# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Over the past 7 days I have learned a lot, not only about second hand shopping and fashion, but also about myself. Actually, even longer than the past week as it all started with preparing the campaign and this month's challenge. The first part of our sustainability campaign was centred around second hand shopping. Oh what a week it has been!

When we were splitting up the topics for the campaign, I immediately felt an impulse to do the second hand challenge and that was mainly because I knew it's gonna be a real challenge for me. If you wanna know my silly reason why I have never ever shopped second hand before, please read my latest blog post!

Second hand shopping and sustainability!?

You may wonder now why you should care about second hand shopping or how it is related to sustainability? In that case, I would strongly recommend you to watch my fellow ambassador Judith 's brilliant video about why second hand shopping is sustainable.

Fashion is the second largest industry in the world. It is not known for being very sustainable, but rather exploitative and polluting. The apparel industry alone accounts for more than 5% of the world's greenhouse gas emission.
Unfortunately, sustainable raw materials do not necessarily imply that suppliers, workers, environmental regulations and so forth are sustainable, too! However, we wanted to take a closer look at how you can be fashionable and sustainable at the same time...

So here you go with 6 facts why second hand shopping is a cool thing!

1. Most of the times second hand shopping is much more affordable as prices can drop 50% or even more! In Swedish, it is often possible to get additional student discount!

2. It is GREEN! It reduces textile waste. 80% of textiles go to landfill and only 20% is properly recycled!

3. Instead of feeding your money to fashion giants by buying their products, shopping second hand often supports your local community or people in need, for example Erikshjälpen.

4. Isn't it like a small treasure hunt? You never know what you may find!

5. The fashion can be different! Some items might be from other decades and you wouldn't usually find them in regular stores. But you may also find pieces that you normally would not even be close to be able to afford. Go and get that freakin' expensive designer bag second hand!

6. It's Fika o'clock! Swedish second hand stores tend to have small fika corners where you can recharge your battery before starting your treasure hunt!

Second hand shopping challenge against Yen in Uppsala

For me personnally, the 3 challenges we had set up together were a REAL challenge. First of all, I had basically hardly ever been to a second hand store so on top of our challenges I had to find the right way to and navigate in the store... 😀 But thanks to Maps, that actually worked out well. Yen and I 'met' on time and could start our shopping challenge after a quick chat on the livestream.

Short recap of our challenges:
1. Challenge:
- the oldest item we can find (and proof how old it is)

2. Challenge:
- one item that is local (Uppsala/Jönköping)

3. Challenge:
- find a warm winter set with 5 items for max. 400 SEK

Yen and I virtually met up (aka on Instagram) and hit the store. She was completing the challenge in a Helping Hands store in Uppsala while I was trying to compete in an Erikshjälpen store in Jönköping.

The experience and our results

Entering the store, I was more than overwhelmed about its size and the amount of people. I expected a rather small shop, maybe 100 square metres, but the hall was huge, more like ten times the size. I also thought that there will be no more than 3 other people than me, but I actually had to shop together with approximately 150 other people. The offer of the store surprised me, too. The store offered an impressive amount of furniture, books, DVDs/BluRays/videos, textiles, lamps, electronics, household stuff, sports equipment (even skis etc.), things for children and then of course a men's and a women's department. In the middle of the store was a massive playground for children surrounded by sofas for bored fathers. 😀

I was struggeling a lot with completing challenge #1. Even though I found so many old items, I could not manage to find out what year they were from. And unfortunately, not even the Internet could help me! 🙁 While Yen found an amazing old camera from the 50s, I gloriously failed the first challenge.

The second challenge was easy for me! Without putting much effort into my hunt, I more or less immediately found 3 items: a winter hat from the local hockey team HV71, a sweater from Jönköping's golf club and a book about theatre plays between 1645 and 1920 here in the city. Yen was just as succesful and decided to go for a book published in Uppsala about a Swedish princess.

Challenge #3 was the toughest one in my opinion. Due to the limit of 400 SEK, I also wanted a decent outfit. But sometimes, I ended up at 405 or 410 SEK or the outfit I had put together in my head did not look good enough when actually wearing it... Despite the struggle, Yen and I both found some really nice outfits at an amazing (!) price. Yen's complete outfit was only 210 SEK and mine was 295 SEK. I believe that is an incredible deal, don't you agree? We uploaded 4 livestreams and a fair amount of stories to our instagram during the challenge.

Here are our outfits:

In the end, our followers could decide who won challenge #3. Guess who won! Yen, of course! 😊 (Thank you Yen for accepting the challenge, I had a lot of fun!)

Besides, I also bought five small yet very cute silver plates (3 SEK each) where my guests can put their tea bags on if we have a cup of tea together. In the men's department a found a cross-body water proof laptop bag made from truck tarpaulin (65 SEK).

In the middle of our competition, we had a small fika break as it is typical in Sweden. Did you know that many second hand shops in Sweden have a cosy fika corner where you can recharge your batteries?

Reflection

To sum up, I was totally surprised of how cheap second hand shops are and that it is possible to put together a nice and warm winter outfit for even less than 300 SEK! Personally, I think that our outfits look very decent.
Furthermore, I am still astonished about the offer and the lovely fika corners. I will definitely go to second hand shops more often now, they are by far not as bad as I imagined! Actually, I plan on going back very soon because I want to buy some cross country skis. They had at least 15 different ones in the stores and I am convinced one of them will fit me. Another highlight was the aquarium in the store in Uppsala. Not only can you buy the aquarium, you can also buy the fish inside. I think that is just too hilarious!

After concluding the challenge and everything I have learned this week, I encourage everyone to try out a second hand store if you have the possibility! If you haven't followed us around on our Instagram yesterday, click the highlight "🌿🌍🇸🇪" and get a glimpse of what happened!

Second hand photo challenge on Instagram

In order to engage more with our community, we have created the hashtag #sustainableSiS where you can let us know how you implement sustainable aspects in your daily life. The first photo challenge is now over and among all the creative ideas you have tagged us in, we have selected a winning picture, yay! The winner will be contacted shortly and get featured in our Instagram feed. On top of that, they will receive an amazing sustainable prize! Congrats again and thanks for all the creative content and support for our campaign! 💚

btw. we have more photo contests for the next campaign topics coming up, so stay tuned! 😉

Swedish fashion library - Klädoteket

Klädoteket was founded in 2012 by two girls who want to find sustainable solutions for the fashion industry. Their concept is the opposite of the Swedish fashion giant H&M. Rather than buying fast fashion, at Klädoteket you can lease sustainable fashion as well as accessories. That option is not only better for the environment, it also leaves more space in your wardrobe and benefits your wallet! I think it's an idea worth checking out!

Basically, you order online from their webshop on a lease basis. Then you get the item delivered and can use it for up to 3 months. When you reach the limit, you either send it back or pay to keep it forever to yourself. It is as simple as that!

The True Cost

The common practices of the fashion industry often seem all too distant, especially in our European mindset. In my opinion, that is particularly the case since the majority of exploitative practices happens in Asian countries, far far away from Europe.
I know that most students have a Netflix account (or at least that accounts for most of my friends). So when you are having your next Netflix&chill or study break, me-time and whatsoever, I would recommend you watching the documentary The True Cost as it is very eye-opening and takes only 1.5 hours of your precious time! 🙂

Second hand shopping and sustainable fashion guides

Popular second hand shopping websites/chains in Sweden

A friend of mine has put a lot of effort into creating this Eco & Fair Label Guide which is a great source of help if you would like to shop sustainably, but do not quite know where to start!

The next challenge will be done by Lauren next month and I promise, it's gonna be exciting. Honestly, I cannot wait, what about you?

How do you shop? Fair? Second hand? Sustainable? Do you only swap clothes? Have you already tried the fashion library? So many questions... 😀 Leave your experiences in the comments below! ⬇⬇⬇ I cannot wait to read them.

Green hugs 💚🌿
/Katharina

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainability challenge #1: Second hand shopping | Study in Sweden: the student blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Over the past 7 days I have learned a lot, not only about second hand shopping and fashion, but also about myself. Actually, even longer than the past week as it all started with preparing the campaign and this month's challenge. The first part of our sustainability campaign was centred around second hand shopping.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Online ads and the creation of platforms for buying and selling reused things have boosted this trade all over the world. It's about saving. Not just saving money. The environmental benefit of this global phenomenon is the subject of a study entitledSecond Hand Effect conducted by the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL) and commissioned by the Schibsted Media Group, a Norwegian multinational company of online buying and selling platforms.

The study of environmental benefits of reused objects in 5 countries
The study used data from the 2015 buying and selling activities of five of the Schibsted Media Group's major marketplaces: Subito (Italy), Vibbo (Spain), Leboncoin (France), Blocket (Sweden) and Finn (Norway). According to researchers, the users who bought second-hand objects - from furnishings to cars - contributed to save 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 in one year, because they didn't buy new goods and didn't take the old ones to the dump. This amount of greenhouse gas is the equivalent of flying an Airbus 380 around the globe 1,100 times.Italians have contributed to this result on the platform Subito.it saving 3.4 million tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of the emissions saved in 32 months of traffic block in Milan or 10 months in Rome, the annual emissions of 373,626 Italians, 3.6 million flights from Milan to New York, the production of 5.2 billion tonnes of pasta.
How the environmental saving of the buying and selling of used objects was calculated
The largest amount of saved greenhouse gas emissions was that resulting from the buying and selling of second-hand vehicles (10 million tonnes of CO2 in the 5 countries). Following are the goods of thehome and people (2.1 million tonnes), electornics (650,000 tonnes) and sports and hobbies categories (170,000 tonnes). Researchers at the IVL analysed random sample tests on published ads in the above mentioned websites. For every category of objects the products' average material partition was calculated: for example, an average product in the "sofas and chairs" category consists of 30% wood, 11% steel, 18% polypropylene, 20% polyurethane, 10% polyester, 7% cotton, 3% leather and, 1% wool.What's the amount of CO2 generated by a smartphone Researchers then calculated the environmental impact of the raw material extraction and production processes and of waste management. For example, anew smartphone can generate about 75 Kg of CO2:

Raw material extraction: 7 kg

Smart phone production: 45 kg

Distribution in shops: 7 kg

Usage (battery recharge): 13 kg

Disposal: 1 kg

Producing and disposing of vehicles, smartphones, furnishings and everyday things has a cost in terms of raw materials and energy. That's why buying and selling second-hand products can be a smart and sustainable alternative.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How second-hand objects are good for the environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Swedish study determines how much money can be saved by buying and selling secondhand objects in some online platforms. While it's obvious that secondhand trade is good to save money and for the environment, environmental savings have not been assessed yet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A step closer to your travel plans, a fuller wallet, version of the peer to peer economy, chance to meet new people, have company while you travel, a shift in the way we share, own and trust each other while we travel or just your way around baggage claims and delays, here are the 11 reasons why you might want to check out the car pool trips around you, the next time you step out.

1. Save Money

The most obvious reason to carpool is that you end up spending much less than you would by almost any other way to cover distance on your own. So you aren't endlessly spending too much on a regular travel routine or shortening your travel budgets and plans.

2. Greener

While we are listing down the obvious, the second in line, must be the benefits to the environment that trod along the concept. Lesser fuel- Lesser Pollution-Lesser vehicles on the road. You know how it's spelt.

3. Meet new people : Two is company, Three is PARTAYYY

If the idea of travelling alone only with your Ipod's shuffle button to console you along the way seems a little blue to you, you know what you must do. Not only does carpooling keep you company during a ride but helps you meet people from your own city or a fellow traveler.

4. Don't like driving?

In case driving seems to get the better of you, or you never managed to make it past the driving tests, or the signals on time, or the parking lot without scratches and dents, maybe it's time to stop, and be driven around instead. #Likeaboss

5. Less Cumbersome

Double checking tickets, passports, baggage claims, taxis and delays haven't really manged to get a lot of fans yet. Especially when you can hop on a ride to leave these behind.

