6 ways to green your wardrobe

In our last post we looked at some very good reasons to bother with Eco fashion. But once you have decided that Eco fashion is worthwhile, finding the right clothes can be a challenge. What should you look for, where should you look for it and will it cost a lot of money? To try and simplify things slightly, here are 6 simple ways to a greener wardrobe.

1. Buy quality clothes to last - Instead of following the latest trends buy classic and quality clothes that can be updated each season with accessories. High fashion clothes are great but you are unlikely to wear them the next season. By opting for more classic designs, your clothes will last longer.

2. Look after your clothes - store them correctly and repair them when necessary and they will last a lot longer. Buying less clothes will help to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe.

3. Recycle - If you no longer want your clothes, you can reduce their impact on the environment and reduce your waste by recycling. Good quality clothes can be sold, swapped or donated to charity shops. Clothes in an unwearable condition can be recycled for rags.

4. Organic clothing -  grown without the use of pesticides which are a serious pollutant, organic clothes are becoming more easy to find, more stylish and affordable. Many shops now stock an organic line and you can find plenty of retailers online specialising in organic clothing.

5. Sustainable Fabrics - the current use of conventional cotton for clothing is not sustainable. There are a number of sustainable alternatives including bamboo which grows quickly without the need for pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation.

5. Washing clothes - a large proportion of the carbon footprint of your clothing will be associated with its washing and drying. Washing at a lower heat, drying naturally and using an Eco alternative to conventional detergent, can all lessen the impact.

picture from Furniture by CSN