“The less you own, the more freedom you have.” – @minimalismlife
To all of my fellow lovers of slow travel and those choosing to live a more conscious life every day, this quote embodies the minimalistic approach I take with my life, and I encourage you to do the same!
Think about the last time you bought a piece of clothing. Did you really need to buy something new to wear? Sometimes in life, we turn to retail therapy when we feel upset or want to feel that serotonin boost of buying new clothing. Consider how many outfits you have and how full your closet is. How many of those pieces of clothing do you never wear? We have all been guilty of this at some point!
Now, how much of your wardrobe is made with sustainable clothing materials? We might not think twice about how our clothing is made or what impact the materials have on the environment. A more sustainable and minimalistic lifestyle is about buying less but also choosing minimal waste clothing when you do need to buy something new.
As I lean into a more conscious lifestyle, one of the easiest ways to free myself from materialistic things is to be more mindful of what and how much I purchase. Now, let’s take a closer look at why fast fashion is a problem and how to shop for more sustainable clothing materials.
Choose Sustainable Clothing Manufacturers Over Fast Fashion
‘Trendy’ is a euphemism for ‘soon-to-be-out-of-date.’ – @minimalismlife
Forget about trendy fast fashion clothing, which is just another phase in the style cycle. Instead, focus on zero waste clothing or minimal waste clothing as staple pieces of your wardrobe. There are a growing number of sustainable clothing manufacturers on a mission to make sustainable clothing materials the new standard. Non-profit organizations and campaigners are working hard to hold brands accountable for the waste being created and are initiating programs that help solve this problem.
The Or Foundation’s ‘Speak Volumes’ campaign challenges 100 brands to publish their 2022 production volumes. This shines a light on the overproduction problem and actually seeing the clothing waste statistic numbers compared to the amount of clothing produced each year. Venetia La Manna campaigners protest for garment workers’ rights and the climate crisis concerning clothing waste.
This is where the numbers speak volumes with each clothing waste statistic. Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 1.92 million tonnes of textile waste end up in landfills. And what happens with all of that clothing waste? It ends up in our oceans or incinerated and emitting greenhouse gases, adding to global warming. As a traveler and lover of our beautiful planet Earth, I believe there has to be a more minimalistic approach that stops this madness. When you refuse to purchase clothing from fast fashion companies, you no longer contribute to the problem. Instead, choosing sustainable clothing manufacturers allows you to take a stance on the matter and make choices that are kinder to the planet. Live life on your own terms with a more holistic and intentional approach.
What Are the Most Sustainable Clothing Materials?
As you do your research when deciding which sustainable clothing manufacturers to buy from, think about the materials that are used. The least sustainable clothing materials include nylon, rayon, polyester, acrylic, and conventional cotton. From the waste produced to the chemicals and microplastics in these fabrics, try to avoid purchasing them when possible.
Want to make a positive impact? Think about the clothing you buy, how they’re made, and what they’re made of. When you focus on buying higher quality zero waste clothing or minimal waste clothing produced with sustainable clothing materials, you’re doing your part!
Here are some of the most sustainable clothing materials you can buy:
Linen
Linen is derived from the flax plant, which requires little to no fertilizer, pesticide, or irrigation to thrive. You’ll find this plant growing across specific climates in Europe. This light and breathable centuries-old fabric is an excellent eco-friendly and sustainable option. Try to buy organic when available!
Hemp
When it comes tosustainable clothing materials, hemp is one of the most eco-conscious options available. This crop is high-yielding, doesn’t need excessive amounts of water or chemicals to grow, and restores nutrients to the soil. In fact, it actually absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere on average than other plants. Hemp fabric boasts benefits like being naturally sun protectant and antimicrobial. A win for you and the planet!
Bamboo
As one of the fastest-growing plants, bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant itself, meaning it’s able to regenerate quickly. Similar to hemp, it absorbs more carbon dioxide than other plants, and it can survive on rainfall alone. As long as sustainable clothing materials are mechanically processed and not chemically processed, it’s a great option to go with. Look for bamboo fabrics that aren’t blended with rayon or viscose, as these use harmful chemicals to produce.
Organic Cotton
Choosing organic cotton means fewer pesticides, improved working conditions for cotton farmers, and more environmentally friendly than conventional cotton. Other synthetic materials used for clothing are derived from fossil fuels, while organic cotton is able to be recycled and is free from microplastics. Look for Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS-certified) organic cotton clothing as one of the most common certifications.
Take a Minimalistic Approach to Sustainability
Living a more sustainable and minimalistic lifestyle is one of the ways I find inner peace. There are many components that go into living life more holistically. Focusing on sustainable clothing materials and minimal waste clothing is another way to incorporate being more conscious of the world around you. When traveling, buy clothing and other goods from local artisan vendors to not only promote the local economy. Choose hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainable practices and respect the land around them. All of these small practices will make a difference in being more conscious in your daily life.
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