OUTFIT REPEATING WITH A PURPOSE

JOIN US AS WE OFFER YOU THE BEST ADVISE ON HOW TO BE A 'SUSTAINABLE SHOPPER'.

Image courtesy of Arthur Elgort

If you’re anything like me, Sydney's latest 100-day lockdown has come with its fair share of online retail therapy. There’s nothing quite like the serotonin hit one receives when Australia Post texts you those five little words: ‘Your parcel is coming today.’ For me, it was a pair of boots that saw one or two coffee trips but have since sat idle on a shelf with the promise of ‘I’ll wear you after lockdown.’ I think we can be forgiven for a few impulse purchases during what has been an incredibly unusual and unsettling period of time, but there’s nothing like a pandemic to shed light on your own consumer habits.

I’ll be the first to admit that in the past I’ve been guilty of falling for fast fashion fads. Five minutes spent browsing online can quickly turn into a week of targeted posts, Zuckerburg’s insidious algorithm wearing me down until I simply MUST HAVE THAT TINY BAG AND CHECKERED SWEATER VEST! Items like these rarely last in my rotation for long and unfortunately stand a good chance at ending up in landfill, alongside the more than 500,000 tonnes of textiles and leather that Australia dump every year. Bit of a vibe killer…

So, as we resume our lives post-lockdown and begin to adjust to the new normal, we are given an opportunity to perhaps reflect and become more conscious consumers. Whilst COVID-19 has been devastating for many, there have also been plenty of good news stories about what has happened to our planet since the human race slowed down. Less international and local travel has meant reduced air and water pollution, it has seen smaller, environmentally sound projects receive renewed focus, and the fashion industry prioritise the integration of sustainability into big business.

Whilst these initiatives start at the top, as the stillness subsides and the hustle and bustle of everyday life resumes, the everyday consumer will play an important role in maintaining these going forward. When it comes to fashion there are multiple ways that we can all be more ethical and sustainable shoppers, all it takes is a little reset and a little research. Here are our three top tips.

1. BE MORE INFORMED

As more and more brands embrace sustainable clothing and so-called ethical business models, it can become increasingly daunting to decipher where exactly to invest one’s money. Navigating industry buzzwords and separating those who are sustainably conscious - and those who appear to be - can be downright frustrating. Luckily, there are those who have done the work for us. Trusted organisations such as Ethical Clothing Australia and brand directory Good On You have the time and resources that the average consumer may not. Both are excellent places to start when beginning your journey to becoming a more conscious consumer, stocked with a variety of guides, tips and tricks to help you get your foot in the door.

2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

One big lure of fast fashion is its affordability. When you’re used to buying five items for $100, paying the same for a good pair of jeans can come as a bit of a shock. More times than not though, those $100 jeans will tick more boxes than the five pieces you bought from H&M. Quality clothing lasts longer, and from my experience, the staples I’ve invested a little bit more money in are the ones I wear the most. It might take a little practice, but slowing down and realty thinking through each purchase can ultimately save you money in the long run.

3. RE-SELL, RE-USE

Secondhand fashion sales are currently booming, vintage is in and almost anyone can re-sell unwanted clothes online. If you’re looking to be a more ethical shopper, second-hand clothes are the greenest of them all as no additional resources are required and it reduces the chance of the material ending up in landfill. The vast number of emerging and existing online re-sell sites is making it even easier for consumers to buy and sell unwanted items of clothing. The best part about it is there are platforms for every budget, from the high-end designer brands of Vestiaire Collective to the everyday essentials on Depop.

Keep in mind that a sustainable wardrobe won’t happen overnight. Whilst at the beginning it might be tempting to Marie Kondo the heck out of your closet and start from scratch, remember that the most sustainable item you have is the one you already own.

Brodie Ackroyd