Whether you’re enjoying time outdoors or relaxing on the couch, leisure wear plays an important part in our day-to-day comfort. But as the scale of fast fashion’s detrimental environmental impacts grows, it can be difficult to find and afford green clothing. Here are a few things to look out for to reduce your carbon footprint and keep your wardrobe sustainable.
Shopping Secondhand
Before looking for something new, consider shopping pre-owned leisure gear from thrift shops, consignment shops or other resale outlets. 4-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the fashion industry. According to the 71 Percent, it takes about 400 gallons of water to produce a cotton T-shirt, and 1,800 gallons for a pair of jeans, resulting in a large amount of energy, labor, and natural resources expended for the sake of new products. Buying secondhand reduces the demand for new products that require more energy, resource depletion and pollution. It also eliminates excessive packaging that comes with purchasing new clothing items.
Go Natural
The production of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and spandex are energy intensive and require large amounts of petroleum and other fossil fuels. They do not decompose, taking 500-1,000 years to degrade, and shed microplastics throughout their lifecycle that can enter waterways, oceans, and even animals and humans. Swap synthetics for clothing made with natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. These fibers are biodegradable and more easily recycled and reused. Natural-fiber clothing can also be more breathable, durable, and gentler on the skin. Find organic natural fibers from companies with fair labor practices through the Green Business Network®.
Econscious Clothing offers classic, comfortable, and long-lasting outdoor pieces made from recycled fabrics and natural fibers gathered from organic farming. The brand works with factories committed to creating quality products and an ethical, healthy work environment for employees.
Beckons Yoga Clothing has manufactured with organic cotton and sustainable fibers locally in Idaho since 2006. The company donates all end-of-season merchandise to charity organizations to ensure reuse, and donates to the Samburu Tribe of Africa and Women’s Resource Network.
Find organic cotton T-shirts, bags, headbands and plus-size clothing at Soul Flower. This “Earth-loving, hippie” brand uses
organic and recycled fabrics to create its pieces. The pieces are unique, ethically made, and fair trade certified.
Quality Over Quantity
Once textiles are discarded, they are incinerated, releasing harmful greenhouse gases like methane, or sent to landfills, where they will take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead of overbuying clothing to fit in with the latest trends, shop for pieces you like and will wear for several years. High-quality clothing lasts longer, is easily repaired, and requires less frequent replacement, thus preventing overconsumption. It is also often produced with more sustainable materials and ethical labor practices. Investing in well-made, durable clothing will save you money in the long run and discourage wastefulness.
Shop Sustainable Brands
Eco-friendly fashion brands promote natural resource conservation, carbon footprint reduction, and fair labor practices. Shopping sustainable brands help support the environment and the people creating your favorite products. Keep an eye out for green certifications, like Green America’s Green Business Network Certification, assuring the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Large retailers like REI and Patagonia also sell used gear.
