Tips For A Greener Wardrobe

When you think of going green, you probably think about making changes to your home to conserve energy and reduce waste. Or you think of using alternative fuels or driving a vehicle with a hybrid engine. But you probably don't think about the ways in which your clothing can affect the environment. From creation to shipment to laundering, buying and wearing your clothes has a more significant effect on the world around you than you might think.

Want to make your wardrobe greener without being forced to run all your errands in the buff? Read on for tips for "greening up" your wardrobe.

Plan your purchases. When there's a sale or a deep discount at your favorite clothing store, it can be very tempting to just buy, buy, buy. But every item you purchase has an impact on the environment. So instead of buying several items that you may wear only one season (or maybe only one evening) before discarding them, buy one good-quality item that will last you for years to come. The best way to do this? Make a plan for what you want to buy before you leave the house, and stick to it when you get to the store.

Sure, you want to follow trends, but the truth is that some items never go out of fashion. Investing in high-quality items that will last a lifetime (or at least a few years) will both protect the environment and do your bank account a favor.

Buy vintage. Vintage (which is, of course, just a fancy word for used) clothing isn't just for people looking to save money (though it can be a huge money-saver!). It's also a great option for people who want to be both fashionable and environmentally responsible. From interesting handmade pieces to designer treasures, you never know what you might find at your local used clothing store.

Be a conscientious washer. Washing your clothes is one of the things that has the most significant effect on the environment. Running the washing machine uses tons of energy and even more water, and so should only be done when really necessary. Be sure you have a full load whenever you go to wash laundry, and try not to be obsessive about cleaning your clothes. Sure, you could wash your jeans after just one wear, but... are they really dirty? You can get several wears out of much of your wardrobe, as long as the items in question aren't sweaty or visibly dirty.

Also try to be conscientious about how you choose to wash. Many detergents are quite polluting to the environment; try to choose biodegradable detergents free of phosphates, and only use the dryer when absolutely necessary. If you live in the desert, for example, you don't even need to have one; you should be line-drying as much as you can.

Give clothing a second life. Do you have a favorite piece with a seemingly untreatable stain or a rip you don't know how to repair? It's cheaper and more environmentally responsible to repair or treat problems with your favorite clothing than it is to buy new ones. Go to your local dry cleaner for deep-cleaning or tailoring/repair services. You'll spend a little extra for the service, but you'll save your favorite item and prevent the necessity of buying a new one.

Have an item that's irreparable or you know you'll never wear again? Use the fabric for craft projects, other pieces of clothing, or for donations. There's never any reason to throw clothing away; the more clothing that is re-used or donated, the less new clothing will need to be manufactured.

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