How to be Fashionably Sustainable: Be a Smart, Sustainable Shopper

A three-part series brought to you by us, sharing note-worthy tips and tricks on shopping smart, reducing your textile waste footprint PLUS, how to find sustainable brands!



Unfortunately, the fashion industry was not built by green thumbs. Planetaid.org reports that “clothes can take up to 40 years to decompose.” We are taught to buy anything and everything we might need, which results in over-consumption. So let’s prevent things from piling up!
If clutter, wasted money, and outdated clothing describes your current situation, then stay tuned!

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Research the companies you’re going to shop from. Know what their values are as a corporation in order to support ethical practices. Most major clothing brands are starting to develop collections that have “sustainable”characteristics - but don’t be fooled, major clothing brands like these are still considered “fast fashion” companies, most likely still partake in unethical behaviours such as sweatshops and unfair pay. Knowledge never looked so great on you!

ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE BEFORE GOING SHOPPING 

This will help you to figure out what you actually need and what you don’t need. Let me warn you, it’s going to get messy. Start by making multiple piles of clothing. Each one having its own purpose. For instance, have a designated pile for ripped and/or stained clothing, another pile for items you would like to donate and finally, a pile for items that you would like to keep. Any items that are damaged and unwanted should be brought to a facility that will properly recycle the materials.
Remember, over-consumption leads to clutter. With that in mind, shop sustainably folks.

ALWAYS HAVE A SET BUDGET

Yes, I know we all get carried away sometimes. A set budget allows you to only buy the necessities, saving closet space and cash. Disaster: avoided.

PURCHASE FOR NEED

Are your clothes in bad condition (stains, rips, and scents)? Have you changed sizes? Are you just trying not to cut your bangs? These are good reasons to shop for.

Solution to those unwanted clothes... DONATE! Your gently used items are bound to make someone else happy. Remember, items that are being donated should be in good condition. It's bad etiquette to donate disgusting clothes because someone on the other side of that donation bin has to clean and sort those items.

JUST BECAUSE IT’S CHEAP, DOESN’T MEAN YOU NEED TO BUY IT

Often, the factory workers in the fast fashion industry are mistreated. According to Vice, in 2013 a factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing more than 200 people, many factory workers claimed that there were structural problems in the building but were still told that it was safe enough to work in. The clothing produced is made with bad quality material, that is not built to last. This is done to make consumers ultimately buy more stuff, only to replace the items months later. It’s better to invest in a piece from a company that is ethical, which may be a bit more costly at the time, but oftentimes these garments are made to last.

CHOOSE TIMELESS PIECES

When adding to your wardrobe, remember to choose pieces that can easily be worn through different seasons. These pieces include things like layering pieces (sweaters, cardigans, light jackets), jeans, t-shirts and blouses. This, however, doesn’t mean you need to own 3 jean jackets, no matter how cute they are. 

CONSIDER CURATING A "CAPSULE WARDROBE"

A capsule wardrobe is for those who would love to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, while still having variety. The idea of the capsule wardrobe is to be able to make multiple outfits with very few pieces.
Capsule wardrobe enthusiasts often begin their transformation by choosing a colour palette for the pieces then, writing out a list of many pieces they would ideally need to create their closet. Once your list has been written out, take an inventory of what you already have, what doesn’t fit into your capsule’s criteria and, what you need in order to complete the collection.

Combine this minimalist idea with our other sustainable shopping strategies like buying secondhand or, partaking in a clothing swap.

REVAMP OLD ITEMS

That shirt you never wore that’s just sitting in your closet: “See, it’s cute if it just didn’t have that one thing…” Wait, not all hope is lost! Consider looking up ways to revive old gems, like accessorizing it or hemming it. The possibilities are endless.

OPT FOR SECOND-HAND

The benefit of shopping second-hand is that you are partaking in reducing the amount of textile waste that’s being produced globally. The uOttawa Free Store, located at 100 Thomas Moore, has an amazing selection that is gently used, not limited to just clothing. The best part is, everything is free. All you need is a valid uOttawa student, employee, or alumni I.D.

TRY ATTENDING A CLOTHING SWAP OR A VINTAGE FLEA MARKET

Not only are you diverting waste from ending up in landfills, but you’re supporting your local community. You can even organize a clothing swap party with your friends! Clothing swaps are fun and low cost: all you need to do is tell people to bring clothing they don't want (in good condition) and a donation. Donations can go to any local charity or initiative of your choice! There are also multiple vintage flea markets being held around the city every weekend. For example, if you’re an Ottawa native, you may have heard about the Great Glebe Garage Sale. This event has been held for more than a decade. grab a friend and some reusable bags: go check it out!" If you’re wanting to spread your wings and venture outside of campus, a personal favourite of mine is Darling Vintage located at 502 Somerset st. W. Their prices are reasonable and their selection is timeless.



Armed with this knowledge, I feel confident that you are prepared to go out in the world and shop sustainably. Research, organization and budgeting should be done ahead of your shopping trip. You may find that a list may help throughout all the steps. While shopping, be sure to purchase only items you need, rather than what you want. This is why it is important to follow each step as it key in your success.

Transitional pieces are a great way to stretch out the versatility of your wardrobe, by having items that you can wear throughout different seasons, this minimizes the amount of pieces you have in your closet. Other ways of reducing waste is turning your closet into a capsule wardrobe, revamping old clothing, shopping second hand and finally, attending a clothing swap or a vintage flea market. Now, get out there and shop sustainably (or if you don't need, don’t shop at all!)

~ hanna beauport - furniture reuse clerk

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