5 Steps to an Ethical Wardrobe

Shoppers have power. Each purchase sends a message. Your money works as a vote towards the kind of world you want to live in. Right now the clothing industry is the second largest pollutant on the planet and responsible for countless human rights violations. Now is the time to take a stand against fast fashion. Here are five easy ways you can move towards a sustainable wardrobe. 

1. Host a Clothing Swap with friends. It gives everyone a good excuse to clean out their closets and then you can shop each other's cast offs for free. One girl's trash is another girl's treasure.
2. Buy Secondhand instead of retail. This is by far the most affordable and easy way to stay ethical. You are saving clothing from the landfill and giving new life to a garment. There are lots of ways to buy secondhand: online consignment shops, thrift or charity shops, vintage boutiques, and more. 
3. Shop Your Closet when you want to buy more things. Dig up the older pieces that you love but haven't worn recently. Play dress-up in your own clothes and rediscover what you already have. 
4. Remix, Repurpose, Renew the clothing that you are tired of. If a dress doesn't fit right, turn it into a skirt. Turn a tee into a tank. Try your hand at sewing or remixing pieces in different combinations and you might be pleasantly surprised!
5. Only Buy When Necessary. This might be a more challenging step to follow if you shop recreationally but it will help reduce clutter in your closet, you will save money, and it is better for the environment. And when you do need to buy something, do your research and purchase from a transparent and sustainable company.