The 7 Rs of Fashion for Sustainability Lovers
This post is about the 7 rs of sustainable fashion.
I have been on a sustainable fashion journey for over four years now. I call it a journey because, metaphorically, it has been a process of personal growth and development with challenges and milestones. I researched anything that would help me make better choices, and that’s when I came across the 7 Rs of fashion.
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to climate change and environmental degradation. I believe adopting sustainable practices is no longer a choice but a necessity.
The 7 Rs of Fashion offers a framework to help us reduce the environmental impact of our fashion choices. Even if you practice one of these principles, you can make a difference.
I love Anne Marie Bonneau’s quote, ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.’ There are so many other brilliant quotes to inspire your slow fashion journey.
Here are the 7 rs of sustainable fashion and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe
1. Reduce
The first R is perhaps the most important R of all. Reduce. Reducing the number of new clothes you purchase is the first step toward creating a more sustainable wardrobe.
The fashion industry thrives on the constant turnover of trends, encouraging impulse purchases and a growing fashion footprint.
I found this one hard at first because it is so easy to feel like we need ‘the new dress,’ but I promise you don’t. But if you do, I bet it is ‘new with tags’ over on Vinted!
What you can do:
Buy Less
Before purchasing new items, ask yourself if you need them or if it is an impulse buy. This simple practice can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of waste you generate.
Invest in Quality
When you do buy new clothes, opt for investment pieces made from sustainable materials that will last a long time rather than fast fashion items that wear out quickly.
2. Reuse
The next step is to give old clothing and household textiles a second life. Reusing items helps to reduce the demand for new products and minimises waste.
What you can do:
Thrift Stores
Shopping secondhand is a great way to find unique pieces while contributing to a circular economy.
Clothing Swap
Participate in a clothing swap with friends or community members to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new.
DIY Projects
Get creative by turning old items into something new, such as making a tote bag from an old t-shirt or repurposing glass jars as storage containers.
3. Recycle
Recycling is essential for reducing the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. Many fabrics and materials can be recycled into new products, reducing the need for raw materials and lowering carbon emissions.
What you can do:
Upcycle
Transform old clothing into new garments or accessories. This could be as simple as adding patches to jeans or turning a dress into a skirt.
Textile Recycling Centers
Find a recycling centre that accepts old clothing and textiles. Some fashion brands also offer take-back programs where they recycle your old clothes.
4. Repair
Rather than discarding clothes when they show signs of wear, repairing them is a more sustainable option that extends their life.
What you can do:
Sewing Machine
This is what I call ‘the real slow fashion’. I have started teaching myself to sew, and I love it so much. Learning to use a sewing machine to fix small tears or replace buttons is a good reason to keep your favourite pieces longer. It also reduces your reliance on fast fashion. Do you need a new hobby? Try it!
Tailoring
Instead of replacing higher-quality pieces, take them to a tailor for adjustments or repairs. This ensures a perfect fit and keeps your wardrobe intact.
5. Repurpose
Repurposing gives items a new purpose that might otherwise be discarded. This R is about creatively transforming items into something completely different.
What you can do:
DIY Fashion
Use fabric scraps from old clothing to create accessories like headbands or patchwork quilts. I have seen some fantastic patchwork dresses and plan on making one as soon as possible.
Household Textiles
Turn old sheets into cleaning rags or fabric napkins, and reduce your use of single-use plastics like paper towels.
6. Refuse
Refusing to engage in unsustainable practices is a powerful statement. This R encourages you to reject fast fashion, single-use plastics, and other environmentally harmful practices.
What you can do:
Say No to Fast Fashion
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally. Refuse to buy from brands that don’t prioritise sustainability and support sustainable fashion brands.
Check out this post about how to quit fast fashion for more help.
Refuse Plastic
Opt for products with minimal plastic packaging. For example, avoid plastic bottles or straws and bring your reusable shopping bag or reusable coffee cup when you shop or get a coffee.
7. Rethink
The final R encourages you to rethink your fashion choices and their environmental impact. It’s about being conscious of your clothes’ lifecycle and considering their long-term impact on the planet.
What you can do:
Mindful Shopping
Make mindful shopping habits by researching brands and their practices before buying clothing. Look for certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures the sustainable production of textiles.
Support Circular Fashion
Circular fashion is rooted in keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. Support brands that participate in the circular economy by designing products with end-of-life in mind.
Creating a More Sustainable Wardrobe
Incorporating the 7 Rs of Sustainable Fashion into your daily life is a great way to reduce your fashion footprint. Whether shopping at thrift stores, reusing old clothing or refusing fast fashion, every small change can make a big difference.
The next time you think about buying new clothes, consider applying the 7 Rs to make a more sustainable choice. The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact, but you can be part of the solution.
