How to shop sustainably

The apparel industry is one of the largest industries that make up landfill waste, and over 20 years, textile waste has doubled. Fast fashion is a practice that many companies we love are paying into, and it is up to us as consumers to make that change.

Many of us don’t know how to help this issue or may feel that you can’t shop elsewhere while still getting cute clothing for cheap prices. I promise you that is not the case. There are many ways that a person can shop sustainably without breaking the bank.

The main way is going to thrift stores to find clothing that fits your style. There are many benefits to buying second-hand; it is extremely cheap, you can give a used piece of clothing an entirely new life and you can also find styles of clothing that you may not have even thought of wearing before. It is also a fun way to spend time with your friends. Here in Lexington, there are many different vintage shops that you can visit.

If you are a person who doesn’t enjoy buying from consignment stores, there are so many apps where you can see the person that you are buying from. Poshmark, Depop, Mercari and even Instagram all allow you to see whom you are buying from.

Buying sustainably is extremely important because fast fashion companies are truly terrible for the world. They underpay workers, pollute our planet and they put their workers in very terrible conditions. Our style and clothing allow us to show who we are, and it is the best way to show off our personality. Why not show off that you are aware of the clothing crisis and that you are trying your best to help the issue?