This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my terms & conditions for more info.
*This is an affiliate post
Sometimes I think I sound like a broken record but trying to lead a more sustainable and simple life is a journey. I think that’s a really important point to make as you can easily become overwhelmed with choices. We also don’t live in a society that encourages us to make good choices. Sometimes you think you’ve made a good choice only for someone to tell you that it’s not such a great choice. It can be deflating.
After years of trying to change our life for the better, I’ve certainly found that the way forward is to focus on one thing at a time. Do a bit of research, find a good sustainable alternative and give it a go. If it doesn’t work out for you then try something else. Just always remember that you are trying to make positive changes which is great.
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step.”
If you’re trying to make sustainable changes in your life and are feeling a bit overwhelmed then come and join us in our Facebook group where we share ideas, offer encouragement and document our journeys. Everyone is welcome!
Back to today’s post, I’ve definitely found that focusing on one area at a time makes a huge difference to whether you continue or give up. When I first started making changes I focused on our bathroom, I then moved onto our kitchen. My focus now is clothing.
Why Make The Switch To Sustainable Clothes?
Before we begin to talk about how to make a sustainable swap I think it’s really important to understand why you should consider the change.
It’s no secret that fast fashion generates a huge amount of waste. It’s estimated that there are £30 billion worth of clothes hanging in wardrobes across the UK that have never been worn! 10,000 items of clothing are being sent to landfill every five minutes, that’s the equivalent to £140 million in value every year!
Almost all cheap clothes are made from synthetic materials, like acrylic, nylon and polyester all of which are petroleum based, this means these types of clothes can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Every time you wash those clothes they release tiny microplastics into your water which then end up in our oceans. Those microplastic cause a great deal of harm to marine life, often killing them. Fish eat the microplastics, we then eat the fish then we have microplastics in our bodies! By switching to clothes made from natural materials you can stop this happening.
A lot of fast fashion clothes are made by underpaid workers that work in horrible conditions. By choosing a brand that’s fully transparent with how they operate you know that the people that are making your clothes are fairly treated.
Clothing made from sustainable and natural materials is not only better for the environment but also better for your body. Natural materials allow your body to breathe better and you want be exposed to any nasty chemicals.
Making The Switch To Sustainable Clothes
I’m not an avid clothes shopper, in fact, it’s my worst nightmare but obviously I still need to wear clothes and I do like to look half decent if I can.
Capsule Wardrobes
After I decluttered all of our clothes I created capsules wardrobes for us all. Which is where you only have a set amount of clothes but they can all be mixed and matched to go with each other. As a general rule, you stick to a base colour like grey, navy blue or black and then you choose 2 to 3 accent colours.
I find it works really well and saves me a tonne of time on clothes washing and choosing what to wear every morning.
Read This >>> How To Successfully Declutter Your Clothes
Sustainable Clothes
Making the switch to sustainable clothing can be a bit overwhelming. Firstly the majority of high street clothes shop do not have sustainable clothes which means you have to find them online. There is then the problem of knowing where to look and whether the clothes are truly sustainable. Greenwashing can be a big issue with regards to clothing. That is why I have been holding off on making the switch.
Other Sustainable Alternatives
If you’re not quite ready to make the switch to more sustainable clothes then the next best thing you can do is buy your clothes second hand. New clothes will always have a high carbon footprint by buying second-hand clothes you’re reusing something that has already been made. Your also stopping clothes from ending up in landfill.
If you’re not keen on wearing clothes from a stranger then why not host a clothes swap night with your friends? Not only will you get some new clothes, you’ll also have a fun night socialising.
Read This >>> 9 Things To Do With Unwanted Clothes
If you’re worried about the microplastics that are being released from your clothes then there are some devices that can help to capture them before they end up in your water. Take a look at the Guppy Friend or the Cora Ball both of which can be found on the Boobalou website.
So what about you? Are you ready to make the switch to sustainable clothes?
All links marked with a * are affiliate links
About Gina Caro
Gina is a content creator and award-winning blogger. Her aim is to help you live a more sustainable & simple life. Her blog covers zero waste, minimalism, wellbeing & thrift. She currently lives in Cornwall with her partner, two kids and Charles the dog.
Thank you so much for this post. I have been wanting to purchase some items for my wardrobe (very few items in it) but was concerned about where to buy from – especially on the high street. There are so many things to think about (where they are made, what they are made out of etc etc).
I am now going straight over to the website you suggested and see what I can purchase.
Thanks again. This is such a helpful site and I have found taking each room at a time has really worked for me.
Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Claire
Hi Claire, really glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thanks for stopping by 😊