There can be no doubt. The fashion industry is far from sustainable. Vast amounts of energy and natural resources are required to support the global demand for clothing, shoes and accessories.

The pressure to reform is mounting on fashion brands and textile manufacturers, but the resulting effort is little more than greenwashing. Much more needs to be done for the fashion industry to move closer to carbon neutrality.

Meanwhile, individuals have the power to take matters into their own hands. They won’t transform the industry, but they will embody the change they hope to see on a larger level and scale.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at six ways individuals can make sustainable fashion a reality in the future.

buy second hand

The unsustainable nature of the modern fashion industry results in the sheer volume of textiles produced. This production is done on demand. But what if demand drops because more people buy second-hand? By buying used clothes, you can extend the life of the clothes you would otherwise throw away. As individuals opt for second-hand fashion, demand declines over time as they avoid spending money on new items.

shop sustainably

While the fashion industry as a whole has so far failed to take the lead in developing sustainable practices, individual companies are choosing to offer consumers eco-friendly choices. From degradable shoes to clothing made from recycled materials, there are many sustainable alternatives to traditional fashion. Some of these products may be more experimental than practical, but others are becoming sustainable alternatives in the future.

Invest in quality

It is virtually impossible to completely avoid unsustainable fashion. Sooner or later, you will have to buy new denim or other garments that are difficult to manufacture in an environmentally friendly manner.With this in mind, consider choosing quality over quantity. In other words, buy items that are manufactured to last several years or longer. Part of the problem with cheap “fast” fashion is the relatively short lifespan of typical clothing. By investing in slightly more expensive alternatives in hopes of durability, you can reduce the amount of clothing you buy in your lifetime.

stick to classic style

Style-minded people might wonder what’s the point of buying clothes that last if the style goes out of fashion within a year or two? The answer to this conundrum is to stick to classic styles that never go out of style. Denim jeans, khaki slacks, canvas sneakers, black dresses and peacoats are just a few examples of timeless fashion. Moreover, you can find quality items at affordable prices.

avoid waste

Do everything you can to avoid throwing away your clothes and shoes. No one wants a dirty, hole-in-the-dark T-shirt of him, but clothing that looks to be in good condition should be donated to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Depending on the brand and quality, you may be able to sell your old items to another thrift store. The fewer clothes and shoes we throw away, the less we contribute to the large amount of fashion-related waste that accumulates in landfills across the globe.

Take care of your clothes and shoes

The description given on the tag is for a reason. Provides helpful information on proper care and maintenance of clothing and shoes. The more you take care of your clothes and footwear, the longer they last. With this in mind, follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. If it says wash in cold water and air dry on a clothesline, that’s to keep the shirt looking new longer.

The unfortunate reality is that the fashion industry is far from sustainable. But that doesn’t mean consumers can’t take the initiative and start adhering to sustainable fashion choices. No, but the more we continue to support the industry as it is, the longer it will take for the industry to change. Think of these choices as a mild form of protest. When enough people do it, change moves from a possibility to a certainty.