Think about the last article of clothing you bought. Are you committed to wearing that dress, shirt, or trousers at least 30 times? If the answer is no, then save your money and start saving the planet.
Sustainable fashion is about bringing consciousness into the way clothes are manufactured and worn. This practice is combatting “fast fashion” or stores that sell cheaply made clothes that are sold for low prices. While these shops help you stay on trend, they create an even greater trend of textile waste that takes years to decompose in a landfill and enable poor working conditions for manufacturers.
To raise awareness of this issue, we are collaborating with OneCoWork and Oceanic Global to host a sustainable fashion charity event on July 8th, starting at 12 PM that will be a zero waste event. At this show, you will be able to see top designers like Thembe Fashions, Post/O and Ernesto de Barcelona who embody sustainable and recycled fashion in their garments and accessories. Enjoy some mimosas and brunch while overlooking the scenic Port Vell at OneCoWork’s beautiful space. The fashion show benefits the organization Zero Waste Barcelona and their aim to educate and promote zero waste practices. We will be mirroring these ideals too by having no plastic at our event.
Even before the event, you can start practicing sustainable fashion habits yourself. Here are eight ways to create less waste with what you wear.
- Choose more biodegradable textiles. With the technology we possess today, we are more capable than ever to create new and better materials. Instead of buying polyester, or synthetic textiles that take years to decompose in a land fill, you can opt for a synthetic garment made of recycled materials or biodegradable textiles that are durable and better for the environment.
- Avoid cotton. This tip might surprise some. While cotton is a durable, breathable, and natural material, this textile has a large water footprint. The amount of water need to grow cotton is proportionally larger than other natural textiles. Many manufacturers are now produce blends of fibers like bamboo or hemp that have less of a water footprint. Try opting for these fabrics instead.
- Buy fair trade. Fair trade textiles are important for being a sustainable consumer. Not only is it important to consider the environmental impact of your consuming habits but also on the people around you. Buying fair trade ensure that the people behind fashion manufacturing are being ethically treated.
- Purchase well made, high quality clothing. While this tactic isn’t the most budget friendly at first, buying quality clothing means that your garments will last longer and be used more. You may have to pay more for better clothes up front, but know that proportionally it is a better value. Sure a $10 shirt is tantalizing, but you may only get to wear it ten times before it wears out or goes out of style. A versatile or classic piece of clothing that is well made being sold for $30 will last you much longer and be a better deal in the long run.
- Recycle your clothes. Many retail stores offer recycling programs where you can take your worn clothing have them repurposed and reused. This alternative prevents non-biodegradable textiles from sitting in landfills for years.
- Buy clothes made of fabric scraps or recycled materials. Alongside these retail stores’ recycling programs, different recycled plastics or textiles are being reimagined into new articles of clothing. What was once a plastic bottle or torn shirt is now a sweater. More retail stores are becoming more conscious of how much fabric is wasted when creating clothes. Now they are using zero waste methods to use as much of the textile is possible in other garments.
- Buy from thrift stores. Consignment and thrift shops allow you to buy gently worn clothes at a cheaper price. You can give these perfectly fine garments a second life instead of having them waste away in a landfill. If you have clothes yourself that you no longer wear, consider recycling them or donating them to a charity or thrift store to reduce textile waste.
- Rent or trade clothes. Today there are many companies that provide a rental service for clothing. You are able to wear a garment for an event and then ship it back to be worn by others. This is a great alternative for big occasions where you may wear a dress or outfit once. Additionally, instead of renting clothing, you can trade clothes with friends and family.
Now that you know how to get started on sustainable fashion, come see the beautiful recycled designs and accessories that will be showcased at the fashion extravaganza. Enjoy a mimosa and soak in the sun at OneCoWork’s bright and modern space. Don’t forget your sunglasses.
For more information or to buy tickets, go to our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1431060420372536/
