How To Do Sustainable Style
Sep 20, 2023
With the rise of fast fashion, we’ve all become aware of the ethics surrounding the fashion industry. You probably already know that fast fashion is the harmful production of apparel which is made from low-quality materials and low-paid labor. In order to produce fast fashion garments, the environment is harmed in several ways including large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, plastic, and other pollutants ending up in the ocean, and even the use of toxic chemicals too.
This is where taking a more sustainable style approach comes in. By choosing climate considerate materials like regenerative cotton, recycled fabrics, and only buying from brands with trusted and ethical production processes, and thrifting, we can vote with our wallets and play our part in helping create a more sustainable future.
What is regenerative cotton?
Also known as climate considerate cotton, regenerative cotton is designed to have a reduced environmental impact. Regenerative cotton is different to organic cotton in that it accounts for the entire ecosystem and soil health. This includes planting cover crops, implementing minimal-till management and rotating crops. Regenerative cotton aims to keep carbon in the soil and out of the atmosphere.
Better for the environment and better on our skin too, as a person with sensitive skin, I sometimes have to wash my clothing several times before I can wear it without having skin reactions from irritants. As regenerative cotton doesn’t use harmful or irritating chemicals it’s my go-to fabric now for new clothing.
How to be more eco-friendly with fashion
Expanding beyond the world of backpacks and other accessories, JanSport has launched the Climate Considerate Cotton T-shirt which comes in an array of styles—my favorite is the 70’s Snail shirt. Because I use a wheelchair, you can’t see the back of my shirt while I’m in my chair, so having bright, colorful art on the front is a must. From simple logo shirts to more detailed designs, there really is a style for everyone. The new shirts come in inclusive sizing and will be joined by the launch of beanies, trucker hats and dad hats too. You can also get your hands on the World Traveler Bucket Hat.
You can also look for backpacks made with recycled or surplus materials. And, over 80% of JanSport bags are made with 100% recycled main body fabric.
Making sure you take care of your backpacks and accessories, as well as your favorite everyday garments is also key to keeping it in good condition for longer. Wash your clothing in gentle, eco-friendly laundry detergents on low temperatures and let them air dry to help maintain the integrity of the fabric and help it live its best life.
And, if you don’t want to buy new, you can also thrift clothing. Gen Z has been loud and proud about their passion for sustainability in every sense of the word. Buying second hand means you’re not actively contributing to the economy of fast fashion and companies that use harmful production methods won’t be earning your money. Businesses like Goodwill and ThreadUp will be getting your money instead.
Our money has power. When we buy from brands that have a commitment to sustainability, we are showing our approval for ethical business practices, and the more this happens, the more the industry will evolve. The future starts here.