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,try Tripda!

6. Who needs a car anyway?

Whoever thought that you need to buy yourself a car and go around EMI schedules in order to travel in one, definitely didn't get this one right. And it's also cheaper than a cab.

7. Public transport woes

Local trains, metros, buses with endless ques and herds are no ones idea of comfort. Carpool to get the comfort of a car journey without having to spend much.

8. Lesser traffic jams

Unless you have acquired a thing for taking selfies while stuck in jams, carpooling is perhaps one of the best ideas to reduce the vehicles on the road and ensure scarcer traffic.

9. Safer

Not only is travelling in groups generically safer than on your own, but with options like Driver and Passenger rating system, mobile and email verifications as well as ladies only rides, if you prefer to travel only with women on Tripda, carpooling is safer than it was last time you checked.

10. Step out of a new car each time!

Have a thing for cars or not, no one minds getting their hands on a new car each time and maybe even a fancy one once in a while.

11. Sharing is good

A strand of the Sharing economy, a ride you share is not just good for you but a new opportunity for communities and organizations to use human and physical resources more efficiently as well as a shift in the conventional way people use and own resources.

To check out the available carpooling trips around you or create one,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
11 reasons why Carpooling is better than you thought

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A step closer to your travel plans, a fuller wallet, version of the peer to peer economy, chance to meet new people, have company while you travel, a shift in the way we share, own and trust each other while we travel or just your way around baggage claims and delays, here are the 11 reasons why you might want to check out the car pool trips around you, the next time you step out.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The food model traditionally adopted in the Mediterranean countries (particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and southern France) is characterized by its nutritional balance and is in fact recognized by many food scientists as one of the absolute best for what concerns the physical well-being and prevention of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

This is the food model that has been considered for the construction of the nutritional part of the Double Pyramid, introduced in 2010.

Maintaining the nutritional part of the Double Pyramid and replacing the environmental one with the revision that resulted from the elaborations of this new edition, the following is the updated BCFN Double Pyramid.

Originally Published on Barrilla
A model for people's wellbeing and protecting the environment
What is the environmental impact resulting from production, distribution, and consumption of food? To answer these questions, the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition created the Double Food - Environmental Pyramid model, a tool that compares the nutritional aspect of foods with their environmental impact.
A unique food model created to protect the wellbeing of people and the environment
The environmental pyramid was created by studying and measuring the impact of foods already present in traditional food pyramids on the environment, and placing them along an upside down pyramid, where foods placed at the lowest level (at the peak of the triangle) have the lowest environmental impact. Placing the two pyramids next to each other, the "Double Food-Environmental Pyramid" allows people to see seen that the foods that area advised to be eaten more, are also, generally, those that have the lowest environmental impacts. On the other hand, foods that are advised to be eaten less are also those that have a greater environmental impact.

For the construction of the Double Pyramid "for those who are growing", the same approach was employed as the one used to achieve the "adult" version by placing alongside the usual environmental pyramids, the food ones that had been made by taking into account the nutritional needs of children and adolescents. When considering children, or more generally, people who are still growing (up to 20 years of age), certain foods take on a different importance. The guidelines of the USDA - United States Department of Agriculture (one of the references considered), suggest a different distribution of sources of protein - especially meat - than that of adults, without affecting the mode of reading the double pyramid: foods with the lowest environmental impact are the ones most recommended for consumption.
Summary of macro-guidelines for healthy growth

Adopt a healthy and balanced diet that daily alternates all the main foods that supply all the nutrients and micro-nutrients (calcium, iron, vitamins, etc.) that children and adolescents need.

Avoid excessive intake of calories by consuming high-calorie or high-fat foods.

Divide up the intake of nutrients during the day in a balanced way, ensuring that there is a balance between animal and vegetable proteins, simple and complex sugars (by eating less sweets and more bread, potatoes, pasta or rice), vegetable and animal fats (using less lard and butter and more olive oil).

Reduce the intake of salt to a minimum in order to reduce additional risk factors for developing hypertension, especially in adulthood.

Distribute food intake over five times in the day: breakfast, morning snack, lunch, snack and dinner.

Avoid eating food outside the five times previously identified.

Engage in physical activity for at least an hour a day, including that of both sports and just playing.

Minimize a sedentary lifestyle as much as possible, particularly the time spent in front of a video screen (television and computers).

GOOD FOR YOU, SUSTAINABLE FOR THE PLANET

Be Eco: Join the Green and Share the Love!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Double Food - Environmental Pyramid model

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A model for people's wellbeing and protecting the environment What is the environmental impact resulting from production, distribution, and consumption of food? To answer these questions, the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition created the Double Food - Environmental Pyramid model, a tool that compares the nutritional aspect of foods with their environmental impact.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to eat Food and the environment | Friends of the Earth

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The food we eat has a huge impact on our climate and environment. Here's how to make sure what's on your plate is good for the planet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Basically, the 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) Concept is a sequence of steps on how to manage waste properly. The top priority is Reduce, which is to reduce waste generation, then Reuse, and then Recycle, to give waste material a second chance before disposing them to the landfill. Along time, the 5R Concept is introduced after the 3R concept. 2 more stages of waste management process are added in the 5R Concept: the first being Recover, restoring materials that can no longer be recycled into energy sources / environmentally friendly materials to avoid them from landfill. The last stage is Disposal, which is the allocation of garbage that can no longer be recycled or restored at the landfill.

Reversed triangle 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) concept illustrates the amount of waste volume that should be handled in each sequence. This means, in essence, most of the production of waste should be reduced from the beginning. Only when the production of waste can no longer be avoided, the items are reused, one of the methods of Reuse is through the upcycling process or making handicrafts. When materials can no longer be used again, the waste is recycled, which is melted, chopped, to be formed into a new product that might suffer a decrease in quality (See also: The Complete Recyclables Guide).

The decrease of quality in recycled materials, as well as the energy and resources needed to recycle waste, are two of several reasons why recycling is not the first priority of handling the waste the proper way. The main priority is always to reduce/prevent the waste generation from the beginning (reduce).

The Reversed Triangle 5R Waste Management Concept

According to Law 18 of 2008 concerning Waste Management, TPA (Tempat Pengelolaan Sampah - landfill) is a place to safely process and return waste to the environment in the safest and environmentally friendly way, both for humans and the environment itself. In fact, most Indonesians still consider TPA as a final disposal site for all kind of waste.

Regarding the waste reduction effort that ended in the TPA/landfill, along time, the existing 3R concept developed into the 5R reversed triangle concept (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Recovery-Disposal) with the following details:

1. Reduce - reduce waste generation from the start by bringing your own shopping bags, using products that can be used repeatedly, and so on

2. Reuse - reuse materials that can and are safe to be reused, one of them is by making handicrafts or through the upcycling process

3. Recycle - recycling waste by melting, chopping to be re-formed into new products that most likely to experience a decline in quality

4. Recovery - when it cannot be recycled, then find a way to produce energy or new material by processing the non-recyclable waste (residue)

5. Disposal - waste byproducts from the recovery process which are generally in the form of ash or other waste material are taken to the landfill to be processed so as not to damage the environment

Indonesia Landfill Crisis

Indonesia's population produces 65 million tons of garbage every day. Of all the waste produced, 24% polluted the ecosystem, only 7% were recycled, and 69% of them ended up in landfills (CNN Indonesia, 2018).

The small amount of recycled waste in Indonesia and the high amount of waste that has accumulated in the Indonesian landfill (Final Processing Site) raises many social and environmental problems, one of which is the predictions that most of the landfills in Indonesia can no longer operate due to excess capacity in 2021. For example, Bantar Gebang Landfill in the Bekasi area, West Java, which has an area of ​​110.3 hectares with a height of 30 meters of waste, allegedly only able to accommodate 7000-7500 tons of Jakarta residents' waste up to a maximum of 3 years. Almost the same thing happened in other landfills such as Suwung landfill in Bali, and Piyungan landfill in Jogjakarta.

Indonesia Clean-From-Waste 2025

Regardless of our dwindling landfill conditions, Indonesia has also become the world spotlight on our selection as the second rank country with the most marine waste after China (a study by Jenna Jambeck, 2016), also ranked as the second largest food waste producing country after Saudi Arabia (EIU, 2016).

Given the low level of understanding and application by the Indonesian people regarding the 3R principles (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) and the 2 accompanying processes namely Recover and Disposal, the Indonesian government has launched the Indonesia Clean-from-Waste 2025 Program (Indonesian Presidential Regulation No. 97/2017) which requires district and regional governments to plan a model in order to achieve the following 2 goals in 2025:

reduce 30% of waste from sources

process and manage at least 70% of the waste so that it does not accumulate in the landfill

Waste4Change Supports the 3R Concept

Waste4Change presents a solution to existing waste problems by considering the proper implementation of the concept of reduce-reuse-recycle 3R or the concept of 5R waste management (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Recovery-Disposal). In this case, Waste4Change has a role to ensure that the recycling, recovery, and disposal processes are going well and properly so that they can really minimize the waste that ends up in the landfill and also to reduce the amount of waste that accumulates and becomes pollution to the environment. The effort to reuse, especially to reduce remains the two top priorities of waste management process in Waste4Change and is part of the Waste4Change's continuous campaign to spread the awareness on how to manage your waste wisely.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Waste4Change Supports 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) Green Concept! - Waste4Change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Basically, the 3R (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) Concept is a sequence of steps on how to manage waste properly. The top priority is Reduce, which is to reduce waste generation, then Reuse, and then Recycle, to give waste material a second chance before disposing them to the landfill.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Grow your business with Andatech. Australian distributor for highly reviewed health & safety products. Easy online ordering and award-winning customer service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Save our planet and reduce plastic waste

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To save water is important not only for our wallets, but for a more sustainable consumption of the planet's resources.
Saving water at home is important not only for our wallets, but for a more sustainable consumption of the planet's resources. To make us more aware of the importance of having access to such a basic service as drinking water, it is important to know that 783 million people still do not have such access.

These simple tips will help you save water at home

How can you calculate the saving in euros?

To calculate how many euros you can save each month, given that 1m3 = 1000 litres and taking a price per m3 of, for example, €1.26, the price per litre would be:

1.26 / 1000= €/l (euros per litre)

Thus you will see that the 3,500 litres saved by taking quick showers represents a saving of more than €4 a month!
Domestic consumption in Spain stands at about 126 litres of water per inhabitant/day. We are going to see how to reduce this by changing certain habits and some gadgets.

Tips to save water

Some of the tips to save water are simple, but they are not used in many homes:

- Close the taps whenever not in use, even if the amount of time seems short to you: while you lather your hair, brush your teeth, clean kitchen utensils, while shaving, etc.

- Take a shower instead of a bath, a shower uses 50% less. Taking only 5 min showers saves around 3,500 litres a month.

- Collect the water that runs while you wait for it come out hot, and re-use it (watering plants, cleaning the floor, etc).

- Place 2 full bottles in the cistern and you will save between 2 and 4 litres each time you flush the toilet, and don't use it as a waste-paper bin!

- Use electric domestic appliances efficiently: start the washing machine, dishwasher etc, only when completely full.

Otherwise, use the half-load or short-cycle options. Better the dishwasher than washing up by hand! Using the dishwasher when it is fully loaded can save you between 2,500 and 2,800 litres a month.

- If you have a garden, native plants are better to avoid excessive watering. Also, collect rainwater. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporating before it sinks in. Do not clean the floor with a hose. Use a broom.

- Fix any water leaks immediately: a dripping tap may use 40 litres of water a day.

Gadgets to save water

- On taps and shower heads: use r egulators and aerators that reduce water flow.

