We all love splurging on new clothes and following fashion trends. But often we ignore the negative impact that it has on the environment. According to the BBC, fashion accounts for about 10% of the world’s carbon emissions and nearly 20% of the world’s wastewater. A study by World Economic Forum shows that roughly 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year. These numbers clearly hint that Fast Fashion comes at a significant environmental cost. To cut down on the massive environmental impact and ensure fairness of those making our clothes, we must take strong steps towards building a sustainable Fashion ecosystem.

Here are 6 things to keep in mind while buying and using your clothes:

Know where to shop

It is important to know where, and how your clothes are produced; Research and collect your background information on your desired brands. It is essential that you know everything about the brand right from where they get their raw material, how they dispose of production waste, how they treat their employees, to the levels of sustainability of their transportation and shipping. Choose Wisely!

Take care of your clothes

Another important step towards sustainability is learning how to take care of your clothes. This will not only increase their lifespan and reduce your waste production but also help you cut down on costs. Before you buy new clothes, think of the 30 wears test – only buy a piece of clothing if you will wear it a minimum of 30 times.

Choose Quality over Quantity

Always remember: Less is more. When you’re shopping, make sure your clothes are made out of fabrics that are durable and can be used in all seasons. It’s always a good idea to invest in garments that will last you for an extended time rather than buying clothes that will hardy last 10 washes.

Donate your clothes instead of throwing them out

If you’ve outgrown your clothes, or if they don’t match your style anymore, consider donating them instead of throwing them away. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, a piece that you don’t require, might be the exact piece someone is looking for – so swap it out with your friends, or donate your clothes for a cause.

Try Thrifting

Thrifting – A trend that has only gone stronger with each passing day. Shopping at thrift stores indirectly helps in reducing waste production. With big celebrities and fashion influencers taking the second hand route, we are positive that the Thrifting Movement is here to stay.

Support sustainable fashion brands

Invest and support brands that promote planet-positive fashion. Be informed and get your clothes from textile studios/brands that engage in upcycling and works towards creating a positive impact on the environment.

With our association with Fashion Revolution India, we are raising awareness on slow fashion and working towards building a sustainable fashion community and environment. If you are passionate about creating a similar world and want to become a pioneer in setting sustainability standards along with tailoring the latest fashion trends, Pearl Academy Fashion Design course is for you! From multi-disciplinary learning, flexible career opportunities to international industry exposure, this course has been designed to encourage future-facing innovations. To know more about our course, click here.