‘Mindful Consumerism’ a term so heavy, most of us might want to run away from having to hear it. So what is it all about? Isn’t retail a therapy? Why do we have to think twice before spending our own money to buy something that’s been sitting in our ‘wishlist’ for months now? Well, the only way to answer all these questions, is to look around! Read more to know how slow fashion is the need of the hour.

Did you know that according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development, Fashion Industry alone is the second most pollutant industry in the world, and also the second-largest consumer of water worldwide? That mass production has made Fast Fashion so blown up, that it has become almost impossible to tame its consequences? That more than 85% of fashion industry waste and textiles end up in landfills each year? That 10% of all humanity’s carbon emission is caused by fashion production?

I know, I know, these are just numbers and we can’t possibly amend our life choices around them. But what if I tell you that we can? If you are uncomfortable with the carbon footprint you’re leaving behind, if the condition of this world worries you, the first step towards the solution is quite simple: SLOW FASHION.

This detailed, yet simple guide is the Cheat Sheet you need!

• Find Alternatives:
  

  Did you know that your go-to denim took up to 3,700 liters and your favorite cotton shirt took about 2,600 liters of water for production? While textiles like cotton, denim, etc,. are responsible for so much water usage, there are fabrics easily available which require lesser water, lesser time to grow, and are versatile in their look and feel. A few on the list are Industrial Hemp, Bamboo, Tencel, Organic cotton, soy silk, wool, etc,.

Look for brands that sell products made with these fabrics. Or find a good tailor and get your clothes customized yourselves. Buy naturally dyed fabrics/clothes instead of those dyed with chemicals. Remember, a little research can go a long way and might even help save the world. As Livia Firth rightly said: “Call it ‘Eco Fashion’ if you like, but I think it’s just Common Sense.”

• Consume Consciously:

 We’ve all been guilty of having several clothes sitting in our closets for years, untouched. I know I have! Well, let’s stop, look back, and become conscious of what we are doing. Find a way to get the ones you already have into use, before you decide you need more. Trust me, when it comes to fashion, less is always more.

• Thrift for a shift:

There are millions of beautiful, almost new clothes and accessories that you can choose from, instead of buying new ones and increasing the demand-production ratio. Go shop from thrift shops at lower prices and get your hands on the most fashionable stuff. There are also other platforms available online, that help you buy thrifted things that are in good condition. This way, you can have your cake and eat it too!

• Give back :

Give away the things that you are not using. Every once in a while, find the time to clean out your closets and pick out things that you haven’t worn in long. Chances are, you won’t ever! So clear it out, bring it to a local charity shop, and be a part of a good cause, rather than having them end up in landfills.

• Be an Ethical Shopper:

1. Always choose quality over quantity. Instead of buying that cheap jacket which will look worn out in 3 uses, buy one that is good quality and will last you at least a good 2-3 years. Make sure you buy when you need something, and not when you just ‘feel like’ shopping.

2. Choose classics! Don’t fall prey to trends. Although it is nice to look trendy once in a while, pick trends that you know will last longer and you will get the worth for your money. Sometimes that will last you longer will definitely give you more satisfaction in the long run.

3. Look for local brands and labels. Learn more about Slow Fashion. This way you are not just supporting the national economy, but helping small brands provide employment to workers and give you a customized product which you will value more.

• Up-cycling to the rescue:

 Your mom’s old sari, that miscellaneous piece of fabric, a dress that is too large for your size. They have all got a purpose! Look for a local tailor or a label that up cycles, look for design inspiration, and get it done! Or even better, Get a sewing machine, learn the art of stitching and make it a hobby. That piece of fabric will thank you for this.

Look for ways to up cycle and style your clothes. Wear accessories like belts or scarves to make loose clothing look better. Go for accessories that amp up your dressing game, so that you can create different looks from the same piece.

These are a few steps you can take towards sustainability and slow fashion. Remember, it can all be achieved, only one step at a time. Be smart with what you give to this world and see how nature smiles upon you. Research, learn and spread the word. Share this blog with people who care and see the difference you can make. Let’s all hold hands and move towards a brighter, safer tomorrow!