The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world and the amount of waste from fast fashion overwhelms landfills left and right. Though buying clothes from sustainable brands is a great ethical option, cost remains a significant hurdle for many clothing consumers. A plain white shirt from Patagonia, a brand known for its sustainable practices, is $40, while H&M’s fast-fashion equivalent goes for half of that. Sustainable fashion seems like something that is not accessible for those on a budget, but it can be. Here are some tips on achieving sustainability while serving looks on a dime.
Consume less fast fashion
Fast fashion is super affordable, so it’s hard to cut it out entirely. You don’t have to completely give up Uniqlo and Shein, but if you’re trying to be more sustainable, buying less from fast fashion brands is a great first step. Instead of a monthly haul, buy a few clothing items every couple of months. This forces you to play with the clothes in your wardrobe while periodically adding something new. Additionally, many fast fashion brands have sustainable lines made of better-quality fabrics and ethically sourced materials.
