Sustainable Fashion: How to Build a Planet-Friendly Wardrobe

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Sustainable Fashion: How to Build a Planet-Friendly Wardrobe

Author: Grove Team

In a world dominated by fast fashion, the move toward sustainable fashion and mindful consumption has never been more important. Building a thoughtful wardrobe not only supports the environment, but also supports ethical labor practices. However, navigating the sustainable fashion landscape can be challenging, especially when many brands and materials claim to be "green" or sustainable when they may not be. This guide will help you make informed decisions about sustainable clothing, choosing the right fabrics, and supporting brands that are truly committed to ethical practices.

The impact of fast fashion

The rise of social media (and the growth of global manufacturing infrastructure) has made the spread of consumerist trends easier than ever. Fast fashion culture is just one result. Fast fashion relies on rapid trend and production cycles, as well as ultra low prices to keep consumers buying — which contributes significantly to environmental degradation. The average clothing item is worn only 7–10 times before being discarded.¹ This leads to approximately 92 million tons of textile waste ending up in landfills each year.² The constant demand for new clothing puts immense pressure on natural resources, with the fashion industry accounting for up to 8% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.³ And in order to keep prices low, the demand for cheap, often unethical labor continues to grow, especially in the global south. 

Selecting sustainable clothing

Sustainable clothing isn’t just about the end product — it’s about the entire lifecycle of the garment, from the materials used to the production practices and the longevity of the item. Here are 4 considerations to help you minimize the environmental impact of your wardrobe.

1. Look for natural fibers:
   Natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, and linen are great choices as they typically require less water and fewer harmful chemicals to produce. Plus, unlike some synthetic materials, they won’t shed microplastics in the wash. When it comes to more technical garments, such as rain jackets or snow pants, natural fibers might not always be an option. When it's not, prioritize clothing made from recycled materials.

2. Production practices:
   In addition to materials, sustainable production practices can further minimize harm to the environment. This can include using renewable energy, reducing water usage, and limiting the introduction of harmful chemicals. Brands that are truly committed to sustainability will often highlight these practices and encourage other brands to do the same.

3. Quality over quantity:
   Invest in well-made pieces built to last. Even if you don’t use the item forever, they’ll hold their resale value better and can be donated to others. 

4. Second-hand shopping:
   Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale platforms offer clothing a second life, reduce the demand for new production, and can often save you money when building your wardrobe.

Understanding fabric choices

The materials used in your clothing affect not only the garment's quality and durability but also its environmental footprint. When shopping for natural fibers, here are a few options to keep in mind: 

1. Hemp:
   Known for its durability, hemp requires little water, grows quickly, and naturally repels pests, eliminating the need for pesticides. Opt for hemp bags, footwear, and clothing items when you want something woven to last.

2. Organic cotton:
   This is a popular alternative to conventional cotton, which is notoriously water-intensive and reliant on pesticides. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals, making it a more planet-friendly option. Cotton is a good overall choice for items you’d want to be soft — bedding, undergarments, or anything for lounging. 

3. Linen:
   Made from flax, linen is both durable and biodegradable. It uses less water than cotton and can thrive in poorer soil conditions. Since it’s light, breathable, and often sheer, try linen for summer clothing, curtains, and other home textiles.

4. Tencel/Lyocell:
   Derived from sustainably-sourced wood pulp, Tencel is touted for its softness and biodegradability. This fabric is luxuriously soft and breathable, making it a favorite for loungewear and casual clothing.

5. Recycled fabrics:
   Fabrics made from recycled materials, like plastic bottles or old garments, play a crucial role in reducing textile waste. These fabrics lessen the need for virgin resources and help close the loop in the fashion industry’s supply chain. Recycled fabrics often capitalize on the added strength of synthetic fibers, so they’re good options for outerwear, rain gear, and sturdy accessories.

Supporting ethical fashion brands

Sustainable fashion goes beyond environmental concerns; it also addresses social responsibility. Here are 3 things to look out for:

1. Fair labor practices:
   This means fair wages, safe working conditions, and no exploitation of workers. Certifications like Fair Trade or affiliations with organizations like the Ethical Trading Initiative are good indicators of a brand’s commitment.

2. Support local brands:
   Supporting brands that produce locally helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation while also supporting local economies that may have more control over labor conditions. 

3. Look for sustainability and giveback initiatives:
   Many ethical brands go the extra mile by implementing initiatives like repair or take-back programs. You can also visit company websites to see which brands consistently support charitable initiatives, DEI initiatives, union laws, and other projects to support workers and the planet.

A few more day-to-day tips

Sustainable fashion isn’t just about what you buy; it’s also about how you care for your clothes. Here are 3 tips to help you maintain a more sustainable wardrobe:

1. Repair and repurpose:
   Before discarding damaged clothes, consider repairing them or turning them into something new. You can learn basic mending skills online, through public library books, and even by joining social clubs. You can also bring many items to your local tailor for repair. 

2. Mindful washing:
   Washing clothes less frequently and at lower temperatures can significantly reduce water and energy consumption. You should also carefully review the laundering instructions for each item you buy — following the instructions will help slow the garment from degrading in the wash. Lastly, use gentle, bio-based detergents and air dry your clothes whenever possible.

3. Donate or sell:
   When you no longer need certain items, donate them to charity or sell them to a second-hand clothing store/site. This extends the life of your clothes and helps reduce waste.

Building a sustainable wardrobe requires careful consideration of both your purchases and how you care for your garments. Every choice you make — whether it's opting for sustainable fabrics, supporting ethical brands, or being mindful of your clothing's care — plays a part in driving the larger movement toward a more sustainable fashion industry.

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Sources:

1 Earth.org. (2023). Fast Fashion Waste Statistics. Retrieved from https://earth.org/statistics-about-fast-fashion-waste/ 

2 Project Cece. (2023). How Many Times Do We Wear Our Clothes? Retrieved from https://www.projectcece.com/blog/506/how-many-times-do-we-wear-our-clothes/  

3 Geneva Environment Network. (2024). Environmental Sustainability in the Fashion Industry. Retrieved from https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/sustainable-fashion/