It’s Earth Day today and as you probably already know, Earth Day is an annual event to celebrate our planet and most importantly showcase our support for environmental protection. It’s a day where we should look at how our own actions can influence our planet because it is the only one we will likely ever have (forget Mars, we won’t be living there anytime soon).  Either way, we should protect what we have. 

Fashion, in particular, is an industry that is consistently looking to tackle its own carbon footprint, with designers big and small doing their part to help improve the planet’s conditions. But let’s be real, is the industry doing the most? No. As consumers, it’s our duty to be responsible. There are a number of small, yet significant steps that we can take to make a difference. So on Earth Day, we’ve compiled five tips to make your love for fashion more sustainable. 

BUY LESS, BUY BETTER
‘Buy better’ doesn’t have to mean spending a lot more money on your clothes. We’ve all got pieces that were on the low side that have outlasted designer clothing. It’s about buying clothes that feel well made. The fabric is heavier, the fit is sharper and the design more structured. Look to heritage brands that are decades, if not, a century-old because they have been getting it right the longest. Or find brands that have lengthy return policies, because they know their work is of high quality. Recognising quality in clothing will lead you to avoid bargainous brands. Don’t forget the old saying; ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’.  

RESEARCH YOUR BRANDS
‘Greenwashing’ is a term that signifies brands that provide a false or misleading impression as to how environmentally sound they are. Being Earth-conscious is definitely on-trend right now, so many brands want to capitalise on that without changing their structure. Look to brands that have always been consistent with their environmental message. We love the work of non, a denim brand that is “conscious by design”. non creates denim that is made up of 50% recycled and 50% organic cotton. Or take a look at the designs by Tega Akinola, a young creative who upcycles phone cables and socks, turning them into sneakers and accessories. These are just two examples of designers that are actively pursuing an environmentally friendly company. It’s up to you to do your research.  

THE CIRCLE OF RESALE
It is perfectly natural to purchase an item of clothing only for it to sit at the back of your wardrobe, untouched. However, get your inner Marie Kondo on and look to what truly brings you joy. A simple trick is to put all your clothes on hangers and whenever you wear something, flip the hanger to the other side. Whatever piece hasn’t been flipped after a year, sell it on to a better home on platforms such as eBay, Depop or Grailed. The best part about this is that you can then indulge yourself in a myriad of vintage shops and resale websites. So remember, reduce, reuse, rewear.

LOOK AFTER YOUR CLOTHES AND SNEAKERS
You know those older people whose fits look like they were purchased that very same day despite coming from the 60s? That’s because they take care of their clothes. And so should you. It doesn’t matter how well made they are if you chuck them into the washing machine at 60 degrees after every wear. To keep the longevity of your clothes there are a number of tips and tricks such as using natural washing products, investing in mothballs, switching to a steamer rather than an iron. The list goes on. These small steps will allow your clothes to last the tests of time.

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See also: MEET TEGA AKINOLA, THE CREATIVE BRINGING NEW MEANING TO UPCYCLING

See also: INTRODUCING NON, THE DENIM BRAND THAT’S ‘CONSCIOUS BY DESIGN’