In recent years, brands and consumers alike have become increasingly aware of the impact of the fashion industry on our environment. Of course, government regulation and restructuring within the industry are key factors in bringing about change. But, it is also on us consumers to recognize our role in the system and actively take steps to make our fashion habits more sustainable and advocate for change. So, we have put together a list of ways you can enjoy fashion while also being mindful of your purchasing habits’ environmental footprint in 2022. ⭐️
Conscious Consumption: Make active purchasing decisions rather than giving in to impulse-buying
Especially when online shopping it can be easy to fall in love with a piece and feel like you just *need* to have it – but in reality, this kind of impulse-buying is more about the adrenaline of buying a new piece than it is about the item itself. So, try to actively control your impulse-buying by setting limits for yourself when shopping. For example, instead of buying a piece straight away, write it down on a wish list first and sit on it for 5-7 days before to see whether you still want it after some time has passed. Another way to be more conscious in your buying habits is to really think about how much use you will get out of the piece. So, see if you can come up with 10 different ways to wear the new item and if you can’t, don’t buy it.🌻
Shop Your Closet
While it is so fun to search for new pieces, it can be just as exciting to explore your current wardrobe and come up with new outfits and combinations – focus on what you have, rather than what you still want. Whether it’s just trying out a new colour pairing or actually upcycling an old piece, you can let your creativity run free. And you don’t have to do this by yourself either: next time your friends want to go on a shopping spree, suggest an at home clothes swap instead! Try out new outfits, style pieces in new and different ways, and swap pieces you don’t wear anymore. If you’re looking for some outfit inspiration, head on over to our Instagram! 💛
Second-hand fashion: Opt for pre-loved versions of the pieces you love!
This may be an obvious one to a lot of you already, but if you see a piece you really like in a regular store, check on second-hand websites (maybe CrushON 😉) to see if you can find a similar piece vintage. Not only is this more sustainable but you’ll be able to find a version of the item you love that no one else has. To give you an idea of how much of a difference this can make, in 2021, Crushers saved over 94 millions of water by shopping second-hand.
How to Spot Greenwashing: Research, research, research!
While the responsibility shouldn’t be on us consumers and it really is the industry as a whole that needs to shift, we can still do our part by thinking carefully about which brands we want to support with our purchasing power. And this only becomes more important as more and more brands are recognizing the shifting demand and coming out with “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” collections. As brands continue to be opaque with regards to their supply chains and sustainability commitments, it is unfortunately still on us to check whether their claims are simply greenwashing or they are actually committed to sustainable and ethical modes of production. One useful tool is “Clear Fashion” – an app that allows you to check over 450 different brands’ engagement.
Care For Your Clothes
Part of consuming fashion is also taking care of the pieces you already own and making sure they will be with you for a long time. Increasing the life expectancy of your pieces is one of the biggest ways of being a more conscious fashion consumer. Read more about this aspect of sustainability in our 2022 Impact Report. When it comes to both new pieces and items you have already owned for a while, make sure you’re treating them correctly to increase their longevity. Carefully check your clothing’s care labels and see if there is more information available on the brand’s website about how best to wash and dry your pieces.
Whether it’s building an entirely second-hand capsule closet or simply being more actively conscious in your purchasing decisions, there is a lot you can do as a consumer to minimise your impact on the environment when it comes to fashion. And doing so doesn’t limit your ability to use fashion as a mode of creative expression in any way. At CrushOn, we want to disrupt the industry from the ground up – but we also want to make second-hand fashion accessible to anyone, precisely to enable you all to enjoy fashion in a sustainable way. ♻️