- Cistern: install a cistern that allows you to measure the amount of water flushed. Another option is to put two full 0.5 litre bottles in the cistern to save on each flush, or use a cistern volume reducer.

- Consumption calculators: calculate the water you consume. Waterpebble gives you "traffic light" warnings when you when you use too much water.

Following these simple tips, you will save up to 30% on your monthly bill!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To save water is important not only for our wallets, but for a more sustainable consumption of the planet's resources. Saving water at home is important not only for our wallets, but for a more sustainable consumption of the planet's resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Download Article
Stay green and conserve water with these quick and easy tips
Download Article

If you can cut back on the amount of water you use every day, you'll be doing the planet a big favor. Using water efficiently helps preserve the environment, minimize the impact of droughts, and take some pressure off the public water supply. You're also keeping some money in your pocket by reducing utility costs. Saving water doesn't require major lifestyle changes either-changing a few small habits can go a long way toward making the world a better place, so read on for our full guide to water conservation.

Add New Question

How can I reduce my water use when showering?

Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. She's the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic.

Sustainability Specialist

One of my best tips is to simply change out your showerhead to a low-flow showerhead. It's very easy to do. If you rent, change out the showerhead when you move in and change it back before you move out.

Why do people use things that have a very negative effect on the water level?

It is because human beings believe themselves to be primary managers of the planet and think they can solve everything with technology after making a mess. Sadly, this is somewhat of a superiority complex that has landed the human species in hot water but it doesn't stop people who just don't care, who are rather selfish and who think a techno-fix is always just around the corner from wasting precious planetary resources. Help those who don't get it to understand that every drop that is saved counts.

Is water the most important thing in life?

Along with food and some other natural resources, yes. Water is one of the most important things in life. It's necessary for our survival.

See more answers
Tips from our Readers

Dirty dish water, also called graywater, can be used to flush toilets. During drought crises, graywater can be used for plants, so long as it doesn't touch its edible parts.

Water your plants and lawn in the early morning (between 5am and 9am) so water doesn't evaporate. Avoid watering in the evening as this can lead to the growth of fungus.

↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

1. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

2. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

3. ↑ Kathryn Kellogg. Sustainability Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2019.

Sustainability Specialist

This article was co-authored by Kathryn Kellogg and by wikiHow staff writer, Mason Martinez, BA. Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of goingzerowaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to breaking eco-friendly living down into a simple step-by-step process with lots of positivity and love. She's the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste and spokesperson for plastic-free living for National Geographic. This article has been viewed 2,129,369 times.

If you want to save water, turn the faucet off while you're brushing your teeth or shaving instead of letting it run the whole time. You can install a water-saving shower head to help you use less water in the shower without losing water pressure. When you're doing dishes, load your dishwasher to its full capacity before you turn it on to cut down on how many times you have to run it. You can also install a water meter to help you monitor your usage. Read on for tips on cutting down on the water you use while doing laundry!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,129,369 times.

"I had no idea how much our everyday items used water in the process of even just making them! This has brought so much awareness, and if I convince the rest of my family to take precautions, we will cut down on water wasting in no time at all. Thank you!" ..." more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stay green and conserve water with these quick and easy tips If you can cut back on the amount of water you use every day, you'll be doing the planet a big favor. Using water efficiently helps preserve the environment, minimize the impact...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Constellation Residential and Small Business Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Small, everyday changes in your power consumption can be easy to make. They don’t cost much, but they can add up to real energy savings. Here are 31 tips — one for each day of the month, plus a few bonus suggestions — for ways to save energy at home in your daily life with very little effort. Some of these ideas are obvious, some not so much, but all are simple ways to save energy that are good for the environment and could potentially help with your monthly energy bill too.

Select a section below for ways to save energy in your home

1. Rethink how you use your household appliances

2. Get help from Mother Nature to save energy at home

3. Adapt your daily energy habits

4. Adjust your device and appliance settings to save energy at home

5. Consider using an energy-saving alternative

6. Make small investments to achieve long-term results

7. Switch to energy-efficient appliances and electronics

8. Prevent leaks in your house

9. Maintain your home and appliances to keep saving energy

10. Prevent energy waste when you’re away from home

Print out this poster to keep yourself motivated and start saving energy today!

The key to saving energy at home every day is to stay aware and motivated. Print this poster and put it up somewhere you and your family will see it. If you have little kids, they can color it as a fun way to include them and inspire them to do their part.

Simple strategies to save energy in your home

The easy way to save energy at home is to make small changes in habits and to perform some basic regular maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive list of energy-saving strategies to work into your daily life — summer, winter and year-round.

Rethink how you use your household appliances

In most homes, appliances are the major drivers of energy use. These simple adjustments are great ways to save energy:

Energy-Saving Tip 1: Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

Your clothes washer and dishwasher are designed to run most efficiently with full loads. And more than that, if you run them only when full, you run them less often, which really cuts energy use.

Energy-Saving Tip 2: Wash clothes with cold water.

Clothes washers and laundry detergents are designed to work efficiently with cold water. If you only wash with hot water when you need to disinfect, you could save $60 or more a year.

Energy-Saving Tip 3: Keep your appliances clean.

Every appliance runs more efficiently when filters are clear of dust and door seals are free of gunk.

Energy-Saving Tip 4: Keep the oven door closed while cooking.

The temperature in your oven can drop 25 degrees or more every time you open the oven door.

Energy-Saving Tip 5: Don’t stand in front of an open refrigerator door.

The longer the fridge door is open, the harder the appliance has to work to maintain a cool temperature. Decide what you want in advance to minimize the amount of time the fridge or freezer door is open.

BONUS TIP: Automate your appliances with smart assistants.

Smart assistants make it possible to control your appliances, even while away. With smart assistant routines, you can control your appliances and turn them off remotely to save time and energy.

Back to Top

Get help from Mother Nature to save energy at home

Sometimes the best way to save energy is simply not to use it at all. Here are some energy-saving tips that involve letting nature take its course:

Energy-Saving Tip 6: Air-dry clothes.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of sheets, towels and clothes that have been dried out in the fresh air. Consider air-drying clothes on an old-fashioned clothes line or even hanging them inside the house. Alternatively, use an energy-efficient dryer.

Energy-Saving Tip 7: Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.

Select the air-dry option on your dishwasher. Crack it open after the rinse cycle and your dishes will dry without a single kilowatt being used. You’ll also save energy by keeping your kitchen cooler.

Energy-Saving Tip 8: Open curtains facing the sun.

Even the most efficient windows allow energy to pass through. Sunlight beating down all day can really heat your interior. At night, close curtains and blinds to create another layer of insulation. During the day, let the light shine in during cold weather, but block it when it’s hot.

BONUS TIP: Bring in more natural light with mirrors and bright walls.

Make the most of natural light with bright decorating choices, strategically placed mirrors and putting workspaces near windows so that you don’t need to keep the lights on all day.

Back to Top

Adapt your daily energy habits

Changing your habits will have a major effect on your power use. When thinking about ways to save energy at home, putting thought into the little things has a big impact.

Energy-Saving Tip 9: Switch out incandescent lights.

Traditional light bulbs waste 95% of the energy they use giving off heat, with only 5% going toward light. Switch them out or use them sparingly. Leaving them on for long periods is highly wasteful.

Energy-Saving Tip 10: Take shorter, cooler showers.

Cut the energy used by your hot water heater by taking shorter, cooler showers. Consider that a typical shower uses 2.5 gallons of hot water a minute. Cutting your daily shower by four minutes will save 3,650 gallons a year.

Energy-Saving Tip 11: Turn off electronics and appliances when they’re not in use.

Leaving your computer on while idle wastes electricity and shortens the life of your machine. The same goes for televisions, printers and other electronics. If you see the indicator light on, you’re burning power needlessly.

BONUS TIP: Unplug battery chargers when not in use.

Many devices, including battery chargers, draw power continuously, even when not in use. Cut so-called vampire power consumption and save a bundle.

Back to Top

Adjust your device and appliance settings to save energy at home

If you’re willing to be a little flexible with the thermostat and be aware of when and how you’re using energy, you can easily reduce waste.

Energy-Saving Tip 12: Adjust your thermostat according to the time of day.

Reduce energy use at home by adjusting the thermostat day and night, as well as when you’re away or at work.

Energy-Saving Tip 13: Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 F.

Heating water is the third-largest use of energy in most homes. Turning down the thermostat a few degrees cuts consumption without reducing comfort.

Energy-Saving Tip 14: Set your computer to sleep or hibernate mode.

You use much less energy than by leaving your computer on with a screen saver.

Energy-Saving Tip 15: Avoid using the rinse-and-hold setting on your dishwasher.

This setting uses 3 to 7 more gallons of water than a regular wash cycle.

BONUS TIP: Raise your room temperature slowly to keep your bill lower.

If you have a heat pump, quickly raising its temperature activates the heat strip, which uses more energy.

Back to Top

Consider using an energy-saving alternative

Get chores done without plugging something in. Think of a broom instead of a vacuum. And if you do use an appliance, right-sizing to a smaller appliance helps. A hand-held mini-vac uses less energy than your full-size upright.

Energy-Saving Tip 16: Use a microwave or toaster oven instead of your conventional oven.

You’d be surprised how much you can cook, beyond just warming leftovers, in these energy-saving appliances.

Energy-Saving Tip 17: Use the dishwasher instead of washing by hand.

An electric dishwasher doesn’t just save effort; it saves energy, using 5,000 fewer gallons of hot water per year compared to washing by hand.

BONUS TIP: Use your electric kettle to boil water instead of a microwave.

It focuses energy on efficient heating, boiling water faster with less electricity.

Back to Top

Make small investments to achieve long-term results

Here are a few things you can buy that increase the energy efficiency of your current appliances. They don’t cost much money and don’t require expert installation, which make them easy ways to save energy at home.

Energy-Saving Tip 18: Plug home electronics into power strips.

Turn the power strips off when equipment is not in use. You’ll stop these devices from using energy when idle with one convenient switch.

Energy-Saving Tip 19: Install low-flow shower heads.

Shower heads that give good water pressure with fewer gallons per minute (under 2.5 gpm are best) will cut water and energy consumption.

Energy-Saving Tip 20: Add aerators to your faucets.

Choose aerators with a flow rate of no more than 1.0 gpm for maximum savings.

BONUS TIP: Add an insulating blanket to older water heaters.

These can reduce standby heat loss by 25%–45% and save about 4%–9% in water heating costs.

Back to Top

Switch to energy-efficient appliances and electronics

Modern appliances are dramatically more efficient than they were even 10 years ago. Whether in your kitchen, your laundry room or your office, ENERGY STAR® options make it easy to compare and find what will work best and use the least electricity.

Energy-Saving Tip 21: Use ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL and LED bulbs.

LEDs and CFLs use a fraction of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs — and they last longer.

Energy-Saving Tip 22: Replace older home appliances with energy-efficient models.

From air conditioners to coffee makers, you’ll find multiple ways to save energy and money by buying new ENERGY STAR® products.

Energy-Saving Tip 23: Use energy-efficient entertainment and home office electronics.

Computers, televisions, game systems and printers make big demands on home energy use as well. These also come with ENERGY STAR® ratings to help you make efficient choices.

Back to Top

Prevent leaks in your house

It isn’t enough to buy energy-efficient products and use them with care. You may still be wasting energy if your home isn’t well insulated. Here are the common problem areas in most homes:

Energy-Saving Tip 24: Insulate heating ducts.

Some 20%-30% of warm or cool air in your home is lost to leaky air ducts.

Energy-Saving Tip 25: Seal air leaks.

Sealing air leaks around doors, windows and gaps where gas, water and electricity come in can save between 5% and 30% of your energy use, according to Energy.gov.

Energy-Saving Tip 26: Insulate hot-water pipes.

