Earth day is on Friday and that has thinking about how we can be better citizens of the planet.
It doesn't take heroic effort — there are small ways to make a difference, and that includes in our fashion choices.
New Day stylist Darcy Camden joined the show to share ways we can do that!
1. Reuse shopping bags. I see a lot of people bring their own reusable shopping bags to the grocery store, but I almost never see people bring their own bags when they go clothes shopping. It’s also OK to politely decline to have your purchases wrapped in tissue.
2. Avoid “Single Use Outfits.” We all know the term “Single-Use Plastics,” like a plastic water bottle you use once and then toss. "Single-Use Outfit" is a term I use for something you wear once and then inevitably purge it from your closet. Rental services like Armoire and Rent The Runway can be a great way to borrow something for one situation. I also recommend organizing a Girlfriend Clothing Swap; invite your friends to each bring about five items they never wear and trade.
3. Seek out sustainable materials. There’s a lot of cool innovation in the use of recycled materials in clothing. Rothy’s was a pioneer in using recycled plastic to make shoes and accessories, and this year they will achieve Zero waste at their factory and incorporate Twice-Recycled products (meaning they’re recycling old Rothys into new Rothys). Summersalt swimwear uses recycled plastic materials in their swimsuits, which are five times more durable than regular suits and will last longer.
4. Support water-conscious brands. Factory production has a big impact on the environment due to water consumption. Denim is famously one of the highest users of water (around 1,500 gallons are needed to make just one pair of jeans!), Levi's has saved more than 3 billion liters of water and recycled more than 2 billion, and uses more than 20 water-saving finish techniques during the final stage of production. Something you can do at home? Wash your jeans less. Most denim experts recommend washing your jeans after 15-20 wears.
5. Take care of your clothes. I purge a lot of closets, and most of the pieces are stained, tattered, washed improperly, or somehow ruined. Always check the care instructions on a garment before you buy it and take the steps to launder it properly so you can wear it for a long time.
6. Thrift! Shop second-hand and donate your unworn clothing whenever you can. During the pandemic, I got really into online thrifting using ThredUp and Poshmark. I love being able to send my unworn clothes, get shopping credit and shop from thousands of secondhand items to find exactly what I want.
7. Shop with intention. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for your closet, and the planet, is to only buy things you really like and use for years. Before you venture out to shop, spend 10 minutes in your closet to review what you already own and make strategic additions rather than random pieces.
Darcy Camden is Founder and Chief Stylist of Styled Seattle: Your Personal Wardrobe Stylist.
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.