SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION ON EVERYONE’S MIND!

Quality is more important than quantity

How much do you think about sustainability and protecting the environment around us in your everyday consumption habits? After years of working in the clothing industry for various big brands, I’ve come to the conclusion that we don’t really need more and more things, but quality is a priority in every aspect. One should rather have a few timeless and well-fitting garments made of good materials in the wardrobe than piles of fast fashion that will be thrown away after a few seasons.

What is sustainable fashion and how to tell the difference between greenwashing and truly environmentally sustainable brands?

Sustainability means using resources wisely so that future generations can also live on our planet and meet their needs. Simple in theory, harder in practice. It’s important that a sustainable mindset is embedded throughout the supply chain. Skin-friendly and natural materials alone don’t make a clothing company sustainable. Everyone who contributes to production must be fairly paid for their work. Workers must be able to do their work in a way that doesn’t endanger their life and health. Here, attention must be paid to the protection of women’s and children’s rights in particular, as it’s a major concern in many Asian and African countries, as well as in Turkey, for example. Production processes must be innovative and as environmentally friendly as possible. Transport must not create an excessive ecological footprint. The final product should ideally be one that you’ll be happy to wear after five years as well. All in all, sustainability must not be just a pretty term in marketing texts, but it should be present in every cell of a company.

What can we do ourselves?

Every one of us can do our part to ensure that future generations will be able to drink clean water, enjoy the beauty of nature on forest trails and live in a pollution-free environment. And some of the tips below will significantly reduce your energy bills, so the benefits are tangible!

• Instead of turning up the heat in cooler weather, put on a warm sweater.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
• Don’t let your mind wander off when you’re in the shower and keep an eye on water consumption.
• Sort waste. And compost your food waste.
• Take your reusable coffee cup and water bottle with you when you leave home.
• Where possible, buy food that is not packaged.
• Don’t turn up your nose at secondhand shops and flea markets.
• Cycle and walk.
• If you have a garden, grow some of your food yourself.
• Check what your cosmetics, furniture, daily essentials, and children’s toys are made of.
• Don’t buy new things if the old ones can still be repaired.
• Consume less, but buy better quality goods.

It’s only human to think that you can’t make a difference, that nothing depends on you. But it’s not true. We’re all here in this world for a reason. And we all have a responsibility to make this world last longer.

Take care!

Looren