Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world? It's estimated that each year, the fashion industry produces around 2.1 billion tons of waste and emits around 3.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. And with the rise of fast fashion, these numbers are only increasing.
THE HISTORY OF THE FASHION REVOLUTION
But there's a movement fighting back against this unsustainable system – it's called Fashion Revolution.
Founded in 2013, Fashion Revolution is a global movement that calls for greater transparency, sustainability, and ethics in the fashion industry. It was started in response to the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,100 garment workers.
Since then, Fashion Revolution has grown into a powerful force for change.
Sustainable shopping made simple.
Here are the top 7 ways you can make more sustainable fashion choices and participate in this important movement:
1. Buy Less, Choose Well
The best way to participate in Fashion Revolution is to simply buy less clothing. The fashion industry is built on consumption, so the less we buy, the less demand there is for new clothing. Instead of buying something new every time you need an outfit, try shopping your own closet first or borrowing from a friend.
When you do need to buy something new, take the time to choose well. Sustainable fashion brands are popping up all over the place, so do your research before making a purchase. Look for brands that use sustainable materials, practice fair labor, and are transparent about their supply chain.
2. Shop Secondhand
One of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to shop secondhand. Instead of buying something new, try shopping at a thrift store, consignment shop, or online marketplace like Depop or Poshmark. Here are some great thrifting hacks. There are also tons of great Sustainable fashion brands that sell secondhand clothing on their websites, like Reformation and thredUP.
3. Rent Your Clothes
If you're someone who likes to stay on trend, consider renting your clothes instead of buying them. There are lots of different clothing rental services available, like Le Tote, GlamCorner, and Rent the Runway. This way, you can wear the latest styles without contributing to the wastefulness of fast fashion.
4. Mend Your Clothes
When your clothes start to show signs of wear and tear, don't throw them away – mend them! This simple act can prolong the life of your clothing and prevent it from ending up in a landfill. If you're not sure how to mend your clothes, there are plenty of tutorials available online. If you live in New York there's even an on-the-go tailors service that comes to you.
5. Recycle Your Clothes
When you're finally ready to get rid of some of your clothes, make sure to recycle them instead of throwing them away. There are lots of different ways to recycle clothes, like donating them to a thrift store or sending them off to be made into new products like insulation or carpet padding.
6. Educate Yourself and Others
One of the most important things you can do to participate in Fashion Revolution is to educate yourself and others about the issues facing the fashion industry. Follow Sustainable fashion brands and influencers on social media, read articles and books about sustainable fashion, and start conversations with your friends and family about the importance of making more sustainable choices.
7. Support Sustainable Brands
Of course, one of the best ways to participate in Fashion Revolution is to support Sustainable fashion brands. Sustainable brands are working to clean up the fashion industry and create a more sustainable future for us all. So whenever possible, choose Sustainable over fast fashion.
Are you ready to join the Fashion Revolution?
Comment below with one way you’re making more sustainable fashion choices this month.