25 Steps to Becoming a Conscious Consumer in the Apparel Industry
An extensive list that will demonstrate how to consume more consciously.
1. Self-Actualize. A fundamental aspect of becoming more aware of what we purchase is in tune with our moral values and beliefs. Deliberately seek out new people, ideas and places to become the best version of yourself.
2. Research. Take moments to realize problems and solutions in the fashion industry by the following suggestions: a. Watch documentaries, such as The True Cost and Walmart: The High Cost of Low Cost. b. Find books that can provide extensive information on issues relevant to apparel. This allow you to become more aware of what brands you want to support and which you want to ban from your shopping list. c. Use Google. There is a ton of free information online if you are willing to ask questions. d. Follow Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Bloggers and Influencers
3. Realize your purchasing power. Understanding your purchasing power will allow you to have a wider understanding of the effects purchasing from certain brands has on the world.
4. Reflect on information. Decide what you want to do with the information gained through independent research. Take a moment to wonder whether this inspires you to live your life in a new manner.
5. Understand that shopping is a moral act. Shopping is not simply an economic act, your purchases contribute to the exploitation of human rights and earth’s resources.
6. Look at the labels. If a product is Fair Trade or organic, it will most likely have a label. This will provide more insight of where and how the product was made.
7. Discern Wants vs. Needs. Take a moment to think of what you need in your life versus the desire of wanting goods. Give yourself a moment in the store to ask ,” Do I really need to buy this shirt?”
8. Focus on Quality. If you are to buy apparel that is not ethical and sustainable, makes sure that it has the capacity to last a couple of years. Try to consider purchases as investments. This will prevent you from purchasing clothing that falls apart after a couple of months by focusing on quality and durability in your decision making process.
9. Support Local Businesses. Try to shop at small fashion boutiques to support your cities local economy.
10. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Respect. Try to recycle everything you can, which includes clothing labels and by creating your own compost bin. Take account how you can produce the least amount of waste.
11. Pay attention to the materials. When shopping, notice whether the products are made from conventional cotton. Understanding the environmental impact of fabrics, such as conventional cotton will allow you to become more aware of what your actions are contributing to.
12. Buy Vintage. Go to local thrift stores, vintage boutiques and online stores likes Poshmark and eBay. This will prevent consumption of new goods and allow you to find unique pieces at a low cost.
13. Buy Less. Become more disciplined and reconsider what really needs to be in your life. The reduction of consumption will reduce the use of raw resources, decrease the pressure on the planet and workers around the world and save you money.
14. Avoid Impulse Shopping. Really consider the longevity of apparel you will be purchasing and buy only what you truly love.
15. Stop shopping as a hobby. Pick up a new hobby that will foster inner growth and fulfillment.
16. Know companies that give back. Purchase apparel from companies that give back to the community, offer microeconomic program loans, and/or provide skill building programs for its workers.
17. Keep Companies Accountable. Write, call and/or create a petition to inquire over businesses supply chain management and ethical and sustainable practices.
18. Become People-Oriented. The more your focus shifts from valuing materials as a source of happiness to living in the present moment will allow you to become aware of the importance of community.
19. Wear clothing 30 times. Follow the Green Carpet Challenge made by Livia Firth, the founder of Fashion Revolution, which emphasizes wearing clothing more than once. Be creative and see how to recreate pieces into new and exciting outfits.
20. Get in touch with clothing and fabric. Try to learn how to sew to reconnect with the process of creating clothing. This will increase the perceived value of the pieces you wear every day. In addition, learning how to fix clothing can increase its longevity.
21. Recreate old clothing items. Old pants can be refashioned in shorts or a jacket can be redesigned by embroidery and painting.
22. Do less laundry. Every time laundry is done, microfibers are released from apparel and these plastic particles end up polluting waterways and oceans. It is recommended that jeans be worn five times before they are washed again.
23. Calculate an approximate price per wear. This is the price of the item over the times you are expected to wear it. This allows you to financially scale your purchase in context to its expected longevity. Although a tedious task when shopping , it forces introspection of the expected use of the item.
24. Avoid buying new leather and fur. Try to use repurposed skins or buy vintage. Try not to buy faux fur and leather because they are petroleum-based fabrics. These fabrics are bad for your skin because of the chemicals in its synthetic makeup and for its effects on the earth when they are produced.
25. Attend clothing swapping events. This allows you to meet new people, try new styles and have a free way of exchanging clothing you no longer want in your closet.