How To Be A Conscious Shopper
Ever think about the value that lies within your closet and how much of that really gets put to use? I myself am guilty of this, and my perspectives have since shifted into being more conscious when going about my shopping. Today, it is quite easy for one to find themselves in the act of over consuming and that is totally understandable. Our world has been bombarded with an endless amount of products to choose from almost anywhere you can imagine. Fast fashion is known to be one of the main contributors to this issue by constantly producing weekly styles in order to keep up with the latest fashion trends.
This simple thought has led to a much deeper concern about the amount of waste being generated to fulfill the invincible need subconsciously being enforced upon us. For that reason, it is important as a consumer to be less indulging and more aware of the merchandise you choose to utilize.
There are many ways in which consumers can adjust their shopping habits that allow for the opportunity of developing a more sustainable lifestyle. You can start by looking beyond the purchase, and ask questions as to where the item is being made and inquire about the materials your garments may be composed of. Don’t settle for a cheap price tag, when the reality behind the value of that item is driven off forms of exploitation. It’s no secret that the majority of the businesses established in the United States host their manufacturing overseas. This raises the curiosity to question in what conditions are products really being made.
So What’s Really In Your Wardrobe?
Something to consider when making your next purchase, is to dive into details of who and what it is you are really supporting. Especially if it’s a brand you constantly find yourself making purchases from. Reformation is a women’s clothing company known to have established sustainable working conditions for workers and has implemented wage transparency to inform consumers their employees are being paid a 100% living wage. Today, Adidas is one of the more popular brands known to have been making its way to reinvent itself in an ethical manner. According to an article published by Good On You, Adidas’s recent effort to make a change can be traced back to 5 years ago in a partnership with Parley for the Oceans. A movement that aims to work alongside other creatives to raise awareness inorder to restore our oceans from excess waste and pollution.
Some tips to help you be more sensible while searching for your next wardrobe staple are:
•Conduct research as to whether or not the companies you shop from are practicing sustainability.
• Try and shop from Fair Trade clothing brands
•Check out a few thrift stores or online shops that focus on selling gently used garments. Some applications that fall under this category include: Depop, Poshmark, The RealReal, or ThredUP which is known to be one of the largest online thrift stores.
•Rethink the purpose of what you are planning to buy is really for. Do you really need that item ?
• Rent a garment instead of purchasing one.
•Ask questions and be more thoughtful.
The fashion industry isn’t going away any time soon so let’s start reconsidering the way we consume now. The ability to help make a change starts from your closet and the comfort of your home. We are living in a time where we must reinvent ourselves to make more ethical decisions, it’s time.
