Lisa's Top 5 Sustainability Tips for Fall
It’s that time of year when we switch the closet out and review all the summer clothes we wore…..and didn’t wear. I’m in the middle of that process now. It’s also that time of year where we shop for a few new fall items. Sustainability is on my mind and I want to share with you a few ideas. The bottom line is that we want our clothes to LAST. It’s easy to drop clothes off at Goodwill but it’s a fairly low percentage of clothes that actually make it to the racks. The rest end up in landfill or literally shipped to Africa where they have markets for those clothes and their own landfill which is a huge pollutant. How can we ensure the clothes will stick around? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
If you’re shopping for a sweater or sweater dress and it looks like it has “pills” before it’s even left the store, please leave it behind! It will only get worse quickly and you’ll donate it sooner rather than later.
If you’re in designer-land you don’t need to worry about this but if you’re not, please check the quality of the sewing. Does it have loose stitches? Threads hanging? I’ve seen plenty of this and it’s a sign that the garment is not going to hold up.
I bought a tote bag recently for myself and a client was inspired to buy it as well. I took them to the shoe repair and they put silver “feet” on the bottom of the bag. This will protect the bottom land extend its life by potentially a few years.
Take your used clothes to a consignment store, a shelter or sell on Poshmark. The clothes are getting a second life!
Check for Made in USA as much as possible. Let’s support our local fashion industry and reduce the carbon footprint. When you find a brand you like that’s made in USA, be loyal to it :)
A little touch to help the bag last longer. Your local shoe repair can be your best friend.