Keeping water hot while traversing pipes by adding insulation can raise its temperature at the point of use between 2 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit. You can turn down your hot water heater without sacrificing comfort.

Back to Top

Maintain your home and appliances to keep saving energy

Clean appliances and a clean home will keep everything running at optimum energy efficiency. Less dust in the air is healthier, and less gunk in your systems means they run smoothly and use less electricity.

Energy-Saving Tip 27: Clean your air ducts.

In a typical house, you can save 25%-40% on the energy your HVAC systems use by cleaning your air ducts regularly.

Energy-Saving Tip 28: Clean/replace filters in your furnace.

EnergyStar.gov recommends changing the air filters every three months. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the system work harder.

Energy-Saving Tip 29: Clean the dryer lint filter regularly to keep your dryer running efficiently.

Cleaning the filter isn’t enough. Use the long nozzle on your vacuum to clean the ventilation tubing.

Back to Top

Prevent energy waste when you’re away from home

When you aren’t living in your house for a significant length of time, you can really save energy by adjusting your systems and disconnecting all but critical appliances. Check out these energy-saving tips for when you’re away from home:

Energy-Saving Tip 30: Turn off your water heater if you plan on leaving home for a few days.

Most models will quickly reheat the water when you return home.

Energy-Saving Tip 31: Install a timer for your water heater.

You don’t have to go out of town to turn off your water heater. Timers can switch it off after your morning shower and switch it back on again just before you get home, saving the waste of it running all day.

BONUS TIP: Turn off your appliances from anywhere with smart plugs.

Smart plugs allow you to remotely control appliances, lights and HVAC systems in your house, switching them off when you’re out and then back on when you return.

Back to Top

If you’re wondering why it’s important to save energy at home, the reasons are many. First of all, reducing power usage is better for the environment. You’ll help keep the air cleaner and conserve resources. Being energy-efficient is also budget-efficient — saving energy saves money.

Teaching your children ways to save energy at home makes them responsible at an early age and creates lifelong responsible habits. A few easy changes can preserve a happier and healthier world for generations to come.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
31 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home | Constellation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Saving energy in your daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn some easy strategies for saving energy and download a printable poster for your home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is energy conservation?

At its core, energy conservation means using less energy to lower costs and reduce environmental impact. This can mean using less electricity, gas, or any other form of energy that you get from your utility and pay for. With finite energy resources available on our planet, actively conserving energy when possible is beneficial individually and to our larger energy systems.

You can save energy and money at home in many simple ways. If you reduce your energy usage at home, you can help decrease carbon dioxide emissions and minimize the natural resources used to power your home. While commercial buildings can have huge impacts on energy usage, there are plenty of things you can do every day at home.

Energy conservation vs. energy efficiency

While energy conservation is trying to use less energy for cost and environmental reasons, energy efficiency means using specific products designed to use less energy. These two concepts are inherently similar but involve different methods. Examples of energy conservation include using smart appliances and energy-saving bulbs in your home. Energy conservation can help you save money and also increase your sustainability.

According to ENERGY STAR's website, approximately 60 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated by burning coal and natural gas, which release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. Your use of energy will vary based on a few factors such as the size and age of your home, how many people live in your home, how well insulated your home is, and the types of products you use throughout your home.

15 ways to conserve energy and electricity at home

Here are 15 ways to start conserving energy:

1. Adjust your day-to-day behaviors

2. Replace your light bulbs

3. Use smart power strips

4. Install a programmable thermostat

5. Use energy-efficient appliances

6. Reduce water heating expenses

7. Install energy-efficient windows

8. Upgrade your HVAC system

9. Weatherize your home

10. Insulate your home

11. Wash your clothes in cold water when possible

12. Replace or clean your air filters

13. Use your toaster oven instead of your oven

14. Use natural light

15. Dress appropriately for the weather inside and outside

Below, we'll explore each of these options for energy conservation in detail.

1. Adjust your day-to-day behaviors

To reduce energy consumption in your home and increase your energy savings, you do not necessarily need to go out and purchase energy-efficient products. Energy conservation can be as simple as turning off lights or appliances when you do not need them. You can also use energy-intensive appliances less by performing household tasks manually, such as hang-drying your clothes instead of putting them in the dryer or washing dishes by hand.

The behavior adjustments that have the highest potential for utility savings are turning down the heat on your thermostat in the winter and using your air conditioner less in the summer. Heating and cooling costs constitute nearly half of an average home's utility bills, so these reductions in the intensity and frequency of heating and cooling offer the greatest savings.

There are tools known as energy monitors that you canuse to figure out where most of your electricity is going in your home and which appliances are using the most electricity on a day-to-day basis.

2. Replace your light bulbs

Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and must be replaced more often than their energy-efficient alternatives. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use anywhere from 25-80 percent less electricity and last 3 to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. ENERGY STAR ® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. So, if you look for the ENERGY STAR label, you know you're getting a product or appliance that's proven to save energy. For instance, LEDs that have the ENERGY STAR label use up to 90 percent less energy than an incandescent light bulb, while providing the same amount of light.

Although energy-efficient bulbs are more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifetimes mean they cost less in the long run.

3. Use smart power strips

"Phantom energy," also known as "standby energy" or "vampire energy," is the electricity used by electronics when turned off or in standby mode. Standby energy is a major energy waste. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), it accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of residential energy use and costs the average U.S. household as much as $100 per year. Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can be set to turn off at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a "master" device.

4. Install a programmable or smart thermostat

A smart thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. When you install a smart thermostat, you can help reduce the energy you use from heating and cooling without upgrading your HVAC system.

According to ENERGY STAR, a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent of your heating and cooling bills, or $50 per year. Savings may vary based on the climate where you live, your personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home. Smart thermostats come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule. Additional features may include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems, which also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Learn more about smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobee.

5. Purchase energy efficient appliances

When purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase prices, they usually save you money on your monthly utility bill as well as energy.

When purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, you should look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which is a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy during use and when on standby than standard models. Energy savings differ based on the specific appliance. For example, ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washers use approximately 20 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than other washers, whereas ENERGY STAR refrigerators use only 9 percent less energy. According to ENERGY STAR, certified dishwashers can also save you up as much as 3,800 gallons of water over its lifetime.

6. Reduce your water heating expenses

Water heating is a major contributor to your total energy usage. Other than purchasing an energy-efficient water heater, there are three methods of reducing your water heating expenses: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, or insulate your water heater along with the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.

If you are considering replacing your water heater with an efficient model, you should consider two factors: the type of water heater that meets your needs and the fuel it will use. For example, tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they are also a poor choice for large families as they cannot handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water. Heat pump water heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home's water. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters can save a household of four people approximately $470 per year on its electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater, adding up to over $4,500 in savings over the water heater's lifetime. Larger families who typically use more hot water can save even more! While heat pump water heaters usually have a higher upfront cost, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, there are tax credits and rebates available to many homeowners looking upgrade to a heat pump water heater.

7. Install energy efficient windows

Windows are a significant source of energy waste. The DOE notes that heat gain and loss through windows uses 25 to 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy in most homes. To prevent heat loss through your windows, you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane products instead.

For homes in colder regions, "low-e" storm windows are more insulating and can significantly reduce your heating expenses. In addition, low-e interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by 10 to 30 percent. You should especially consider storm windows if your area frequently experiences extreme weather events.

In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home. ENERGY STAR breaks down the most efficient windows by climate or area of the U.S. on their website. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and outside temperatures, leading to even more energy conservation and better energy management. Some utility companies and states also offer incentives for replacing windows with more energy-efficient versions.

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, there are two key labels to look for:

ENERGY STAR label: review details on this label just as you would on appliances

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label: helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories.

8. Upgrade your HVAC system

An HVAC system is composed of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR certified equipment can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $140. Whether you select heat pumps, or a natural gas furnace, you'll want to ensure the HVAC equipment you choose is sufficient for your climate.

When it comes to HVAC systems, you can choose to install heat pumps which heat and cool your home. Otherwise, you'll need two systems to do both, such as an air conditioner to cool your home and a furnace or boiler to heat it.

ENERGY STAR notes that ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings and use 8 percent less energy than conventional new models.

Upgrades to the third component of an HVAC system - ventilation - can also improve your energy efficiency. A ventilation system is composed of a network of ducts, which distributes hot and cold air throughout your home. If these ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses. Proper insulation and maintenance on your ventilation system can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20 percent.

The most energy efficient way to upgrade your home's HVAC system is installing air source heat pumps. In order to heat and cool your home, a heat pump transfers heat from one place to another. As a result, air source heat pumps use energy much more efficiently than other technologies and can help with both heating and cooling. In many cases, they offer a smart home energy system upgrade that's cost and energy efficient.

9. Weatherize your home

Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is another great way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. The most common sources of air leaks into your home are vents, windows, and doors. To prevent these leaks, you should ensure that there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe.

To seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, you can apply caulk. For cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors, you can apply weather stripping. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air sealing techniques that typically offer a return on investment in less than a year. Air leaks can also occur through openings in the wall, floor, and ceiling from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.

Air leaking out of your home is most often from the home interior into your attic through small openings. Whether it is through ducts, light fixtures, or the attic hatch, hot air will rise and escape through small openings. As the natural flow of heat is from warmer to cooler areas, these small openings can make your heating bill even higher if your attic is not sufficiently insulated. To reap the full amount of savings from weatherization, you should consider fully insulating your home.

10. Insulate your home

Insulation plays a key role in lowering your utility bills through retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer. The level of insulation you should install depends on the area of your house. Your attic, walls, floors, basement, and crawlspace are the five main areas where you should consider adding insulation.

Sometimes utility providers may offer no-cost energy audits through local contractors, which can help you determine if you need to add insulation. In some cases, programs in your area through your utilities may even help cover some of the cost to add the insulation. You'll want to check with your local utility to see what's available.

11. Wash your clothes in cold water when possible

Washing clothes is a necessary chore and part of the weekly routine of most Americans. It is also an energy-intensive one, especially if you use warm water. In fact, ENERGY STAR notes that water heating uses about 90 percent of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer. There are even reports that washing in cold water can increase the lifespan of your clothes by not exposing them to damaging heat.

12. Clean or replace your air filters

Many products across your home use filters, including your HVAC system. These systems often come with displayed reminders to replace or clean filters regularly. Doing so will not only help you avoid having to make costly repairs to your air conditioning or other system, but could also save money. In fact, The DOE notes that replacing dirty filters regularly can reduce household energy consumption by 5 to 5 percent. This is because clean filters are more efficient and put less strain on your system. Check to see whether your filters need to be cleaned or replaced and you'll want to clean them every month or two usually, or refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific HVAC equipment.

13. Use your toaster oven instead of your oven

Along with other household chores, heating food is a necessary and also energy-taxing process. When it comes to heating food, if you have smaller portions, it's an energy saver to use a toaster oven instead of a regular oven - saving as much as ⅓ to ½ of the total energy used according to an ENERGY STAR report. Additionally, microwaves are the most energy-efficient ways to reheat food.

14. Use natural light

Using light from the sun is an intuitive way to reduce your energy consumption. When looking for a home, it is better to have north and south-facing windows instead of east and west, if possible. This allows for more glancing light that produces heat and limits harsh light in the winter. While east and west-facing windows allow for more direct sunlight, they aren't as effective at letting heat in.

15. Dress appropriately for the weather inside and outside

While it may seem obvious to bundle up outside when it gets cold in the winter, doing so inside can also help save on your heating costs. If you are staying warm by wearing more clothes indoors, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home.

How to save energy at home during the winter:

Turn down the heat during the winter to approximately 68 degrees

Install a programmable thermostat to eliminate wasteful heating

Reduce the energy you use heating water

Install windows that keep heat in.

