It's fashion revolution week at the moment. The main intent is to make the fashion industry fairer, safer and cleaner and after events like Rana Plaza it is obvious why we need just that.
Over the past few years shopping habits have changed drastically. From a two season industry, only showing new garments for Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter to an industry that offers new styles and products nearly every other week. The more new clothes are offered, the more are bought. The price decline for garments over the past decade has only fueled this movement towards increasing consumerism.
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| source: FashionRevolution.org |
If you look at the effects this consumption has, it becomes obvious that we should start changing our own habits now. To help you re-think your shopping habits, here's a list of 5 steps to change your consumption habits.
#1 GET INFORMED
Read about the impacts that your consumption has, how products can be produced sustainable and without damaging the environment. Read and learn.
- watch the True Cost Documentary
- read about the Fashion Revolution movement
- learn about cheap ways to avoid fast fashion (if you're on a budget)
- there are also a few TEDtalks on this topic
#2 CHANGE YOUR SHOPPING HABITS
- buy sustainable and fair trade clothing (like people tree) if your budget allows for it
- buy less, move more towards slow fashion
- think about how often you'll wear those things (if you know you won't wear it more than once you probably shouldn't buy it, I mean except it's your weedding dress!)
#3 CHANGE THE WAY YOU TREAT YOUR CLOTHES
To most people it might seem like a no-brainer, but taking good care of your clothes i a big step towards being more sustainable.
- use the right laundry detergent
- iron them properly (it's actually good and important for the fabric)
- mend them if something breaks, or let someone help you with repairing broken clothes
#4 FIND OTHER WAYS TO GET RID OF YOUR CLOTHES
Sometimes things just don't fit anymore, or you don't like them or they are worn-down and that's fine, but don't just throw them into the normal bin.
- if the garment is in good condition: sell it, bring it to a second-hand shop, pass it down to someone you know that might need it,....
- if the garment is in a condition that can't be fixed you could put it in a textiles bin instead of throwing it away - most of the things that can't be worn anymore still can be recycled
#5 SEW YOUR OWN COOL SH*T
Sewing your own clothes is about the coolest thing to do in my book. If you have the time and a sewing machine you could always try to make your own garments. They will fit you properly and making your clothes yourself is always a lot of fun. If you want to you can check out my instagram (eh_lina) over the next few days, to see some of my favourite makes so far
And the best thing is when people ask you where you bought something, because they like it and you can say: "Well, I made it myself"
