Give fast fashion the boot with our list of staple items that every sustainable winter wardrobe needs. You can stay warm without hurting the planet or your pocketbook by building upon what you already have. Here’s how to get started.
Create piles of things that need to be repaired, donated or kept. Once that’s done, make a list of what you have and what you may still need. Staple items include things like long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, a coat, jeans, long socks, boots and warm-weather accessories: think beanies, scarves and gloves.
Remember those piles you created after taking inventory? Determine what you plan to repair and keep. Consider saving money by asking a friend to swap a few winter accessories with you as a way to freshen up your look for the season. After shopping and swapping, it’s time to go thrifting. If you still can’t find key necessities at a secondhand store, buy from ethical brands. Ethical brands are defined as those that do not harm people, animals or the environment and contribute to society and public good in a responsible and sustainable way. Brands like Patagonia, Eileen Fisher and Reformation are great. But there are a host of others to choose from as well.
Aiming to wear each item of your clothing at least 30 times will reduce your CO2 emissions and waste, as suggested by the #30wearschallenge. Following the 30 Wears Challenge also forces you to make smart purchasing decisions, like buying high-quality and ethical items. Read our blog “Green Your Lifestyle with 5 of the Most Sustainable Fabrics,” to learn about some of the most eco-friendly fabrics around. If you’ve determined that you absolutely must make a purchase, choose brands with manufacturing processes that minimize waste and energy use, as well as avoid chemicals that harm the planet. You might want to also consider what your product is composed of. When shopping for new items, go for ones that contain organic and recycled materials. See our suggestions below:
Building a winter wardrobe that’ll take you through the cold months can be done with minimal impact on the planet. Aside from keeping your wardrobe mostly sustainable, another way to make a positive impact on the planet is by choosing a 100% clean electricity plan. In fact, it’s one of the most impactful things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Sign up today.
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