clothes after a while, do not throw them away or let them accumulate in your closet: sell your clothes in “second hand” stores, used clothing online platforms, barter sites or simply on social networks. You can also give your clothes to self-help and anti-poverty organizations. The fight against waste is essential in our current society of over-consumption.