5 Ways to Research Sustainable Fashion
Researching can take on many forms that is unique to each individual. Navigating the wondrous world of sustainable fashion can become difficult when you don’t know what you are looking for and where to find it. On a personal basis, navigating self directed research often felt directionless and purposeless. I felt like I wasn't making any significant progress and that I was just wasting my time. Hence, for anyone interested in engaging in self directed research, the following five methods will ease your way in becoming an expert in sustainable fashion.
1. Google
The first method may be the most common place route to go! No matter what find myself confused or curious about, I am always pulling up the Google app on my phone. I highly recommend downloading the Google app. It allows you to easily save important websites by marking it virtually by a favorite bookmark. When using Google, make sure to get creative on how to search for information. Keywords are super important in finding the information you are seeking. Rephrase and reword your search if nothing suitable is coming up. You will be surprised to see how many amazing organizations, bloggers and media platforms have covered aspects of sustainable fashion.
Also, consider trying Google Scholar! This is a free resource provided by Google for anyone interested in scholarly articles on different topics. This platform can really provide great, in depth research from academia. However, I warn you to have a dictionary by your side since the diction used may be more advanced and contextually hard to follow. My advice is that you print what you want to read, take your time digesting it and highlight key concepts and terms you think you need to remember, learn, or feel is important to remember. In addition, jot down notes in an assigned notebook so that can encourage retention and organization of information.
2. Social Media
You may or may not be surprised to see social media as a key avenue in learning about a topic you may not be super familiar with. Specific platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are filled with amazing organizations, influencers and individual accounts that consistently share information. For Instagram, look for accounts within your local region so you can stay in the loop about local events. In this manner, you can learn first hand from others.
For Pinterest, this a great visual platform that can provide illustrations and fashion outfits to help you visual what sustainable fashion can look like, which can inspire learning and engagement in this topic.
In addition, Facebook has groups that you can join to remain connected to like minded individuals that share articles everyday. Remember to follow and interact with the accounts that you feel are the most helpful for you!
3. LinkedIn
Although this site is assumed to be just about professional connections, it can be an amazing way to follow professionals who are working in sustainable fashion. I have been able to learn a lot from the things they share and like. In addition, you have the option of searching and following very specific topics. Even if this may not be directly relevant to your specific research project, checking this site can be very useful. Download the app and randomly check it every day for ten minutes max. You never know what will be useful!
4. Newsletters
You may have found amazing sustainable fashion brands and like them on social media, but are you subscribed to their newsletter? Businesses rely on providing biweekly or weekly newsletters to keep customers informed about their latest news. Don’t undermine the power of these emails because they can help you navigate how sustainable businesses function, what their goals are and how you can be more involved.
5. Books. Books? Books!
This method is the most traditional route to take when looking to learn. It merely comes down to finding what you need. Goodreads and Amazon are really great for you to see what books are available. Plus, eBooks have never been more accessible and are extremely cheap! Recommendations include:
Overdressed; The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline
The Conscious Closet: A Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good by Elizabeth Cline
Wardrobe Crisis: How We Went from Sunday Best to Fast Fashion by Clare Press