Are you considering ditching fast fashion and switching to ethical clothes but you don’t know where to start? Start here!
1. Understand the problem with fast fashion
It’s much easier to ditch fast fashion when you find out the true cost of a £2 t-shirt and the problems generated when we perceive our clothes as disposable:
- Water pollution
- Pesticides & insecticides
- Microplastics
- High carbon footprint
- Sweatshops and child labour
- 92m yearly tonnes of waste
Discover more about the problem with fast fashion or check out these fast fashion documentaries.
2.Replace distractions with positive influence
If you were trying to cut down on sugar, would you keep a cake right on your countertop?
Likewise, it can be tough to ditch fast fashion if you keep seeing posts that encourage you to buy, buy, buy.
- Unsubscribe from fast fashion newsletters
- Unfollow stores or influencers without an ethical approach to fashion
- Instead, choose newsletters, social media pages, and influencers that will help you switch to sustainable fashion.
3. Stop seeing your clothes as disposable
The most important step to ditch fast fashion and switch to ethical clothes is embracing this mindset change.
Even though society has pushed you to see your clothes as disposable, start loving them and taking care of them to make them last longer!
4. Declutter
We get it: it’s hard to fall in love with your clothes if your wardrobe is full of polyester garments that you’ve only bought to wear a couple of times.
That’s why a sustainable declutter might be needed!
Go through your clothes and ask yourself:
- How many times have I worn it?
- Will I wear it 30 times? (#30WearsChallenge)
- Does it still fit and feel comfortable?
If it doesn’t, don’t bin it: sell it online or donate it to charity.
5. Consider creating a signature style
This trick could help you fall in love with fewer items of clothing and break free from seasonal trends.
Here’s how to create your signature fashion style.
6. Embrace repeated & repurposed outfits
Let’s stop feeling embarrassed for wearing the same outfit two days in a row or posting it more than once on Instagram!
Despite what society has led you to believe, there’s nothing wrong with repeated outfits.
You can also get creative by repurposing the same top with a skirt today and dungarees tomorrow, for example.
7. Familiarise yourself with sustainable fashion
There are so many reasons to switch to sustainable fashion, but learning more about how it can make a difference for both the planet and garment workers will help you remember them.
Check out our complete guide to sustainable fashion, discover the most sustainable fabrics, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tips.
8. Think beyond this season’s trends
One of the tricks to switching to sustainable fashion is to only buy clothes that you can see yourself wearing for years: not those that were made to follow a temporary trend!
9. Ask yourself #WhoMadeMyClothes?
Most fast fashion companies aren’t transparent about their supply chain nor do they perform regular checks. That’s why their garment workers are often subjected to sweatshop conditions.
Instead, choose brands that offer you information about their suppliers or have relevant certifications, such as the Fair Trade logo.
10. Find sustainable fashion brands that speak to you
No idea where to look? We had your same problem a few years ago: that’s why we started Project Cece!
By gathering the collections of over 400 fair trade brands and adding practical filters, we’ve created a search engine for sustainable fashion to help you find the right garments for you.
Ditching fast fashion and switching to ethical clothing has never been easier!
As an advocate for sustainable fashion, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise on the detrimental effects of fast fashion and the transformative journey towards ethical clothing. My passion for this subject is rooted in a deep understanding of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the fashion industry.
Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article and explore why they are crucial for anyone considering the shift from fast fashion to ethical clothing:
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The Problem with Fast Fashion:
- Water Pollution: Fast fashion production involves vast amounts of water, contributing to pollution through dyeing processes and chemical discharges.
- Pesticides & Insecticides: Conventional cotton, widely used in fast fashion, is treated with pesticides and insecticides, harming ecosystems.
- Microplastics: Synthetic fabrics shed microplastics during washing, contaminating water bodies and marine life.
- High Carbon Footprint: Fast fashion relies on rapid production and transportation, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sweatshops and Child Labour: The race for low-cost production often leads to exploitative labor practices, including sweatshops and child labor.
- 92 Million Yearly Tonnes of Waste: The disposability mindset results in massive textile waste, adding to landfills.
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Replace Distractions with Positive Influence:
- Unsubscribing from fast fashion newsletters and unfollowing influencers without an ethical approach helps eliminate triggers for impulsive buying.
- Opting for positive influences, such as newsletters and influencers promoting sustainable fashion, fosters a mindset shift.
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Stop Seeing Your Clothes as Disposable:
- Embracing a mindset change is essential. Treating clothes as valuable items and caring for them extends their lifespan, reducing the need for constant replacements.
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Declutter:
- Sustainable decluttering involves assessing clothing based on wear frequency, future utility (#30WearsChallenge), fit, and comfort.
- Selling or donating unused items promotes a circular fashion economy.
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Consider Creating a Signature Style:
- Developing a signature style reduces reliance on fleeting trends, fostering a deeper connection with a curated wardrobe.
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Embrace Repeated & Repurposed Outfits:
- Normalizing outfit repetition and creative repurposing challenges societal norms, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
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Familiarize Yourself with Sustainable Fashion:
- Education on sustainable practices empowers consumers. Exploring sustainable fabrics, understanding their benefits, and staying informed through newsletters contribute to responsible choices.
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Think Beyond This Season’s Trends:
- Choosing timeless pieces over trendy items aligns with sustainable fashion principles, promoting longevity in wardrobe choices.
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Ask Yourself #WhoMadeMyClothes?:
- Seeking transparency in supply chains and supporting brands with fair trade certifications ensures ethical practices and fair treatment of workers.
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Find Sustainable Fashion Brands:
- Platforms like Project Cece provide a curated selection of over 400 fair trade brands, simplifying the journey to discover and support sustainable fashion.
By embracing these concepts, individuals can make informed choices, contributing to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
