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Although fashion is one of the most glamorous industries in the world, it is also one of the most polluting.

Numbers like, it takes about 2,700 liters of fresh water on average to make just one cotton shirt or the fact that 2.5 billion lbs of clothing end up in landfills each year, is quite scary.

This begs the question: I love fashion, but there must be a more sustainable way to help the environment? Fret not because there are solutions and action items that can be done.

Here are the 7R's to becoming a more conscious consumer:

1. Reduce

Reduce the amount of clothing you purchase. The next time you buy something ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Buy quality clothes and choose your needs over wants. It's a huge step to reducing your waste consumption and provides you with more space in your closet.

2. Reuse

Have you ever tried going to an ukay-ukay? Or clothes swap with your friends? These are great ways to obtain a new wardrobe and ensure that your clothes don't end up in the landfill.

3. Recycle

Maybe you don't know but brands like H&M accept old clothes and recycle them into new garments. You can also opt to find charity shops or donation bins to give them to those in need.

4. Repurpose

Upcycle is a way of using up textiles by transforming garments into something different. There are different videos online where you can transform an old t-shirt into a new bag or a scarf. So put your creative hat on and put a new twist to an old garment.

5. Rent

Instead of keeping a fancy dress that you wore only once, why not try renting it out? It's a good way to reduce your carbon footprint and create a business of your own.

6. Repair

Why have something repaired when you can get another one, right? Wrong. The next time there's a hole in your shirt, try mending it or finding a good tailor to do the job for you.

7. Research

Being a conscious consumer entails being educated with your purchases. Instead of impulsively consuming or buying something, put some thought to it and do your research. If a brand aligns with your values, then good for you!

It might seem difficult in the beginning but once you apply these R's you'll start to see the positive impact of your choices and see the bigger picture. No matter how big or small, it's a beautiful thing to know that each decision you make can make a difference to our planet

Sources:

Fast Fashion Facts: What you need to know by 7 Billion for 7 Seas
https://7billionfor7seas.com/fast-fashion-facts/

Fashion Revolution Week: Fast Fashion by Numbers by The Fashion Law
http://www.thefashionlaw.com/home/fashion-revolution-week-fast-fashion-by-the-numbers

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