Have you ever wondered what you can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle? The textile industry is one of the most toxic industries in the world. It is estimated that the fashion industry produces 10% of the world's CO2 emissions - more than international aviation and shipping combined. To do something about it, you can start with your own consumption/clothing wardrobe.Here are some tips on how to have a sustainable, happy wardrobe that will not only be good for you but also good for Mother Nature.
The first thing to do is to completely empty your wardrobe and take enough time to do it. Draw everything out and take a good look at each item.
When was the last time you wore it? Do you feel comfortable and confident in it? Does it make you HAPPY? Have you worn it more than 30 times? Because according to Livia Firth, founder of Eco Age, before buying any clothes you should ask yourself: "Will I wear it at least 30 times?" Only if the answer is yes you should buy it.
If you answer no to these questions, you should part with the garment. Maybe you have a friend who might like the clothes you have taken out of the wardrobe and you can give him/her a little present? If you want to earn some money, you can of course sell them on various second-hand platforms or take them to the next flea market. Or you might know an organisation in your neighbourhood that is happy to receive clothes and donate them. You will definitely find someone who will appreciate your unworn clothes more than you do!
Do you have a piece of clothing that you are very attached to, but unfortunately it is a bit worn and broken? Try to save it by repairing it yourself (e.g. by sewing, mending or 'shaving off' bubbles) or take it to a good tailor. It's better to repair it than to throw it away!
After cleaning out your wardrobe, make sure you only have clothes that make you feel happy and confident!
Still, want to buy something for next season? Then try changing your buying attitudes. Try to research materials and manufacturing first, and try to buy clothes that you can wear for several seasons. Also, avoid following wild trends that will be outdated after a few months. Of course, you should also make sure to add only high-quality clothes to your clothing collection, as these will last for several years and are therefore better for your wallet and much more sustainable than cheap disposable fashion.
If you are interested in a super sustainable and more minimalist lifestyle, you can also rent your new clothes. The circular economy model (i.e. rent-wear-return-repair/wash-rent...) is slowly making its way into the fashion industry and is one of the "answers" for future sustainable fashion. Above all, this rental concept is very useful for important events, such as a wedding. This way you don't have to buy a new fancy dress and you save a lot of money and space in your wardrobe! The rental concept is also very advantageous for children's clothes because they grow so quickly that you have to buy something new practically every two months.
As you can see, there are many simple ways to convert your wardrobe into a more sustainable one. Try to keep in mind that in the long run, more sustainable fashion is more profitable and better for your well-being and that of nature. If you want to know more about the circular economy model in the fashion industry, you can find all the important information at https://coracircle.corahappywear.com/ .
Have fun and be CORAgeous !
Your CORAhappywear team