Upgrade your HVAC system to meet proper ENERGY STAR certifications

Weatherize and properly insulate your home to reduce wasteful heating

Dress warmly inside of your home to reduce heating costs

How to save energy at home during the summer:

Use your air conditioning less

Install a programmable thermostat that will cool your home properly

Install windows to retain conditioned air

Insulate your home properly to not let cooler air escape

Replace or clean your air filters regularly to reduce energy consumption in warmer months

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Conserve Energy: 15 Everyday Tips to Save Electricity | EnergySage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Check out our top 15 energy conservation techniques - the best ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Obviously, there is still much room for improvements within the global fashion industry before we can call mainstream fashion anything close to sustainable and circular. Many large global brands are still pumping out clothes at high speeds, selling them at low prices, and in too poor quality for longer-term use....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Obviously, there is still much room for improvements within the global fashion industry before we can call mainstream fashion anything close to sustainable and circular. Many large global brands are still pumping out clothes at high speeds, selling them at low prices, and in too poor quality for longer-term use....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion concerns more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion. This means dealing with interdependent social, cultural, ecological and financial systems. It also means considering fashion from the perspective of many stakeholders - users and producers, all living species, contemporary and future dwellers on earth. Sustainable fashion therefore belongs to, and is the responsibility of citizens, public sector and private sector. A key example of the need for systems thinking in fashion is that the benefits of product-level initiatives, such as replacing one fiber type for a less environmentally harmful option is eaten up by increasing volumes of fashion products. An adjacent term to sustainable fashion is eco fashion.

The origins of the sustainable fashion movement are intertwined with those of the modern environmental movement, of which it is a part, and specifically the publication in 1962 of the book Silent Spring by American biologist Rachel Carson. Carson's book exposed the serious and widespread pollution associated with the use of agricultural chemicals, a theme that is still important in the debate around the environmental and social impact of fashion today. The decades which followed saw the impact of human actions on the environment to be more systematically investigated, including the effects of industrial activity, and to new concepts for mitigating these effects, notably sustainable development, a term coined in 1987 by the Brundtland Report.

In the early 1990s and roughly coinciding with the United Nations conference on Environment and Development in 1992, popularly known as the Rio Earth Summit, 'green issues' (as they were called at the time) made their way into fashion and textiles publications. Typically these publications featured the work of well-known companies such as Patagonia and ESPRIT, who in the late 1980s brought environmental concerns into their businesses. The owners of those companies at that time, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, were outdoorsmen and witnessed the environment being harmed by over production and over consumption of material goods. They commissioned research into the impacts of fibers used in their companies. For Patagonia, this resulted in a lifecycle assessment for four fibers, cotton, wool, nylon and polyester. For ESPRIT the focus was on cotton-and finding better alternatives to it-which represented 90% of their business at that time. Interestingly, a similar focus on materials impact and selection is still the norm in the sustainable fashion thirty years on.

The principles of 'green' or 'eco' fashion, as put forward by these two companies, was based on the philosophy of the deep ecologists Arne Næss, Fritjof Capra, and Ernest Callenbach, and design theorist Victor Papanek. This imperative is also reliant on feminist understanding of human-nature relationships, interconnectedness and "ethics of care" as advocated by Carolyn Merchant, Suzi Gablik, Vandana Shiva, and Carol Gilligan. The legacy of the early work of Patagonia and ESPRIT continues to shape the fashion industry agenda around sustainability today. They co-funded the first organic cotton conference held in 1991 in Visalia, California. And in 1992, the ESPRIT ecollection, developed by head designer Lynda Grose, was launched at retail and it was based on the Eco Audit Guide, published by the Elmwood Institute. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the movement in sustainable fashion broadened to include many brands. Though the primary focus has remained on improving the impacts of products through fiber and fabric processing and material provenance, Doug Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard were early to note the fundamental cause of unsustainability: exponential growth and consumption. ESPRIT placed an ad in Utne Reader in 1990 making a plea for responsible consumption. In 2011 the brand Patagonia ran an ad and a PR campaign "Don't buy this jacket" with a picture of Patagonia merchandise. This message was intended to encourage people to consider the effect that consumption has on the environment, and to purchase only what they need.

In parallel with the industry agenda, a research agenda around sustainable fashion has been in development since the early 1990s, with the field now having its own history, dynamics, politics, practices, sub-movements and evolution of analytical and critical language. The field is broad in scope and includes technical projects that seek to improve the resource efficiency of existing operations, the work of brands and designers to work within current priorities as well as those which look to fundamentally reimagine the fashion system differently, including the growth logic. In 2019, a group of researchers formed the Union for Concerned Researchers in Fashion to advocate for radical and co-ordinated research activity commensurate with the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. The UCRF has recently won the North Star Award at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards, which is an organization focused on the promotion of sustainability in fashion. With much work ahead of them, UCRF believes that responses from the fashion industry regarding today's climate crisis has been oversimplified or obstructed by the current practice of capitalist business models. Their hope is that this award will bring light to the issues that continually plague the fashion industry.

The fashion industry has a clear opportunity to act differently, pursuing profit and growth while also creating new value and deeper wealth for society and therefore for the world economy. It comes with an urgent need to place environmental, social, and ethical improvements on management's agenda. The goal of sustainable fashion is to create flourishing ecosystems and communities through its activity. This may include: increasing the value of local production and products; prolonging the lifecycle of materials; increasing the value of timeless garments; reducing the amount of waste; and to reducing the harm to the environment created as a result of production and consumption. Another of its aims can sometimes be seen to educate people to practice environmentally friendly consumption by promoting the "green consumer".

The challenge for making fashion more sustainable requires to rethink the whole system. The Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion has argued that the industry is still discussing the same ideas as were originally mooted in the late 1980s and early 1990s. When taking the long view and examining fashion and sustainability progress since the 1990s, there are few actual advances in ecological terms. As the Union observes, "So far, the mission of sustainable fashion has been an utter failure and all small and incremental changes have been drowned by an explosive economy of extraction, consumption, waste and continuous labour abuse."

A frequently asked question of those working in the area of sustainable fashion is whether the field itself is an oxymoron. This reflects the seemingly irreconcilable possibility of bringing together fashion (understood as constant change, and tied to business models based on continuous replacement of goods) and sustainability (understood as continuity and resourcefulness). The apparent paradox dissolves if fashion is seen more broadly, not only as a process aligned to expansionist business models, and consumption of new clothing, but instead as mechanism that leads to more engaged ways of living on a precious and changing earth.

When it comes down to the garments themselves, their durability depends on their use and "metabolism" - certain garments are made to withstand long use (ex. outdoor and hiking wear, winter jackets) whereas other garments have a quicker turn-around (ex. a party top). This means some garments have properties and a use-life that could be made more durable, whereas others should be compostable or recyclable for quicker disintegration. Some garments age well and acquire patina and a romantic enchantment not unlike the wonder, fascination and grandeur of historical ruins, whereas the derelict and discarded rags of last season is an eyesore and nuisance; the first connotes a majesty of taste, whereas the second is the underclass of waste.

"Fast fashion"

One of the most apparent reasons for the current unsustainable condition of the fashion system is related to the temporal aspects of fashion; the continuous stream of new goods onto the market, or what is popularly called " fast fashion." The term has come to signify cheap, accessible and on-trend clothes, sourced through global production chains and sold through chains such as H&M, Zara, Forever21, etc. The 2012 book Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by journalist Elizabeth L. Cline gives a clear introduction to the rise of disposable consumption of fashion and its impacts on the planet, the economy and consumer relationships with clothing.

However, the "fast" aspect of consumption is primarily a problem to the environment when done on a massive scale. As long as fast conspicuous consumption was reserved to the rich, the global impact was not reaching public attention or seen as a problem. That is, "fast" shopping sprees of haute couture is not seen as a problem, rather it is celebrated (for example in movies such as Pretty Woman), whereas when people with less means shop fast fashion it is seen as unethical and a problem. Today, the speed of fast fashion is common across the whole industry as exclusive fashion replicates the fast fashion chains with continuous releases of collections and product drops: the quality of a garment does not necessarily translate to a slower pace of consumption and waste.

"Slow fashion"

Slow fashion can be seen as an alternative approach against fast fashion, based on principles of the slow food movement. Characteristics of sustainable fashion match the philosophies of " slow fashion" in that emotional, ecological and ethical qualities are favored over uniform and bland convenience with minimal friction. It requires a changed infrastructure and a reduced through-put of goods. Categorically, slow fashion is neither business-as-usual nor just involving design classics. Nor is it production-as-usual but with long lead times. Slow fashion is a vision of the fashion sector built from a different starting point. Slow fashion is a fashion concept that reflects a perspective, which respects human living conditions, biological, cultural diversity and scarce global resources and creates unique, personalized products.

Slow fashion often consists of durable products, traditional production techniques or design concepts that are season-less. The impact of slowness aims to affect many points of the production chain. For workers in the textile industry in developing countries, slow fashion means higher wages. For end-users, slow fashion means that the goods are designed and manufactured with greater care and high quality products. From an environmental point of view, it means that there is less clothing and industrial waste that are removed from use following transient trends in slow fashion. New ideas and product innovations are constantly redefining slow fashion, so using a static, single definition would ignore the evolving nature of the concept.

Examples of stability of expression over long times are abundant in the history of dress, not least in ethnic or folk dress, ritual or coronation robes, clerical dress, or the uniforms of the Vatican Guard. The emphasis on slowness in branding is thus an approach that is specific for a niche in the market (such as Western educated middle-class) that has since the 1990s become dominated by "fast" models. One of the earliest brands that gained global fame with an explicit focus on slow fashion, the UK brand People Tree, embraces the concept of ethical trade, manufactures all products in accordance with ethical commerce standards and supports local producers and craftsmen in developing countries. The People Tree brand is known as the first brand in the world that received the Ethical Trade Brand award, which was given in 2013.[citation needed ] In addition to adopting ethical trade, the brand also prefers to use nature-friendly materials, textile products with GOTS certification and local, natural, recyclable material.

The concept of slow fashion is however not without its controversies, as the imperative of slowness is a mandate emerging from a position of privilege. To stop consuming "fast fashion" strikes against low income consumers whose only means to access trends is through cheap and accessible goods. Those who are already having a high position in society can afford to slow down and cement their status and position, while those on their way up resent being told to stay at the lower rungs of the status hierarchy. Another obstacle that the "slow fashion" paradigm is facing is related to consumers' behaviour towards the consumption of fashion and specifically clothing . In fact, sustainability conscious consumers, that usually take into account social and environmental implications of their purchases, may experience an attitude-behaviour gap preventing them to change their consumptions habits when it comes to choose ethical clothing. Purchasing fashion is still perceived as an action connected to social status and it is still strongly emotionally driven.

The environmental impact of fashion also depends on how much and how long a garment is used. Typically, a garment used daily over years has less impact than a garment used once to then be quickly discarded. Studies have shown that the washing and drying process for pair of classic jeans is responsible for almost two-thirds of the energy consumed through the whole of the jeans' life, and for underwear about 80% of total energy use comes from laundry processes. Thus, use and wear practices affect the lifecycles of garments and needs to be addressed for larger systemic impact.

However, there is a significant difference between making a product last from making a long-lasting product. The quality of the product must reflect the appropriate fit into its lifecycle. Certain garments of quality can be repaired and cultivated with emotional durability. Low-quality products that deteriorate rapidly are not as suitable to be "enchanted" with emotional bonds between user and product.

Sustainability is significant for fashion, because the textiles and fashion industry is among the leading industries that affect the environment negatively. One of the industries that jeopardizes sustainability is the textiles and fashion industry, which also bears great responsibilities. The clothing industry has an impact on the environment. Globalization, consumerism, and recycling are all a part of a clothing life cycle. Globalization has made it possible to produce clothing at increasingly lower prices, prices so low that many consumers consider this clothing to be disposable. Disposable clothing appears popular throughout many malls in America and Europe. This is a key characteristic of fast fashion. However, fast fashion adds to pollution and generates potential environmental and occupational hazards.

