How to Make Your Wardrobe More Sustainable Without Sacrificing Your Style đź‘Ť
/Enjoy these Sustainable Fashion Tips - there is an opportunity to do things differently !!
This past month was Plastic Free July, a month dedicated to bringing about a world without plastic waste and we want to keep the conversation going !
The July awareness month is often associated with reusable water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and saying no to single-use plastics. But one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution is hiding in plain sight—our closets.
Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, and Spandex are some of the most common materials used to make our everyday clothes and all derived from petroleum. Every time they are washed they release tiny microplastics into the water.
1. Check the Clothing Label
Fast fashion encourages us to constantly buy new clothes at low prices, but many of these garments are made from synthetic fabrics that wear out quickly and contribute to plastic waste.
Instead of chasing every trend, invest in timeless, well-made pieces you'll wear for years. Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Will I still be wearing this next year? Buying fewer, higher-quality items saves money in the long run and keeps clothing out of landfills.
2. Choose Natural Fibers When Possible
When shopping for new clothes, check the label. Whenever you can, opt for natural fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, or wool instead of synthetic materials.
Natural fibers generally biodegrade more easily than plastic-based fabrics and don't shed the same type of persistent microplastics during washing. While no fabric is completely impact-free, choosing natural materials is one way to reduce your plastic footprint.
3. Don't Be Fooled by Greenwashing
Many clothing companies now advertise "eco-friendly" collections, but not all sustainability claims tell the full story.
Look beyond buzzwords like "green" or "conscious." Check whether brands are transparent about the materials they use, how their clothing is produced, and whether they have credible certifications such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX®. Taking a few extra minutes to research a brand can help you make more informed choices. The website Good On You has a directory of different clothing brands, materials that are used in production, and their supply chain .
AND FINALLY,
If you are truly inspired to take a deep dive, READ THIS TERRIFIC ARTICLE by The Guardian, but please note … we have written to them to correct an item they referenced in their article which is that Bakelite is NOT a plant-based plastic, and traditional versions of this material are not sustainable. It is a synthetic polymers primarily derived from fossil fuels (petrochemicals) **
Quick AI search on Bakelite below …
Environmental Realities
Fossil Fuel Dependence: Standard production relies heavily on coal, natural gas, and crude oil extraction. [1]
Lack of Biodegradability: These polymers do not naturally break down; they persist in the environment for centuries and fragment into hazardous microplastics. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Suhas Vittal is a Core Team Member for Sustainable JC. He was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, and is a graduate of NJCU, where he received his BA in Marketing & Public Relations. He is passionate about educating and encouraging others to care about the environment and to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
