How To Shop The Highstreet Responsibly
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If you want to shop in a more sustainable way then taking time to consider your latest purchase is one of the best changes you can make.
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is a nightmare for the environment. As consumers there isn’t always a lot we can do because ultimately we need to see the change from big businesses and those leading the industry. We’re also faced with the problem of sustainable brands often being more expensive and less size inclusive than their fast fashion equivalents. And let’s be honest, the high street has it’s benefits. Not only is it more affordable but the range of fits and sizes on offer is often far better, plus it’s a much more accessible way to try out the latest trends. If you select the retailers and items carefully there’s no reason why some items can’t stay in your wardrobe for years to come so there’s no doubt it does have it’s place within all of our wardrobes. So how can we all try to find the balance and try to shop the highstreet more responsibly? Here are 4 easy steps I try to follow to ensure I’m being a conscious and responsible consumer without piling on the pressure or perfectionism.
Do You Need It?
The number 1 question for any purchase, do you actually need it? If you already have something similar, it doesn’t really suit your style or work with what you already own, and you’d need to find somewhere to wear it then the answer is probably no. If the answer is yes then that’s fine, but the process of consideration is key.
Will You Wear It Over 30 Times?
Making sure you buy things with longevity in mind helps to make all purchases more responsible. If you genuinely think you’ll be able to wear something more than 30 times then this is a great sign that it will be something that is worth adding to your wardrobe. If you aren’t so sure then try to think of a few different outfits that you could wear the item with, as a rule of thumb I try to come up with 5 different outfits that I could update through the seasons or the following year so I’m confident in knowing whatever it is will fit into my existing wardrobe.
What Is It Made From?
If it’s low-quality polyester then it’s never going to last as well, and the micro-plastic issue will raise it’s head. Equally natural fibres like cotton can be extremely water intensive and then you have the ethical and environmental impacts of materials such as leather. There’s no perfect solution and we all have to work out our own priorities but there are slightly better options. Try to go for BCI cotton where possible, recycled materials and more sustainable fabrics like Tencel or Piñatex. Consider secondhand leather instead of brand new (I have some handy guides here and here if you’re a beginner) and think about whether shoes will be easy to get re-soled or re-heeled. Take a look at the seams, the stitching and the overall quality for an idea of whether it will really last and then go from there.
Is This The Best Retailer?
Not all highstreet and fast fashion brands are created equally, and of course being selective about where you shop is a privilege but if you’re someone who can be more selective then keep reading. The retailers who are pumping out thousands of new items a week for very low prices, capitalising on very short term trends with no regard for their employees at any part of the supply chain are the ones I always aim to avoid. And then there are those who, whilst are far from perfect, are trying to take steps in the right direction, whether that’s using recycled materials, technology to create denim using less water or supporting local communities as long the supply chain to ensure their quality of life is improved. No one is perfect, but if we can strive for better than it’s a good start. Taking the time to create a few retailers who you feel comfortable shopping with helps to create a more seamless and considered approach to high street shopping in the future. Organisations like B Corp and Good On You are making it far easier to understand the actual impact a brand is having on the planet, and at the end of the day the more you know the more you can do.
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