The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about how to become more sustainable with clothes is of course buying clothes made from sustainable materials, but there are other tricks that we can pull off to help us become more sustainable. So, how to be more sustainable with clothes? In this article, we will give you a few pointers. After years of experience in the sector making eco-friendly clothes, we may be entitled to some credibility, so keep on reading and feel free to reach for a notebook to write down the following recommendations.
Always look for certification labels
How do we make sure our clothing is made from sustainable materials? Always look for certification labels when shopping for sustainable clothes. Get familiarized with the following certifications so you are able to make your own decisions when shopping for sustainable clothing:
For recycled materials
- The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certifies the recycled materials were used in the production process.
- The OEKO-TEX standard 100 certification means that clothing has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for human use.
For organic fabrics
- the GOTS certification proves your clothing is made from at least 70% organic materials
- Fairtrade certified products ensure that workers receive decent compensation and that companies fulfill their human rights.
Don't treat clothing like it is disposable
The fast fashion industry mass produces clothes at low costs and in the shortest amount of time. This may sound like a great achievement, but in reality, the industry is causing more harm than good to society and our environment releasing harmful toxins and CO2 emissions and contaminating our lands and oceans. Once again, how to become more sustainable with clothes? Always take proper care of your clothes to make them last longer and avoid treating them like disposable items.
Consider microplastics
Synthetic fabrics are great for clothing due to their many attributes; however, they are not sustainable, the productions process is highly contaminant and energy-intensive. The final products are not biodegradable and end up breaking into smaller particles that we know as microplastics. Always consider microplastics! washing synthetic clothing releases microplastics into waterways; it is a good idea to put your clothing inside a washing bag that collects the microplastics. When shopping for sustainable clothing, choose recycled synthetic fabrics over regular synthetics.
Donate and reuse your clothing
Before throwing it away, give your clothing a second chance and make sure you donate or reuse it somehow. You may decide to donate out of goodwill or get some of your money by selling it. Another idea is to turn your used clothing into pieces of cloth that you can use to clean or wash your car.
Want to know more about how to become more sustainable with clothes? Come visit us at The Running Republic to check out our collection of sustainable men's clothing. Join our efforts for a better and more sustainable future. Also, make sure to follow our social networks on Facebook and Instagram.
You might also be interested in: Recycled polyester VS Virgin polyester and The difference between Pre-Consumer and Post-Consumer recycled polyester.