The fashion industry is one of the most unsustainable industries: much of the clothing produced today is done so using slave labor and the chemicals used in production are poisoning the air and ocean. As consumers, we often feel powerless to change this industry - after all, clothing is a necessity. But there are ways to vote with our wallets and purchase clothing that is more sustainable and ethical. Here are three ways to do so on a budget.
One of the best ways to find affordable and sustainable clothing is to shop at secondhand stores or thrift stores - not consignment stores, which are upscale in price but not necessarily quality. You can find clothing at thrift stores for pennies, sometimes even free. Oftentimes, you can find designer clothing for tenth of the original price. Plus, by shopping secondhand, you're giving clothes a longer life which ultimately reduces textile waste. Win-win!
Hemp is an incredibly versatile and sustainable material that can be used to create everything from underwear to dresses. Hemp requires very little water to grow and doesn't need harmful pesticides or herbicides, making it much more eco-friendly than traditional cotton. Plus, hemp clothing tends to be very durable, meaning you'll get more wear out of each piece. And because hemp is so versatile, it's easy to find affordable hemp clothing that suits your style.
When shopping for new clothes, try to stick to natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and silk. These materials are all biodegradable and tend to be better for your skin than synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. Natural fibers are also generally more breathable, so you'll stay comfortable even when temperatures rise. While natural fiber clothing may cost a bit more upfront, they will last longer than synthetic fibers - meaning you'll save money in the long run. As mentioned before, buying these items secondhand is a great bet.
As with secondhand stores, yard sales offer quality clothing at affordable prices. A tip from the pros: come back to the yard sale at the end of their sale and offer to take all their unwanted clothing away. They may be glad to be rid of it! Free clothing is almost as good as free money.
Making sustainable fashion choices on a budget is possible - you just have to know where to look. Secondhand stores, natural fiber brands and yard sales are all great places to start your search for ethical and affordable clothing options. So next time you need some new clothes, keep these tips in mind and shop sustainably!