The clothing industry has one of the highest impacts on the planet. High water usage, pollution from chemical treatments used in dyeing and preparation and the disposal of large amounts of unsold clothing through incineration or landfill deposits are hazardous to the environment. There is a growing water scarcity, the current usage level of fashion materials (79 billion cubic meters annually) is very concerning, because textile production mostly takes place in areas of fresh water stress. Only around 20% of clothing is recycled or reused, huge amounts of fashion product end up as waste in landfills or is incinerated. It has been estimated that in the UK alone around 350,000 tons of clothing ends up as landfill every year. According to Earth Pledge, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting and supporting sustainable development, "At least 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles and 25% of the world's pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton. This causes irreversible damage to people and the environment, and still two thirds of a garment's carbon footprint will occur after it is purchased." The average American throws away nearly 70 pounds of clothing per year. There is an increasing concern as microfibers from synthetic fabrics are polluting the earths waters through the process of laundering. Microfibers are tiny threads that are shed from fabric. These microfibers are too small to be captured in waste water treatment plants filtration systems and they end up entering our natural water systems and as a result contaminating our food chain. One study found that 34% of microplastics found in oceans come from the textile and clothing industry and majority of them were made of polyester, polyethylene, acrylic, and elastane. Eliminating synthetic materials used in clothing products can prevent harmful synthetics and microfibers from ending up in the natural environment.

One of the main social issues related to fashion concerns labor. Since the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire in 1911, labor rights in the fashion industry has been at the center of this issue. The 2013 Savar building collapse at Rana Plaza, where 1138 people died, put the spotlight once again on the lack of transparency, poor working conditions and hazards in fashion production. Attention is increasingly being placed on labour rights violations in other parts of the whole fashion product lifecycle from textile production and processing, retail and distribution and modelling to the recycling of textiles. Whilst the majority of fashion and textiles are produced in Asia, Central America, Turkey, North Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico, there is still production across Europe where exploitative working conditions are also found such as in Leicester in the UK Midlands and Central and Eastern Europe.

The environmental impact of fashion also affects communities located close to production sites. There is little easily accessible information about these impacts, but it is known that water and land pollution from toxic chemicals used to produce and dye fabrics and have serious negative consequences for the people living near factories. At the global level, fashion is contributing to climate change and threatens biodiversity, which have social consequences for everyone.

Supply chain transparency has been a recurring controversy for the fashion industry, not least since the Rana Plaza accident. The issue has been pushed by many labor organizations, not least Clean Clothes Campaign and Fashion Revolution. Over the last years, over 150 major brands including Everlane, Filippa K and H&M have answered by publicizing information about their factories online. Every year, Fashion Revolution publishes a Fashion Transparency Index which rates the world's largest brands and retailers according to how much information they disclose about their suppliers, supply chain policies and practices, and social and environmental impact.

However, the focus on transparency and traceability has so far not shown the promise expected. Even if a consumer can find information on the clothing label, such as the address of the factory and how many people work there, it says nothing about the salaries and living conditions of the workers, the factory's subcontracting practices, or the environmental impact of sourcing and production. The focus on transparency has so far not bridged information with systemic action and impact. While the agenda of transparency is honourable and important, it is toothless if not paired with real improvements, policy change and legal action which holds corporations and factories responsible for misconduct.

The impact of fashion across the planet is unevenly distributed. Whereas much of the benefits of cheap and accessible clothes targets and benefits the socially mobile classes in metropolitan areas in the Global North, developing countries take a much proportion of the negative impact from the fashion system in terms of waste, pollution, and ecological injustices.

The current focus on solutions related to " reduce, reuse, recycle," which are primarily promoted through brand initiatives, fails to address the global impact of the fashion system. Not only does it push responsibility for systemic issues onto the individual, but it also primarily positions fashion in a Western consumerism context.

China has emerged as the largest exporter of fast fashion, accounting for 30% of world apparel exports. However, some Chinese workers make as little as 12-18 cents per hour working in poor conditions. Each year Americans purchase approximately 1 billion garments made in China. Today's biggest factories and mass scale of apparel production emerged from two developments in history. The first involved the opening up of China and Vietnam in the 1980s to private and foreign capital and investments in the creation of export-oriented manufacturing of garments, footwear, and plastics, part of a national effort to boost living standards, embrace modernity, and capitalism. Second, the retail revolution within the U.S. (example Wal-Mart, Target, Nike) and Western Europe, where companies no longer manufactured but rather contracted out their production and transformed instead into key players in design, marketing, and logistics, introducing many new different product lines manufactured in foreign-owned factories in China. It is the convergence of these two phenomena that has led to the largest factories in history from apparels to electronics. In contemporary global supply chains it is retailers and branders who have had the most power in establishing arrangements and terms of production, not factory owners. Fierce global competition in the garment industry translates into poor working conditions for many laborers in developing nations. Developing countries aim to become a part of the world's apparel market despite poor working conditions and low pay. Countries such as Honduras and Bangladesh export large amounts of clothing into the United States every year.

At the heart of the controversy concerning "fast fashion" lies the acknowledgement that the "problem" of unsustainable fashion is that cheap, accessible and on-trend clothes have become available to people of poorer means. This means more people across the world have adopted the consumption habits that in the mid-twentieth century were still reserved for the rich. To put it differently, the economic concern of fashion is that poor people now have access to updating their wardrobes as often as the rich. That is, "fast" fashion is only a problem when poor people engage in it. In alignment with this, blame is often put on poor consumers; they don't buy quality goods, buy too much and too cheap, etc. Tropes such as these are common in the popular debate on fast fashion, not least in documentaries such as The True Cost which does not address systemic and economic issues of fashion.

The economic concerns of fashion also means many of the sustainable "solutions" to fashion, such as buying high-quality goods to last longer, are not accessible to people with less means. From an economic perspective, sustainability thus remains a moralizing issue of educated classes teaching the less educated "responsible consumption," and a debate that mainly concerns promoting frugality and austerity to those with less means. It is seen as an opportunity by businesses that allow resale of luxury goods.

Sustainable clothing refers to fabrics derived from eco-friendly resources, such as sustainably grown fiber crops or recycled materials. It also refers to how these fabrics are made. Historically, being environmentally conscious towards clothing meant (1) buying clothes from thrift stores or any shops that sell second-hand clothing, or (2) donating used clothes to shops previously mentioned, for reuse or resale. In modern times, with a prominent trend towards sustainability and being 'green', sustainable clothing has expanded towards (1) reducing the amount of clothing discarded to landfills, and (2) decreasing the environmental impact of agro-chemicals in producing conventional fiber crops (e.g. cotton).

Under the accordance of sustainability, recycled clothing upholds the principle of the "Three R's of the Environment": Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as well as the "Three Legs of Sustainability": Economics, Ecology, and Social Equity.

Through the utilization of recycled material for the manufacturing of clothing, this provides an additional realm of economic world profit. Sustainable Clothing will provide a new market for additional job opportunities, continuous net flow of money in the economy, and the reduction of raw materials and virgin resources. Source reduction or reducing the use of raw materials and virgin resources can ultimately reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process as well as the resources and carbon emissions that are related to the transportation process. This also prevents the unsustainable usage of extracting materials from the Earth by making use of what has already been used (i.e. recycling).

Recycled or reclaimed fibres are recovered from either pre or post-consumer sources. Those falling into the category of 'pre-consumer' are unworn/unused textile wastes from all the various stages of manufacture. Post-consumer textile waste could be any product which has been worn/used and have (typically) been discarded or donated to charities. Once sorted for quality and colour, they can be shredded (pulled, UK or picked, US) into a fibrous state. According to the specification and end use, these fibres can be blended together or with 'new' fibre.

While most textiles can be recycled, in the main they are downgraded almost immediately into low-quality end-uses, such as filling materials. The limited range of recycled materials available reflects the market dominance of cheap virgin fibres and the lack of technological innovation in the recycling industry. For 200 years recycling technology has stayed the same; fibres are extracted from used fabric by mechanically tearing the fabric apart using carding machines. The process breaks the fibres, producing much shortened lengths that tend to make a low quality yarn. Textiles made from synthetic fibres can also be recycled chemically in a process that involves breaking down the fibre at the molecular level and then repolymerizing the feedstock. While chemical recycling is more energy intensive than mechanical pulling, the resulting fibre tends to be of more predictable quality. The most commonly available recycled synthetic fibre is polyester made from plastic bottles, although recycled nylon is also available

In addition to promoting a sounder environment by producing newer clothing made with sustainable, innovative materials, clothing can also be donated to charities, sold into consignment shops, or recycled into other materials. These methods reduce the amount of landfill space occupied by discarded clothes. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's 2008 Report on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States defines clothing as non-durable - generally lasts less than three years - textiles. In 2008, approximately 8.78 millions of tons of textiles were generated, 1.45 millions of tons were recovered and saved from landfills resulting in a rate of almost 17%. The EPA report also states that the amount of MSW being "Discarded" is 54%, "Recovered" is 33%, and "Combusted with Energy recovery" is 13%. Approximately two-thirds of clothing materials are sent to landfills, making it the fastest growing component of waste in the household waste stream. As of 2009, textiles disposed of in landfill sites have risen from 7% to 30% within the last five years.

In order to implement the upcycling method, it is important to have an overview of the textile waste available because this is what dictates the garment that can be created. Using upcycling in fashion design emphasises the importance of a local approach. Thus, both the input material (waste) and the production ideally should be local. Since levels of waste production and volumes of waste can differ by region, the first step to collecting materials for upcycling is to carry out a local textile waste study. The definition of textile waste can be production waste, pre-consumer waste and post-consumer waste.

Typically, upcycling creates something new and better from the old or used or disposed items. Process of upcycling requires a blend of factors like environmental awareness, creativity, innovation and hard work and results in a unique sustainable product. Upcycling aims at the development of products truly sustainable, affordable, innovative and creative. For example, downcycling produces cleaning rags from worn T-shirts, whereas upcycling recreates the shirts into a value-added product like unique handmade braided rug.

There are negative social and environmental impacts at all stages of the fashion product life: materials production and processing, manufacture of garments, retail and marketing, use and maintenance and at the discard phase. For some products, the environmental impact can be greater at the use phase than material production.

Consumer engagement challenges the "passive" mode of ready-to-wear fashion where consumers have few interfaces and little incentive to be active with their garments; to repair, change, update, swap, and learn from their wardrobe. The term "folk fashion" has been used in the emphasis on craft engagements with garments where the community heritage of skills are in focus. There are currently many designers trying to find ways that experiment with new models of action that deposes passivity and indifference while preserving the positive social dynamics and sensibilities fashion offers, often in relation to Alvin Toffler's notion of the " prosumer" (portmanteau of producer and consumer). Notions of participatory design, open sourcefashion, and fashion hacktivism are parts of such endeavors, mixing techniques of dissemination with empowerment, reenechantment and Paulo Freire's " Pedagogy of the Oppressed." An example of such consumer engagement can be Giana Gonzalez and her project " Hacking Couture" which has tested such methods across the world since 2006.

Enhancing the lifespan of products have been yet another approach to sustainability, yet still only in its infancy. Upmarket brands have long supported the lifespan of their products through product-service systems, such as re-waxing of classic outdoor jackets, or repairs of expensive hand-bags, yet more accessible brands do still not offer even spare buttons in their garments. One such approach concerns emotionally durable design, yet with fashion's dependency on continuous updates, and consumer's desire to follow trends, there is a significant challenge to make garments last long through emotional attachment. As with memories, not all are pleasant, and thus a focus on emotional attachment can result in favoring a normative approach to what is considered a good enough memory to manifest emotionally in a garment. Cultural theorist Peter Stallybrass approaches this challenge in his essay on poverty, textile memory, and the coat of Karl Marx.

