Sustainable Clothing Tips

As we move into the holidays and new year, the sales and season makes it tempting to throw away everything old, and buy a whole new wardrobe before going into 2026. However, it's important to remember that clothing production and 'fast fashion' utilizes resources and contributes towards 10% of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. On the flip side, 80% of old clothing and textile waste then ends up in the landfill instead of being recycled.

Instead, refresh your closet mindfully by considering the few tips below.  

• Take inventory of your closet and track the items you truly wear. Give items you don't wear often a second chance before donating them by brainstorming new ways to style old pieces.
• Choose sustainable, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and wool. And when possible, try to look for good quality items that will last you longer.
• Shop second hand! Support local thrifts stores and find one-of-a-kind items. 
• Host clothing swaps with friends, family, and the community! Better yet - join the Solana Beach clothing swap on January 10^th. More details here. 
• Research brands and try to support those with ethics you align with.
• Be mindful about how often you wash your clothes, and use eco-friendly products when doing laundry. Laundry detergent sheets, and wool dryer balls are two great options to swap for.
• Instead of throwing away your clothes, recycle stained and torn items with companies such as Retold and Trashie. 

These are just a few of the many ways you can lower your environmental impact when it comes to fashion, and reduce your individual GHG emissions. Start this new year fashionably and sustainably!