New Year’s Resolution Ideas for the Beginner Sustainable Fashionista
Photo by Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash
Starting your sustainable fashion journey? Here are some New Year’s Resolution ideas to think about.
A new year is quickly approaching. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, even though most of us were quarantined for most of it, and think about what’s next. There are the common resolutions like losing weight or saving money. Consider a resolution to help make a difference in the world. If you’re like me and starting your sustainable fashion journey, here are some ideas for 2021 New Year’s resolutions. In these unprecedented times, these will help you learn and take action while maintaining safe and social distancing.
1) Learn about sustainable fashion. Watch a documentary.
The one documentary that started it all for me is The True Cost on Netflix. The film is a deep dive into the world of fast fashion and how the industry negatively effects the environment and people. Look out for other documentaries as well.
2) Recycle unwanted clothes.
Don’t discard unwanted clothing and contribute to an ever-growing landfill. Consider donating to these programs:
Clothes and shoes can be donated to Good Will, Salvation Army, Planet Aid, Give Back Box, Zappos for Good or local shelters in your area. You can find local drop off bins or ship your donations by mail.
Clothes suitable for work or office environments can be given to Dress for Success, an organization whose mission is to “empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”
Jeans, jean jackets and other denim products can be upcycled into insulation for houses built for Habitat for Humanity affiliates all over the country with the Blue Jeans Go Green recycling program. (Blue Jeans Go Green™ is a trademark of Cotton Incorporated.) Mail your package directly and take advantage of free shipping using the Zappos for Good website. It’s not advisable to send a package over 50 lbs but you can send as many packages as you like! Specific instructions can be found here.
3) Learn to mend your clothes.
According to the EPA, landfill waste from clothing and shoes have increased from 1 million tons in 1960 to 9 million tons in 2018. Hold off throwing away slightly damaged clothing and adding to the growing landfill. Learn to sew during quarantine to mend a ripped shirt or replace that button on your jacket, giving your clothes a fresh look!
4) Consume less.
Someone told me once that if you don’t buy it, you don’t have to throw it away. Stop and think before you purchase something. Take a cue from Marie Kondo and ask yourself, “Will this item spark joy?” Will I wear this often? Do I really need another t-shirt? Will this last a long time? An added benefit: you will save money too!
5) Vote with your dollars.
Determine your sustainable fashion goals and only buy from brands that meet them. There are different approaches to sustainable fashion. Are you animal lover? Find vegan or cruelty-free clothes and beauty products. Do you want your clothes made by people working in decent conditions with fair wages? Check out ethical or fair trade brands. Concerned about plastics in our oceans? Avoid clothes made with polyester, lycra and nylon as these fabrics can disseminate “microplastics” into waterways when washed.
I hope these resolutions ideas will inspire you to be more informed about fashion and the clothes you wear. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe New Year!
