Sustainable Fashion: Expert Tips To Build An Eco- Friendly Wardrobe

Sustainable fashion helps to create less waste, ensures fair wages and proper working conditions and aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

(Representational Image)

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New Delhi: Environmental concerns are rising day by day, consequently, there is a growing adaptability towards sustainable choices. According to experts, sustainable fashion is an all-inclusive term describing products, processes and activities, aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral fashion industry, built on equality, social justice, animal welfare and ecological integrity. Additionally, sustainable fashion helps to create less waste, ensures fair wages and proper working conditions and aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

In this regard, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts who explained what sustainable fashion is and also shared tips on how to build an eco-friendly wardrobe.

"Sustainable fashion is more than simply a passing fad; it is a purposeful decision to safeguard our world, maintain our natural resources, and encourage altruism.", said Ravi Gupta, the creative director of Gargee Designers. 

He further continued by saying, "We must recognise that sustainable fashion is an approach that prioritizes environmental friendliness and social responsibility. There are many considerations consumers need to understand, such as not throwing away clothes or shoes that are no longer in use, and instead, giving them to others, thereby extending their life and giving a better solution for the environment. Furthermore, people can reuse their clothes or transform them into something appealing and trendy."

Sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices. There are many simple changes one can make to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Vaishali Kumar, who is a fashion designer and founder at Aattires Boutique shared tips on how to make our wardrobe more sustainable.

1. Choose high-quality, long-lasting pieces

One of the easiest ways to build an eco-friendly wardrobe is to invest in high-quality, long-lasting pieces. Look for clothes made from durable, natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen. These fabrics are often more expensive, but they're also more sustainable because they last longer and require less frequent replacement. 

2. Shop second-hand

Shopping second-hand is a great way to reduce the environmental impact and save money at the same time. Not only does shopping second-hand reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills, but it also helps to conserve the resources that go into producing new clothing.

3. Support sustainable fashion brands

Another way to build an eco-friendly wardrobe is to support sustainable fashion brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices. Try to look for brands that use environmentally friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel. 

4. Rent clothing for special occasions

If you have a special event and need a new outfit, consider renting clothes rather than buying something new. Renting clothing reduces the demand for new clothing and helps to promote circular fashion, where clothes are used and reused rather than discarded after a single use.

5. Take care of your clothes

Taking care of your clothes is essential for extending their lifespan and reducing your environmental impact. Wash your clothes in cold water, air dry them whenever possible, and avoid using the dryer unless absolutely necessary. 

Additionally, Anousshka Sadarangani, who is the founder of Anousshka also shared some ways to practice sustainability in fashion. She said:

• Choose our hemp clothing that is so durable that lasts a lifetime and our versatile designs make sure you are never out of style.
• Buy clothes that are versatile and can be restyled in multiple ways to give a different look each time.
• Bored of the same things in your closet? Sell it on online platforms and earn from what you sell.
• Instead of discarding clothes all the time you clean your closet give it to someone who will value it. 
• Redesign and restitch your outfits. Convert your heavy gown into a lehenga or a saree into a kurta.

In conclusion, building an eco-friendly wardrobe is a simple yet effective way to reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainability. By making the right choices, one can create a stylish and sustainable wardrobe that's kind to the planet.