7 simple steps to being more sustainable in New Year

The intention of creating a sustainable or ethical wardrobe from scratch is a daunting one. Declining the brands you are used to, having to spend a little more than you would normally? All of these concerns are valid, but it isn't as difficult as you might think to get started on a sustainable wardrobe – and it's definitely worth it in the long run.

Here, we have rounded up 7 tips from the experts on how to have a more sustainable wardrobe without much effort.

1. Stay INFORMED
   One of the most difficult things about trying to be more sustainable is knowing where to start – and more importantly, where to shop. In this day and age, however, it is much easier than it once was as there are so many brands that are run with a sustainable focus in mind.

2. Shop VINTAGE
   "Vintage clothing has a huge role to play in making fashion more sustainable and reducing a global footprint that includes the 132m metric tons of coal used yearly through the production of new fibres, dyeing and bleaching of garments and the 6-9 trillion litres of water used by the industry," Emma Watson said on her Press Tour account.
   
   

3. DONATE your unwanted clothes
   Donating your unwanted clothes to a good cause will help others to be more sustainable. People will invest in your old pieces rather than buying something new. A great way to do this is to have a one-in, one-out policy – live by the mantra that every time you buy something, you'll donate something else in your wardrobe.
   
   

4. LOOK AFTER your clothes so they last longer
   It sounds obvious, but it's so important. Of course if you are buying better quality clothes, they are likely to last longer (and you’ll care for them more because of the pricetag) but this goes for everything hanging in your wardrobe. Look after them properly and you will have to replace things less often. From caring for your cashmere to washing your denim inside out, go the extra mile to ensure your clothes stay at their best for longer.
   
   

5. Learn how to REPAIR clothing
   When something rips or a heel breaks, you don't necessarily have to throw it away. Learn how to repair your clothes and accessories – or, even easier, pay a professional to do it. Think twice before using it as an excuse for something new.
   
   

6. Go for QUALITY over quantity
   It's all about planning. Buying better quality, more sustainable pieces is likely to cost you more money, however it's all about changing your mindset. Yes this costs more, but I am only going to buy one. Buying 10-30 high-quality items a year, rather than 60 cheaper, less eco-friendly pieces will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
   Basically: SAVE, INVEST and BUY LESS.
   
   

7. MAKE your own clothes
   When you sew or knit your own clothing, you attach your own stories and meaning to it, and make it specifically to fit you and last you a long time.
   WELCOME to use our patterns and instructions to craft your own style, design and fashion.

Be SMART - Start Making A Real Thing!

Editor's note.
The source is Harpersbazaar.
Feature image via Unsplash.