It all begins with an idea
of wanting to make a difference
and having fun while doing so
If it’s not sustainable for you
it’s not sustainable
You’ve probably heard it several times; Buy second hand and make them last by looking after them for decades. Well, there might not be a second hand store close to where you live. You might not find your size in anything you’re looking for. You might not own a sewing machine. You might be busy feeding your children and making sure they’re not killing each other while playing. You might not know how to look after your shoes and just when you decided to do so you realise you don’t even like them. Your closet might be full with fast fashion items and there you are, wondering how the hell you’re going to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
You know what? If it’s not fun, comfortable and easy (well some effort is required), then it’s not sustainable. What you should focus on is taking baby steps where you are at your own pace. Be kind to yourself and be patient.
“It takes time to create new habits. It takes time to learn how to make a good choice. It takes time to explore your own style and expression. And while time goes, make sure you have fun. Perfect should never stand in the way for doing good”
— Sophie Gripenberg
What is A Sustainable Closet?
A closet with items you wear regularly
A closet suitable for your lifestyle
A closet with long-lasting items or circular clothes (if not used by you, then used by others)
A closet with mixed clothes produced in a sustainable manner, being second handed or remade
8 principles on where to start
Everything not worn in the past three months (exception if it’s clothes for different seasons) should not be in your closet. If you don’t feel like giving them away, let someone else borrow them and see if you miss them.
Evaluate the usefulness of the items you have. Is there a favourite skirt you’re not wearing because you don’t have a top that goes with it? Whenever getting something new, it should be to maximise the usefulness of the other clothes in your closet.
Find your style! Seriously, there’s no reason to buy second hand or any other sustainable brand if it’s not suitable for your style. How do you want to look? Whatever people call “must haves in your wardrobe” might not be must haves for you. You just need what you like to wear on a daily basis.
Circulate your clothes on a regular basis. That means that instead of throwing clothes away, can you exchange with friends? Instead of buying a dress you only use once, can you rent one? If you have a shirt you’re tired of, can you redesign it or make someone else do it for you?
Only buy what you need. Of course the concept of what you need is very subjective and for an environmental perspective that would be as little as possible, only clothes to keep you warm. From a social perspective this might mean other things, such as being comfortable when being pregnant, having clothes to wear when reaching your exercise goals or having something nice to wear at your new job.
Learn the art of buying second hand, rent or remake.
Explore more sustainable brands and stores.
Break up with fast fashion once and for all (instead of buying three tops, save the money and buy one of higher quality that will last).