Can You Be Stylish and Sustainable?

The short answer is, yes of course. I would argue that prioritizing sustainable shopping practices not only makes your closet more unique & curated but it also enhances your creativity and personal style. Here’s why.

First, let’s describe the current landscape of fast fashion and textiles. I'm sure you’ve all heard it many times before, but its for good reason.

Fast fashion has led to detrimental consequences for both the environment and human rights. The fast fashion industry produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, with the fashion industry accounting for about 10% of global carbon emissions. The production of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, releases microplastics into the environment, contributing to water pollution. Additionally, the fast fashion model promotes the overconsumption of clothing, leading to large amounts of textile waste. It is estimated that one garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second. This waste often ends up in landfills or incinerators, further impacting the environment. Each year, approximately 85% of textiles end up in landfills, where they release harmful greenhouse gases like methane as they decompose, intensifying the crisis of waste management and pollution.

From a human rights perspective, fast fashion is linked to exploitative labor practices in many garment-producing countries. Workers in these countries often face poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours. Child labor and forced labor are also prevalent in the fast fashion supply chain. The Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,100 garment workers, brought global attention to the unsafe working conditions in the industry. Despite some improvements in labor practices in recent years, many garment workers still face precarious situations due to the demand for cheap and fast production.

Although the allure of quick turnover trends pushed by fast fashion companies is tempting, it's becoming increasingly evident that embracing them might entail more consequences than meets the eye. This is where I believe creativity comes into play, as those who opt out are forced to think deeper and search a little longer for what to wear.

So, what's the alternative? How can we blend sustainability with style? While some may envision sustainable clothing as overly earthy or granola-esque, and this might hold true in certain instances, there are plenty of other avenues to curate the closet of your dreams without breaking the bank or harming the environment. Here are some of my favorite ways to curate a conscious closet that is ever so chic.

Resale

First off, some of us need to make space in our wardrobe to allow for new pieces but sending textiles to the landfill is the last thing we want. Unfortunately, many items donated to Goodwill end up in landfills or shipped overseas in huge volumes.

Consider reselling stylish clothes that you've worn plenty of times. Give them a chance at a new life by listing them on platforms like Poshmark, eBay, The Real Real, Vestiare, Grailed, or Depop. Personally, I also love browsing these platforms for new wardrobe additions.

Textile Recycling

While donating is certainly better than sending something off to a landfill, I see a lot of promise in an alternative option, textile recycling. Not every piece of clothing you want to part with will be suitable for resale, but in most cases, the fabric is intact and can be recycled to make a range of other products. Last year, I started using the Trashie/For Days Take Back Bag service. For just $20, you can buy a bag that holds up to 15 pounds of your unwanted shoes, clothes, bags, and linens. Then, you simply send it back to them for free, just like a regular return. As a bonus, you'll receive $30 in TrashieCash that you can use towards purchases from various sustainable brands. Your county government also likely has a list of ways to recycle your textiles and I’m sure new innovative ways to trade in like Trashie are in development.

Rental

Rent clothes or Rent your clothes out! This is great for special occasion dresses that you won’t wear again— think weddings, birthdays, or vacations. Additionally, you can earn some passive income by listing your clothes on rental platforms such as Rent the Runway, Nuuly, and Armorie.

Take Care

Care for your clothes as if they were all your favorite or only garment. Avoid overwashing, but when you do, be sure to follow the care instructions listed on the tag inside each item.

The French Philosophy

During my time studying in Paris, I was told something intriguing about how the French approach shopping compared to Americans. Regardless of age or financial status, they prioritize high-quality garments, saving up for pieces that will endure and seamlessly complement the rest of their wardrobe while making a statement. While occasional splurges are universal, the French supposedly apply this mindset to every item they own, resulting in a curated collection of clothing they deeply cherish. Now, this might just be hearsay, but the idea resonated with me, reflecting the refined yet effortless style I observed daily on Parisian streets.