A Quick Guide To Ethical And Sustainable Fashion

Shopping and being on top of fast fashion trends can be seen as pleasurable and even addictive to some, and we get it. The joy you get from having new clothing, jewelry, or shoes is just too satisfying and gratifying. Who wouldn’t want new stuff anyway?

On the other side of the coin, we all know that shopping unsustainably can come with a hefty price that often gets ignored.

According to Earth.Org the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills on a yearly basis is approximately 11.3 million tons, and that is in the US alone. If we want to help mitigate the negative impacts of unsustainable shopping, we should all be mindful of what comes into our wardrobe.  

When you shop sustainably, you’re not only helping the environment, but you can also save money in the long run. Here are some of the ways we, as consumers, can be sustainable in fashion:

Ways To Be Sustainable In Fashion

Choose Better And Buy Less

Fast fashion is the thing these days. Trends come and go as quickly as you can change clothes, literally and figuratively, and consumers are driven to shop more to keep up with them. However, these fast fashion brands that we willingly support are producing an alarming amount of waste each year, and it’s getting close to the amount that our planet won’t be able to handle.

As eco-conscious consumers, we can help reduce waste by focusing on buying things that are created to last. Check the quality of the products and know what sustainable options you have before purchasing.

Alter Pieces You Already Own

One of the main reasons to shop more frequently than necessary is the desire for something new. You look at your closet and see the same things again and again. Naturally, you’ll think of shopping as the solution.

Before you grab that wallet, look for unused fashion items in your wardrobe that are still in good condition. Alter the size or the style or add decorative items to turn them into new clothes. Give old items a second chance - your wardrobe, wallet, and the environment will thank you.

Rent Or Shop Secondhand And Vintage

Renting or shopping for secondhand and vintage items is also a good alternative to excessive shopping. They are economical and produce little to no waste at all. The key is to know where to look. Browse charity and vintage stores, rental shops, and garage sales and learn to identify quality items that will still serve their purpose long term.

Support Sustainable Brands

To help the environment, not only should you be mindful of your purchasing habits, but you should also be aware of the brands you support. 

Do they practice ethical and sustainable practices in producing their products? How do they package their products? How do they reduce and repurpose their production waste? These are some of the questions that you should ask before supporting a brand.

Be Aware Of And Avoid Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a deceptive and harmful marketing strategy brands use to mislead consumers into believing that their products are produced through environmentally-friendly practices, even if they are not.

To avoid buying from greenwashing brands, do your research and make sure that the company you are buying from is indeed concerned about the environment and making valid and proven sustainable efforts.

At HauteCarat, we care about people and our planet; that’s why our jewelry pieces are embellished with sustainable lab-created diamonds. 

Our diamonds are created in a lab by engineers and scientists, not dangerously mined by innocent workers, and their brilliance exudes elegance with a clear conscience. Learn more about our sustainable diamonds at https://hautecarat.com/