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Did you know that fashion contributes up to 10% of the carbon dioxide output globally, more than international flights and shipping combined? It is also the culprit for one-fifth of the whopping 300 million tons of plastic produced around the world yearly, according to Bloomberg.
While we may not see the environmental impact of fast fashion as we go about our daily lives, it cannot be denied that the boom in the fashion industry has resulted in a range of problems for Mother Nature. Increasing carbon emissions, dried-up water sources and microplastics in the ocean are some examples, just to name a few.
The fashion industry is also notorious for its growing waste of textiles powered by increasing demand, but the good news is there is still hope. As consumers, you play a larger role than you think - a few lifestyle or habit changes are just what you need to start making a difference.
Here are six ways to be more sustainable as a fashion consumer - read on to find out more.
If you think that taking the first step to being more sustainable is going to be challenging, you will be glad to know that one exciting way to do your part is simply to learn sewing. Acquiring sewing skills allows you to mend your own clothes instead of throwing them away, effectively reducing the need of having to purchase new items from fast fashion brands and adding to the environmental impact.
Sewing is also fairly easy to pick up and there are many videos online that you can watch and follow along as a guide. But consider joining sewing classes for beginners in Singapore so you get to clarify your doubts and practise as much as possible with in-person guidance.
It is common for these two words to be used interchangeably but they mean different things. Repurposing involves using an item to serve another purpose without alteration, such as turning old shoes into pots for plants. On the other hand, upcycling means enhancing an item through alteration, like cutting t-shirts and using various materials and patterns to make hats and bags.
Either way, both practices encourage consumers to sit back and get their hands dirty to try and salvage old items so they do not just go to waste. Giving these items a new lease of life prevents them from ending up in landfills and contributing to pollution.
If you are interested in learning how to repurpose or upcycle items, join an accessory or bag-making workshop to master some basic skills that will certainly help in your DIY projects.
Thrifting has become more popular over the years in Singapore and that is the way it should be - after all, old is gold. Shopping for secondhand fashion items does not just help to save the earth and reduce your carbon footprint, but is also a great opportunity to find vintage and unique pieces that are extremely valuable!
Apart from trifting, you can also opt for clothes swaps which are quickly gaining popularity in Singapore. Clothes swaps allow individuals to exchange their gently used clothing with others, reducing textile waste and promoting a circular economy. One example of a clothes swap platform in Singapore is CLOOP, which facilitates clothes swapping events and also offers a subscription service for monthly swaps.
Although purchasing second hand items is encouraged, there are other concerns such as sizing issues since most pre-loved pieces only have one sizing option. Hence, most people turn to fast fashion where there are higher chances of securing items in their preferred size.
Luckily, you can still do your part in reducing your environmental impact just by shopping for pieces made from durable materials. Linen, for instance, is known for being incredibly strong and durable so that they do not get worn out as quickly. This means you will not have to throw items out as often and can lend a hand in reducing waste.
Alternatively, go for dress-making courses in Singapore to learn the basics and more so you can design and assemble one-of-a-kind outfits for yourself.
Learning sewing, upcycling or producing your own clothes is not your cup of tea? Then purchase from sustainable brands instead to make a contribution to the global fashion sustainability efforts.
Sustainable fashion brands such as SYNE, Finixwear and YOF in Singapore create pieces while considering humanity and the environment so as to reduce the negative impacts on the earth as much as possible. For instance, brands may choose to use recycled fibres, cut down on plastic packaging, avoid using animal by-products and lower their water consumption.
When you support sustainable fashion brands, you create a demand that may help to raise more awareness of fast fashion’s impact on the environment, in hopes that more will start making a change.
Get started on your journey as a sustainable fashion consumer with our various courses here at TaF.tc!
We have sewing classes for beginners, bag-making workshops and dress-making courses to help you to acquire skills that will come in handy when trying to be more sustainable.
Find out more about our courses today!
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