For each one of us being in fashion is always a necessity these days. But the question arises that are we doing that by harming our surroundings? And the answer is yes. We are polluting the environment more than we know by some of the fashion choices that we make every day. If you want to have a greener and healthier life for yourself and your upcoming generations then looking for eco-friendly options should be on the top of your mind.
A few simple alternatives by each one of us will make our planet less polluted. Moreover in an industry like fashion, every biggest brand to the smallest has to take initiative. One can say they have started taking steps in this direction. Some of the big names in the fashion industry have taken a few steps like Burberry, Gucci and Versace made their catwalks in London fashion week fur-free, thereby curbing animal cruelty. A number of companies, including Adidas and G-Star RAW, have developed apparel using ocean plastic. Adidas sold over a million pieces from its “Parley” collection last year. If we look in India, brands such as No Nasties, doodlage, MIx-Mitti, etc have emerged who are trying to revolutize the Indian fabric stores by producing 100% certified fabrics.
Making sustainable choices is not a very difficult task. You just have to think differently. A few steps that can be taken into account are:
1. Product investment:
The first and foremost step is to create your own personal style and stop imitating the celebs or anyone out there. Trends come and go but your style remains forever. For that instead of buying some cheap quality product which will not last even for a month, invest in quality pieces. As even one cotton shirt takes about 1000-2000 liters of water while in production. Using better products will save your money also, plus your wardrobe will be an enriched one with long-lasting pieces.
Post-COVID the way we shop has changed. Online buying and returning processes have made us go for impulse shopping. Let’s just mend our ways and put our money into the products that we can use for a long time.
2. Buying products from sustainable brands:
The more we demand from these brands, the more we will move towards green fashion. Global brands such as H & M and Adidas are trying to break the cycle by bringing in technology that can reduce emissions by the next decade. Also, they use GOTS-organic certified fabric which aims to reduce water pollution, thereby protecting marine life. Let’s promote these brands and make our planet a better place. As all the revolutions start with the consumers, promoting eco-friendly brands is helping us in the long run. If buying from sustainable brands is not in your budget, then you can invest less in one-time-use products.
3. Upcycling and sharing:
Just like any middle-class person in a developing country will do, upcycle your products lying in your wardrobe. Our grandparents and parents used to do it much before we even realized it. Making use of the old sweaters to make a new one, or making rugs out of them is very common in Indian households. Upcycling the products make them for better use and also it’s cost-effective. Use your Dadi-Nani’s outfits as they still look pretty as when they are brought. It’s because they had invested in quality products. Just like Kareena Kapoor Khan wore Sharmilla Tagore’s outfit for her wedding day. The outfit is part of their heirloom which makes it special for both of them. As we learned in our schools, “sharing is caring”. Share your ensembles with your friends and family and in turn make your contribution toward a pollution-free environment. Also, you can donate the items when you don’t need them anymore as it will fulfill someone else’s need and create space for you.
4. Repeating the outfits:
If a celebrity like Alia Bhatt can do that then anyone can. Reusing and repeating the outfits favors your pocket as well. Just like we use our gold and diamond jewelry, we can reuse our bags and clothes also. One can try alternate clothing like mixing and matching which gives you a whole new outfit and look as well as it’s pocket friendly also. The amount of money a person invests in clothing can serve another person for life. If celebs can do it, we can do it too.
5. Renting:
Post the several COVID waves that the world has survived, many people have started renting out outfits, furniture, and whatnot. Websites like Flyrobe, wishlist, and wraps give you the opportunity to rent in and rent out the outfits. You spend less, save your wardrobe space and look pretty, all at the same time. These websites do the maintenance and preservation of the outfits. And you get so many choices with one click from the comfort of your home. This small step contributes to creating less pollution.
6. Packaging:
One of the other biggest factors contributing to a polluted environment is plastic packaging. This one-time used packaging should be completely abandoned. Instead use cloth bags and paper bags which can be reused. At least they can be recycled and upcycled. Also, they have a better life. For instance, global brands do not use plastic packaging and so should the new start-ups and small entrepreneurs.
There are a thousand ways to save our planet. It is our mindset that has to work in that direction. Sustainable fashion is a great choice as we all are going to wear clothes. Amp up your style quotient with eco-friendly choices. Even just my not taking a plastic bag from a local shop and using a cloth bag can be your support in creating less waste.