Clothing swapping can further promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling of clothing. By reusing clothing that's already been made and recycling clothing from one owner to another, source reduction can be achieved. This moves away from usage of new raw materials to make more clothing available for consumption. Through the method of clothing swapping,an alternative resource for consumers to ultimately save in regards to money and time is provided. It reduces transportation emissions, costs, and the time it takes to drive and search through the chaos of most clothing stores. Swapping clothes further promotes the use of sustainable online shopping and the internet as well as an increase of social bonds through online communication or effective personal communication in "clothing swap parties". The EPA states, that by reusing items, at the source waste can be diverted from ending up in landfills because it delays or avoids that item's entry in the waste collection and disposal system.

Examples of online clothing swapping websites include:

Swapstyle - Offered in the U.S., Australia, and Europe. A fee is required to become address certified. Posting pictures of the donation items is also required. The sale price is set by the individual who is making the donation. A feedback method is encouraged in the form of "positive tokens".

Rehash - Allows for exchange of clothes and textbooks. Users must create an account. Descriptions and posting of pictures is required of your clothing items that are being donated. Bids on items can be made and then further discussion with your bidder or "Rehasher" is necessary in order to decide on how swap will be conducted.

Dig N' Swap - A free clothing swap site. It does not provide quite as extensive of a selection as the others. Only requirements are to search, bid on items, and then negotiate a swap.

thredUP - Mainly directed toward kids' clothing. Does not require you to upload pictures of the clothes being donated or deal with subscriptions. It is more closely referred to as a "clothing lottery" because new users pay $12.50 versus the usual $25.00 for 3 envelopes. The focus of the swap is mainly on shirts.

People can opt to donate clothing to charities. In the UK, a charity is a non-profit organization that is given special tax form and distinct legal status. A charity is "a foundation created to promote the public good". People donating clothing to charitable organizations in America are often eligible for tax deductions, albeit the donations are itemized.

Generally, charitable organizations often sell donated clothing rather than directly giving the clothing away. Charities keep 10% of donated clothing for their high quality and retail value for the thrift shops. Charities sell the rest of the donations to textile recycling businesses.

The following is a list of few charitable organizations known for accepting clothing donations.

An Evangelical Christian-based non-profit organization founded in 1865, United Kingdom.

A non-profit organization founded in 1902, United States, at Boston, MA. Originally started as an urban outreach

A non-profit organization originally named Charity Organization Society, established 1887, United States. Currently a coalition of charitable organizations.

A non-profit organization founded in 1942, United Kingdom. Formerly Oxfam Committee for Famine Relief. Originally established to mitigate famines in Greece caused by Allied naval blockades during World War II.

There are "charities" that are actually for-profit organizations. These organizations are often multibillion-dollar firms that keep profits accrued from selling donated clothing. Monetary donations are given for public goodwill, but only at relatively few percentages. For example, Planet Aid, a supposedly non-profit organization that collects donated clothing, reportedly gives only 11% of its total income to charities. Such organizations often use drop-off boxes to collect clothes. These drop-off boxes look similar to their non-profit counterparts, which mislead the public into donating their clothes to them. Such public deception prompted backlash, one example where a mayor called for the city's removal of for-profit clothing donation bins. To search for reputable charities, see Charity Navigator's website.

In layman's terms, a clothing consignment shop sells clothes that are owned not by the shop's owner but by the individual who had given (or consigned) the items to the shop for the owner to sell. The shop owner/seller is the consignee and the owner of the items is the consignor. Both the consignor and the consignee receive portions of the profit made from the item. However, the consignor will not be paid until the items are sold. Therefore, unlike donating clothing to charities, people who consign their clothes to shops can make profit.

Textile recycling firms process about 70% of the donated clothing into industrial items such as rags or cleaning cloths. However, 20-25% of the second-hand clothing is sold into an international market. Where possible, used jeans collected from America, for example, are sold to low-income customers in Africa for modest prices, yet most end up in landfill as the average US sized customer is several sizes bigger than the global average.

There is a broad range of organisations purporting to support sustainable fashion, some representing particular stakeholders, some addressing particular issues, and some seeking to increase the visibility of the sustainable fashion movement. They also range from the local to global. It is important to examine the interests and priorities of the organisations.

Fashion Revolution is a not-for-profit global movement founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro which highlights working conditions and the people behind the garments. With teams in over 100 countries around the world, Fashion Revolution campaigns for systemic reform of the fashion industry with a focus on the need for greater transparency in the fashion supply chain. Fashion Revolution has designated the anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh as Fashion Revolution Day. Fashion Revolution Week takes place annually during the week on which the anniversary falls. Over 1000 events take place around the world, with millions of people engaging online and offline. Fashion Revolution publishes the Fashion Transparency Index annually, ranking the largest fashion brands in the world on how much they disclose about their policies, practices, procedures and social and environmental impact.

The National Association of Sustainable Fashion Designers is an organisation aimed to assist entrepreneurs with growing fashion businesses that create social change and respect the environment. They provide specialized education, training and programs that can transform the fashion industry by cultivating collaboration, sustainability and economic growth.

Red Carpet Green Dress, founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, is a global initiative showcasing sustainable fashion on the red carpet at the Oscars. Talent supporting the project includes Naomie Harris, Missi Pyle, Kellan Lutz and Olga Kurylenko.

Undress Brisbane is an Australian fashion show that sheds light on sustainable designers in Australia.

Ecoluxe London, a not-for-profit platform, supports luxury with ethos through hosting a biannual exhibition during London Fashion Week and showcasing eco-sustainable and ethical designers.

Fashion Takes Action formed in 2007 and received a non-profit status in 2011. It is an organisation that promotes social justice, fair trade and sustainable clothing production as well as advances sustainability in the fashion system through education, awareness and collaboration. FTA promotes sustainable fashion via social media, PR, hosting fashion shows, public talks, school lectures and conferences.

The Ethical Fashion Initiative, a flagship program of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and World Trade Organization, enables artisans living in urban and rural poverty to connect with the global fashion chain. The Initiative also works with the rising generation of fashion talent from Africa, encouraging the forging sustainable and fulfilling creative collaborations with artisans on the continent. The Ethical Fashion Initiative is headed by Simone Cipriani.

Eco Age, a consultancy company specialising in enabling businesses to achieve growth and add value through sustainability, is an organisation that promotes sustainable fashion. Its creative director, Livia Firth, is also the founder of the Green Carpet Challenge which aims to promote ethically made outfits from fashion designers.

Trans-America Trading Company is one of the biggest of about 3,000 textile recycler's in the United States. Trans-America has processed more than 12 million pounds of post consumer textiles per year since 1942. At its 80,000-square-foot sorting facility, workers separate used clothing into 300 different categories by type of item, size, and fiber content. About 30% of the textiles are turned into absorbent wiping rags for industrial uses, and another 25-30% are recycled into fiber for use as stuffing for upholstery, insulation, and the manufacture of paper products.

There are many factors when considering the sustainability of a material. The renewability and source of a fiber, the process of how a raw fiber is turned into a textile, the impact of preparation and dyeing of the fibers, energy use in production and preparation, the working conditions of the people producing the materials, and the material's total carbon footprint, transportation between production plants, shipping to retail and consumer, how the material will be cared for and washed, the processes of repairs and updates, and what happens to it at the end of life. The indexing of the textile journeys is thus extremely complex.

Overall, diversity in the overall fiber mix is needed; in 2013 cotton and polyester accounted for almost 85% of all fibers, and thus their impacts were, and continue to be, disproportionately magnified. Also, many fibers in the finished garments are mixed to acquire desired drape, flexibility or stretch, thus affecting both care and the possibility to recycle the material in the end.

Natural fibers are fibers which are found in nature and are not petroleum-based. Natural fibers can be categorized into two main groups, cellulose or plant fiber and protein or animal fiber. Uses of these fibers can be anything from buttons to eyewear such as sunglasses.

Other than cotton, the most common plant-based fiber, cellulose fibers include: jute, flax, hemp, ramie, abaca, bamboo (used for viscose), soy, corn, banana, pineapple, beechwood (used for rayon). Alternative fibers such as bamboo (in yarn) and hemp (of a variety that produces only a tiny amount of the psychoactive component found in cannabis) are coming into greater use in so-called eco-fashions.

Cotton, also known as vegetable wool, is a major source of apparel fiber. Celebrated for its excellent absorbency, durability, and intrinsic softness, cotton accounts for over 50% of all clothing produced worldwide. This makes cotton the most widely used clothing fiber. Cotton is one of the most chemical-intensive crops in the world. Conventionally grown cotton uses approximately 25% of the world's insecticides and more than 10% of the world's pesticides. However, growing and processing this particular fiber crop is largely unsustainable. For every pound of cotton harvested, a farmer uses up 1/3 lb of chemical, synthetic fertilizer. As a whole, the US cotton production makes up 25% of all pesticides deployed in the United States. Worldwide, cotton takes up 2.4% of all arable lands yet requires 16% of the world's pesticides. Furthermore, the cotton hulls contain the most potent insecticide residues. They are often used as cattle feed, which means that consumers are purchasing meat containing a concentration of pesticides. The processing of cotton into usable fibers also adds to the burden on the environment. Manufacturers prefer cotton to be white so that cotton can easily be synthetically dyed to any shade of color. Natural cotton is actual beige brown, and so during processing, manufacturers would add bleach and various other chemicals and heavy metal dyes to make cotton pure white. Formaldehyde resins would be added in as well to form "easy care" cotton fabric.

To reduce the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, companies have produced genetically modified (GMO) cottons plants that are resistant to pest infestations. Among the GMO are cotton crops inserted with the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) gene. Bt cotton crops do not require insecticide applications. Insects that consume cotton containing Bt will stop feeding after a few hours, and die, leaving the cotton plants unharmed.

However, there are concerns regarding Bt technology, mainly that insects will eventually develop resistance to the Bt strain. According to an article published in Science Daily, researchers have found that members from a cotton bollworm species, Helicoverpa zea, were Bt resistant in some crop areas of Mississippi and Arkansas during 2003 and 2006. Fortunately, the vast majority of other agricultural pests remain susceptible to Bt.

Micha Peled's documentary exposé Bitter seeds on BT farming in India reveals the true impact of genetically modified cotton on India's farmers, with a suicide rate of over a quarter million Bt cotton farmers since 1995 due to financial stress resulting from massive crop failure and the exorbitantly high price of Monsanto's proprietary BT seed. The film also refutes false claims purported by the biotech industry that Bt cotton requires less pesticide and empty promises of higher yields, as farmers discover the bitter truth that in reality Bt cotton in fact requires a great deal more pesticide than organic cotton, and often suffer higher levels of infestation by Mealybug resulting in devastating crop losses, and extreme financial and psychological stress on cotton farmers. Due to the biotech seed monopoly in India, where Bt cotton seed has become the ubiquitous standard, and organic seed has become absolutely unobtainable, thus cooercing all cotton farmers into signing Bt cotton seed purchase agreements which enforce the intellectual property interests of the biotech multinational corporation Monsanto.

Cotton is naturally grown in varieties of colors. Typically, cotton color can come as mauve, red, yellow, and orange hues. The use of naturally colored cotton has long been historically suppressed, mainly due to the industrial revolution. Back then, it was much cheaper to have uniformly white cotton as a raw source for mass-producing cloth and fabric items. Currently, modern markets have revived a trend in using naturally colored cotton for its noted relevance in reducing harmful environmental impacts. One such example of markets opening to these cotton types would be Sally Fox and her Foxfiber business-naturally colored cotton that Fox has bred and marketed. On an additional note, naturally colored cotton is already colored, and thus do not require synthetic dyes during process. Furthermore, the color of fabrics made from naturally colored cotton does not become worn and fade away compared to synthetically dyed cotton fabrics.

