coolmelbourne.org

Love clothes. Absolutely love ‘em. But did you know that the clothes industry is responsible for pretty serious environmental damage around the world: cotton requires enormous amounts of water, while wool needs large areas of land, food and water for sheep. Then there are the dyes and chemicals that have their own impacts on water, land, air and human health. And then there is the waste associated with all the clothes we no longer want (or more worryingly, no longer fit into). Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to go nude. Consider the following options:

Op-Shops. Gone are the days of op-shops being the domain of students and moth-balls. Op-shops are great for interesting one off pieces and basics: wear them with style and know you’re looking good, saving dosh and helping our planet. Likewise for markets and fairs. Always good for a green bargain.

Swap ‘em. Instead of buying clothes and adding to your already cluttered wardrobe, how about trading in something you no longer wear for something new? No cost to your wallet or your environment. The Clothing Exchange runs clothes swaps in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. If you can’t find one in your city or town, why not hold your own. Invite all your lady friends to bring a couple items each and swap til you drop.

Buy clothes to last. Clothing has a massive eco-footprint mainly because of the environmental impact of cotton and wool. We’re not saying go nude but try to buy stuff that looks like it will go the distance. Might cost a little bit more, in the short term but at least you won’t be replacing it every year.

While you’re at it, try to buy Australian (and locally) made. Next time you want to buy something stop and look where it was made.

Be an eco fashionista! Eco Fashionista is a fashion boutique for the green-at-heart, showcasing an exclusive collection of local and international designer fashion. Each item has been made with great care for the environment and for garment workers.  They have hand-picked their collection to demonstrate that style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, allowing dedicated fashionistas to be fashion-forward with minimal environmental impact. Click here to visit their website.