As summers get hotter and extreme weather intensifies, climate change is on everyone’s mind. We’re left to scrutinize every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. The fact of the matter is, our fashion choices have a bigger impact on the world around us than most of us realize.

The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and clothing makes up a fifth of all plastic pollution each year. Fortunately, if you adore fashion and also love our planet, there are plenty of ways to be stylish and sustainable. Making small changes in your closet can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Here are five steps you can take to make your closet a home for ethical fashion.

1. Evaluate What You Already Have

To start, run an inventory check to see what you’re working with. Pick out the pieces you wear most often, and be ruthless about getting rid of what you don’t need. Let’s be honest, we’ve all got something we’ve never worn hanging at the back of the closet. Mindfully declutter by finding creative ways to repurpose items, or donate, recycle, or sell what you don’t want. As a bonus, you might make some extra money.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to your wardrobe, less is more. Choose durable, high-quality pieces that will last you for years to come. For example, invest in a good pair of jeans. While you’ll pay more initially, it will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to replace them so often.

Think about it like this: well-made clothing costs more, but you get more individual wear out of it, meaning it has a lower cost-per-wear. This is an essential concept for sustainable shopping, so try to bear it in mind every time you make a purchasing decision.

3. Choose Sustainable Fabrics

Opt for natural, planet-friendly fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and even recycled materials. On the other hand, avoid harmful synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These man-made materials are made from fossil fuels and take a lot of energy to produce, releasing large amounts of CO2 into our atmosphere. They can take up to 200 years to decompose.

4. Shop Second-Hand and Vintage

Thrifting is great for the environment because you’re not contributing to the production of new materials. It’s also fun and much more rewarding when you find something special, vintage, or one-of-a-kind.

Many thrift stores also donate their profits and support charities like animal shelters. You’re doubling on the good causes you’re helping, and it’s better for your finances, too. You can find clothing for a tiny fraction of what you’d pay in a traditional store, and it’s often as good as new.

5. Support Sustainable Brands

It’s important to do your research and avoid buying on a whim. Shop intentionally at stores that are committed to sustainable practices, and familiarize yourself with eco-friendly brands. A word of warning: greenwashing is rife. This is where brands market their products as more sustainable or eco-friendly than they really are.

To avoid falling for these traps, look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS, and B Corp. Remember, a product’s sustainability comes down to much more than just the material. The brand should prioritize ethical labor practices and eco-friendly production methods as well.

Endnote

Ultimately, ethical fashion is more accessible and achievable than ever before; just focus on making small, intentional actions. Follow these five simple steps and your closet and the planet will thank you.