A price tag can be quite influential when it comes to the purchasing decisions of every consumer. While most of us engage in shopping from fast fashion chains, we often fail to realize the larger impact that it has on the environment and people. Low priced clothing costs us a lot more than you think.
Discounts and extremely low prices in fast fashion are made possible by adopting unethical manufacturing practices and creating exploitative conditions for workers in the factories. During the process, they also use chemicals that are extremely harmful for human health as well as the environment at large.
On the other hand, the slow fashion movement creates a clothing industry that addresses the issues related to sourcing and sustainable production techniques that are beneficial to the environment in the long run. This is achieved by opting for practices such as production in small batches which makes it more expensive.
Apart from being careful about the environmental impact of production, slow fashion also creates long term livelihood for those involved in the manufacturing process. Not only does this keep the craft alive, but it also attempts to uplift the working conditions of the artisans.
Studies show around two-thirds of the carbon footprint of a garment comes from its fibres which is why ethical brands pay close attention to the fabrics that they use. Organic, natural and recycled fabrics have minimal impact on the environment but it costs more because of the extra efforts to make production sustainable.
Switching to ethical fashion is an important step towards conscious living. However, the pricing can make it quite inconvenient for many. So how can one keep up with ‘sustainable fashion’ on a budget?
1. Think more, buy less
Rule number one for a sustainable lifestyle is to only buy items that are of necessity to you. A lot of people engage in shopping for outfits they may never even wear. The next time you like an outfit, ask yourself “Do I really need this? How often will I be wearing it?” Limiting your spending habits can go a long way for you financially. It also helps minimize unnecessary usage of resources.
2. Invest in quality, not quantity
Brands supporting slow fashion primarily focus on providing clothing made of durable and high quality materials. This means that it has a comparatively longer life span. This durability ensures that you don’t need to shop again for quite some time.
3. Look out for sustainable brands
Explore sustainable clothing brands online and choose what suits you best. The Good Directory – an initiative by The Good Route helps you discover conscious brands with sustainability ratings at just a click away.
4. Follow ethical brands
Keep an eye on sustainable clothing websites and blogs which can be a great place to find coupons and seasonal discounts. In addition to that, you can also enjoy content on conscious living.
5. Swap clothes
Instead of the need to buy and sell, you can swap your clothes with someone else! These types of swap-meets can help you exchange clothing you won’t use any longer. There are online swapping sites like This For That. An alternative for this can be swapping with acquaintances instead.
6. Get creative
Upcycling can be a great way to creatively reuse clothes that you are bored of. It is now one of the biggest fashion trends of 2021. Through this, you practice 2 of the 3Rs: reducing what goes in the landfill + reusing old items with an added artistic touch.
7. Thrift locally
We are now transitioning from the stigma of wearing hand-me-downs to styling pre-loved, one of a kind, vintage pieces being an absolute win. There is a growing popularity of thrift stores on online platforms like Instagram. However, purchasing from local thrift stores can be an added advantage, considering the elimination of shipping, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
The pricing for sustainable clothing is expected to eventually lower down because of the growing demand for transparency, accountability and sustainability. Until then, steps like these can help make sustainable shopping more affordable, keeping our shopping habits in check.
Start your sustainable journey with The Good Route where you can discover ethical brands and learn more about conscious living.
Written by, Angelica Cardoza
