How to build a sustainable wardrobe

One of the biggest trends this year was sustainability. From the looks of it, the popularity of it is not going anywhere. A recent survey found that two-thirds of Americans take into account sustainability when making a purchase. 

If you are part of that two-thirds, you are probably looking for ways to be more sustainable. Start living sustainably by building a sustainable wardrobe. The fashion choices you make impact the environment. Our team from one of the best thrift stores in Kansas City wants to share how you can build a sustainable wardrobe without blowing your budget. 

What is sustainability? 

Sustainability is meeting the demands for right now without limiting the resources for future generations. This means making choices that do not threaten the environment and are ethical for people. 

Why is sustainability important? 

Making more sustainable choices is important to protect the planet. Currently, the fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry, right after the oil industry. It is estimated that each year about 85 percent of textiles that are produced end up in landfills. 

When producing clothes, these factories dump untreated toxic waste into rivers and lakes. These toxic chemicals cause harm to the aquatic environment. Not only do these factories pollute water, but they also consume large amounts of water. In 2015, it was estimated that the fashion industry consumed 79 billion cubic meters of water. 

HOW TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE

Upcycle your old clothing  

One misconception that many people have is that you need to get rid of your existing clothes and buy new sustainable garments. However, this is not the case. You do not need to throw all your current clothes away to be sustainable.  

If you have a pair of jeans or a dress that you no longer wear, upcycle it. You can make the jeans into shorts or turn it into a purse. Dye your dress to make it look fresh. Or, you can transform that dress into a skirt. The possibilities are endless. 

Shop second hand 

If you need a new piece of clothing, shop second hand. Purchasing clothes second-hand helps reduce the number of clothes produced that pollute the environment. This allows clothing to be recycled and reused throughout a timespan. 

The best thrift stores in Kansas City get new items daily to choose from. They carry your favorite brands at affordable prices. It also gives you a chance to discover new styles and trends. If any item does not fit, there is always the chance to alter it. 

Donate used clothing

As stated above, thrift stores supply you with the best selection of secondhand clothing. When it comes to downsizing your wardrobe, donate your clothes. Textile waste is a growing problem. Donating to your local thrift stores helps those clothes from ending up in landfills for many years. 

In addition to helping save the environment, these stores support local nonprofit organizations. For example, at Thrift World, we are partnered with local nonprofits and charitable organizations. They help us collect clothing and in return, we give them money for those donations. 

Are you looking for the best thrift stores in Kansas City?

Choose Thrift World! We carry all kinds of brands and styles of clothing. If you cannot make it into our store, check out our online shop. We offer shipping and in-store pick-up! Shop here!