Sustainable style cannot be called a trend, because sustainability will always be in fashion. We at Live It Up Always back the movement 100% just like Cate Blanchett and Kendall Jenner who were amongst the flag bearers of Sustainable Fashion in the Oscars 2023.
If you are wondering why are sustainable fashion and sustainable beauty important and want to find out some simple ways you can help make it a success, here is a one-stop guide to sustainable style.
Table of Contents
Why is sustainable style important?
The fashion and beauty industry uses raw materials which have a huge bearing on the environment and our forests. They are responsible for 7-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To add to this are the poor conditions and low wages of the garment workers world over.
Even with such a state of affairs, there are very few brands that have adopted significant sustainable practices and there is a lot of room for improvement. As consumers, we are the ones who can help accelerate the change in the way fashion and beauty companies are thinking. The power of demand for the adoption of sustainability and transparency in the supply chain will be the most important contributor to turning the tide in Earth’s favor.
What you can do?
Remember your contribution matters! Small things can become great when we do them with Love!
Following is the list of changes you can bring in your choices, for fashion and beauty.
a. Sustainable fashion
1. Think before you buy: Buy Less Buy Better
Be conscious before buying anything, Ask yourself do you really need it. Will you use it at least 30 times after buying it? Can you give it a second life after you are done?
Invest in high-quality pieces which can be styled in multiple ways. Good quality basics like Tees, Tanks, and Leggings not only save some space in your wardrobe but also offer a wide variety of looks that can be styled with them. Demand for fast and inexpensive fashion is a very big contributor in fashion industry players often Greenwashing their sustainable style claims.
2. Look for sustainable brands
It goes beyond just looking for ‘Sustainable’, ‘Responsible’, and ‘Eco-Friendly’ tags. Look for designers that upcycle textiles, and brands that have committed to scientific targets, and carbon neutrality. Also, supports brands with transparency in their supply chain and processes. It is important that there is a fair wage for garment workers who make our clothes.
One easy way to check whether a brand is sustainable or not is by checking certifications like Global Organic Textiles Standard, WRAP, and Fair Wear Foundation.
Green by OEKO-TEX and Bluesign certifications check for the use of harmful chemicals during the manufacturing process.
3. Reuse & Recycle
Some simple steps to ensure each garment is used to maximum benefit are :
- Repair and use, them before throwing them out
- Upcycle your fashion and turn them into something new.
- Buy pre-loved and vintage items. Sites like RealReal.com offer great options to stay trendy while supporting sustainable fashion
- Try renting.
- When clearing out your closet, try giving your clothes a second life. Donate or organize a cloth exchange so they can be used by someone.
4. Choice of materials
Go for natural fibers rather than synthetics, especially virgin synthetics. Even within natural fibers, some fare better like organic cotton uses significantly less water and pesticides than regular cotton. If you can’t completely avoid synthetics, especially for athleisure and swimwear, look for other sustainable style brands like Girlfriend Collective, Indigo Luna, and Stay Wild Swim.
5. Wear your clothes longer
Take care of your clothes and ensure they get the maximum life possible. Wash them as per the instructions and do not over-wash them. That will also lower your water consumption!
b. Sustainable Beauty
Extend your green practices to your beauty purchases as well. We see words like ‘Green Beauty’, ‘Clean Beauty’, and the newest kid on the block ‘Blue Beauty’. While clean beauty and green beauty trends focus on non-toxic ingredients for your skin, blue beauty goes further and adds focus to the goal of saving the oceans. Jeannie Jarnot at Beauty Heroes 2018 started the Blue Beauty movement. It goes beyond just sustainably sourced ingredients, it is about carbon or plastic-negative efforts.
Here is how you can contribute:
1. Think before you buy: Buy Less Buy Better
The newest trends of ‘Status Skin‘ and ‘Skinimalism’ focus on getting more out of less. Simplify your beauty routines and chose more effective ingredients.
2. Look for products using packaging made of recycled ocean waste
Plastic in our oceans is a major threat to marine life. It makes up for 80% of ocean debris. Some experts estimate that plastic in our ocean will weigh more than marine life by 2050.
Go for products made with plastic recycled from ocean waste. Luckily, more and more brands are moving towards using plastic recovered during ocean cleaning for their packaging.
3. Look for re-fillable packaging
Look for refillable packaging. Many brands like Bathing Culture, OUAI, and Tata Harper are now offering in-store refilling options. Not only is it a great way of reducing plastic use per customer, but it is also easy on the pocket too!
4. Reuse and Upcycle
Re-use and Upcycle your empty beauty containers. Use them for DIY décor or grow a plant or simply store your stuff in them.
5. Sustainable and Transparent brands
Some beauty brands like Davines and Mara are leading the way with their commitments to Blue Beauty. Look for brands that have committed outcomes and transparent supply chains.
Look for transparency in ingredients. Go for sustainably-sourced toxin-free formulations which are a win-win for your skin and the planet
Conclusion
It is important to also do your due diligence to scratch the surface on claims of sustainability!
If you have made up your mind to incorporate at least a few of the above, it is a great start! You can help build the momentum by spreading the word. Please share the article if you liked the information provided. The numbers will give strength to the Sustainable Style movement.
Keep Living it Up…Always!