Soy fabrics are derived from the hulls of soybeans-a manufacturing byproduct. Soy fabrics can be blended (i.e. 30%) or made entirely out of soy fibers. Soy clothing is largely biodegradable, so it has a minimal impact on environment and landfills. Although not as durable as cotton or hemp fabrics, soy clothing has a soft, elastic feel. Soy clothing is known as the vegetable cashmere for its light and silky sensation. Soy fabrics are moisture absorbent, anti-bacterial, and UV resistant. However, soy fabrics fell out of public knowledge during World War II, when rayon, nylon, and cotton sales rose sharply.

Hemp, like bamboo, is considered a sustainable crop. It requires little water to grow, and it is resistant to most pests and diseases. The hemp plant's broad leaves shade out weeds and other plant competitors, and its deep taproot system allows it to draw moisture deep in the soil. Unlike cotton, many parts of the hemp plant have a use. Hemp seeds, for example, are processed into oil or food. Hemp fiber comes in two types: primary and secondary bast fibers. Hemp fibers are durable and are considered strong enough for construction uses. Compared to cotton fiber, hemp fiber is approximately 8 times the tensile strength and 4 times the durability.

Hemp fibers are traditionally coarse, and have been historically used for ropes rather than for clothing. However, modern technology and breeding practices have made hemp fiber more pliable, softer, and finer.

Kombucha (SCOBY)

Burnished by a grant from the US. Environmental Protection Agency, associate professor,Young-A Lee and her team are growing vats of gel-like film composed of cellulose fiber, a byproduct of the same symbiotic colonies of bacteria and yeast (abbreviated SCOBY) found in another of the world's popular "live culture" foods: kombucha. Once harvested and dried, the resulting material has a look and feel much like leather. The fibres are 100 percent biodegradable, they also foster a cradle-to-cradle cycle of reuse and regeneration that leaves behind virtually zero waste. However, this material takes a long time to grow about three to four weeks under lab-controlled conditions. Hence mass production is an issue. In addition, tests revealed that moisture absorption from the air softens this material makes it less durable. Researchers also discovered that cold conditions make it brittle.

Qmilch GmbH, a German company has innovated a process to produce a textile fiber from casein in milk but it cannot be used for consumption. Qmilk fiber is made from 100% renewable resources. In addition, for the production of 1 kg of fiber Qmilch GmbH needs only 5 minutes and max. 2 liters of water. This implies a particular level of cost efficiency and ensures a minimum of CO2 emissions. Qmilk fiber is biodegradable and leaves no traces. In addition, it is naturally antibacterial, especially against the bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is ideal for people that suffer from textile allergies.

Fabrics made from Qmilk fiber provide high wearing comfort and a silky feel.The organic fiber is tested for harmful substances and dermatologically tested for the wearer's skin and body compatibility 0% chemical additives.

S.Café technology involves recycling used ground coffee beans into yarns. A piece of S.Café fabric is made with less energy in the process and is able to mask body odour. In addition, S.Café yarn offers 200% faster drying time compared to conventional cotton, with the ability to save energy in the process.

S. Café coffee grounds come with numerous microscopic pores, which create a long-lasting natural and chemical free shield for yarn or fiber, reflecting UV rays and provide a comfortable outdoor experience.

Other alternative biodegradable fibers being developed by small companies include:

leather alternative using pineapple leaves;

bio-composites, fabrics, and leather alternative using various parts of coconut;

fabric and paper made from banana plant stalks and stems.

Protein fibers originate from animal sources and are made up of protein molecules. The basic elements in these protein molecules being carbon, hydrogen oxygen and nitrogen. Natural protein fibers include: wool, silk, angora, camel, alpaca, llama, vicuna, cashmere, and mohair.

Manufactured fibers sit within three categories: Manufactured cellulosic fibers, manufactured synthetic fibers and manufactured protein fiber (azlon). Manufactured cellulosic fibers include modal, Lyocell (also known under the brand name Tencel), rayon/viscose made from bamboo, rayon/viscose made from wood and polylactic acid (PLA). Manufactured synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic fiber, polyethylene and polypropylene (PP). Azlon is a manufactured protein fiber.

PET plastics are also known as Polyethylene terephthalate(PETE). PET's recycling code, the number within the three chasing arrows, is one. These plastics are usually beverage bottles (i.e. water, soda, and fruit juice bottles). According to the EPA, plastic accounts for 12% of the total amount of waste we produce. Recycling plastic reduces air, water, and ground pollution. Recycling is only the first step; investing and purchasing products manufactured from recycled materials is the next of many steps to living sustainably.

Clothing can be made from plastics. Seventy percent of plastic-derived fabrics come from polyester, and the type of polyester most used in fabrics is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET plastic clothing come from reused plastics, often recycled plastic bottles. The Coca-Cola Company, for example, created a "Drink2Wear" line of T-shirts made from recycled bottles. Generally, PET plastic clothing are made from recycled bottles as follows: plastic bottles are collected, compressed, baled, and shipped into processing facilities where they will be chopped into flakes, and melted into small white pellets. Then, the pellets are processed again, and spun into yarn-like fiber where it can be made into clothing. One main benefit of making clothes from recycled bottles is that it keep the bottles and other plastics from occupying landfill space. Another benefit is that it takes 30% less energy to make clothes from recycled plastics than from virgin polyesters.

Whereas many producers have since the turn of the century been striving for a cradle-to-cradle model of production, or a circular economy, there has so far been no successful example of fully sustainable production, as there is environmental impact from all extractive production practices (in processes of material production, dying, assembly, accessorizing, shipping, retail, washing, recycling etc.) There are many small initiatives towards change, yet so far all these incremental improvements have been drowned by the explosive popularity of "fast" fashion and its economy of extraction, consumption, waste.

The global political economy and legal system supports a fashion system that enables fashion that has devastating environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts to be priced at a lower price than fashion which involves efforts to minimize harm in the growth, manufacturing, and shipping of the products. This results in higher prices for fashion made from reduced impact materials than clothing produced in a socially and environmentally damaging way (sometimes referred to as conventional methods). Innovative fashion is being developed and made available to consumers at different levels of the fashion spectrum, from casual clothing to haute couture which has a reduced social and environmental impact at the materials and manufacture stages of production and celebrities, models, and designers have recently drawn attention to socially conscious and environmentally friendly fashion.

3D seamless knitting is a technology that allows an entire garment to be knit with no seams. This production method is considered a sustainable practice due to its reduction in waste and labor. By only using the necessary materials, the producers will be more efficient in their manufacturing process. This production method is similar to seamless knitting, although traditional seamless knitting requires stitching to complete the garment while 3D seamless knitting creates the entire garment, eliminating additional work. The garments are designed using 3D software unlike traditional flat patterns. Shima Seiki and Stoll are currently the two primary manufacturers of the technology. The technology is produced through the use of solar energy and they are selling to brands like Max Mara.

Zero-waste design is a concept that, although has been prevalent for many years, is increasingly being integrated into production. Zero-waste design is used through multiple industries but is very applicable in developing patterns for garments. The concept of zero-waste pattern making is designing the pattern for a garment so that when the textile is cut, there is no extra fabric going to waste. This means the pattern pieces for a garment fit together like puzzle pieces in order to use the entire amount of fabric provided, creating no waste in this step of production.

So far, no brand can label itself as fully sustainable, and controversies are abundant on exactly how to use the concept in relation to fashion, if it can be used at all, or if labels such "slow" and "sustainable" fashion are inherently an oxymoron. Brands that sell themselves as sustainable often still lack systems to deal with oversupply, take back used clothes, fully recycle fibers, offer repair services, or even support the life of the garment during use (such as instructions on washing, care and repair). Almost no brands offer spare parts, which says a lot about the general life expectancy of garments in general: brand are not supporting consumers to make garments last.

That said, some comparison websites (such as Rank A Brand, Good On You, ...) exist which compare fashion brands on their sustainability record, and these can at least give an indication to consumers.

Some brands that sell themselves as sustainable are listed below;

Eastern European prisoners are designing sustainable prison fashion in Latvia and Estonia under the Heavy Eco label, part of a trend called "prison couture".

Other sustainable fashion brands include Elena Garcia, Nancy Dee, By Stamo, Outsider Fashion, Beyond Skin, Oliberté, Hetty Rose, DaRousso, KSkye the Label, and Eva Cassis.

The brand Boll & Branch make all of their bedding products from organic cotton and have been certified by Fair Trade USA.

Patagonia, a major retailer in casual wear, has been selling fleece clothing made from post-consumer plastic soda bottles since 1993.

Pact, a brand that produced Fair Trade Factory Certified™ clothing made out of organic cotton.

Wrangler, a historic denim brand, launched a sustainble denim collection called Indigood that uses foam instead of water to dye denim, resulting in 100 per cent less water used, and 60 per cent less energy used.

There is no certain stable model among the designers for how to be sustainable in practice, and the understanding of sustainability is always a process or a work-in-progress, and varies by who defines what is "sustainable;" farmers or animals, producers or consumers, managers or workers. Thus critical scholars would label much of the business-driven discourse on sustainability as "greenwashing" as under the current economic paradigm, "sustainability" is primarily defined as keeping the wheels of perpetual production and consumption turning; to keep the "perpetuum mobile" of fashion running and in perpetual motion.

Ryan Jude Novelline created a ballroom gown constructed entirely from the pages of recycled and discarded children's books known as The Golden Book Gown that "prove[d] that green fashion can provide as rich a fantasia as can be imagined."

Eco-couture designer Lucy Tammam uses eri silk (ahimsa/peace silk) and organic cotton to create her eco friendly couture evening and bridal wear collections.

Stella McCartney pushes the agenda for sustainable fashion that is animal and eco-friendly. She also uses her name and her brand as a platform to push for a greener fashion industry. The brand uses the EP&L tool which was created to help companies understand their environmental impact by measuring greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, water pollution, air pollution and waste across the entire global supply chain.

A question at the foundation of sustainable fashion concerns exactly what is to be "sustained" of the current model of fashion. Controversies thus emerge what stakeholder agendas should be prioritized over others.

A major controversy on sustainable fashion concerns how the "green" imperative is used as a cover-up for systemic labor exploitation, social exclusion and environmental degradation, what is generally labelled as greenwashing. Market-driven sustainability can only address sustainability to a certain degree as brands still need to sell more products in order to be profitable. Thus almost any initiative towards addressing ecological and social issues still contributes to the damage. In a 2017 report, the industry projects that the overall apparel consumption will rise by 63%, from 62 million tons today to 102 million tons in 2030, thus effectively erasing any environmental gains made by current initiatives.

Though organic cotton is considered a more sustainable choice for fabric, as it uses fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers, it remains less than 1% global cotton production. Hurdles to growth include cost of hand labor for hand weeding, reduced yields in comparison to conventional cotton and absence of fiber commitments from brands to farmers before planting seed. The up front financial risks and costs are therefore shouldered by the farmers, many of whom struggle to compete with economies of scale of corporate farms.

Though some designers have marketed bamboo fiber, as an alternative to conventional cotton, citing that it absorbs greenhouse gases during its life cycle and grows quickly and plentifully without pesticides, the conversion of bamboo fiber to fabric is the same as rayon and is highly toxic. The FTC ruled that labeling of bamboo fiber should read "rayon from bamboo". Bamboo fabric can cause environmental harm in production due to the chemicals used to create a soft viscose from hard bamboo. Impacts regarding production of new materials make recycled, reclaimed, surplus, and vintage fabric arguably the most sustainable choice, as the raw material requires no agriculture and no manufacturing to produce. However, it must be noted that these are indicative of a system of production and consumption that creates excessive volumes of waste.

Used clothing is sold in more than 100 countries. In Tanzania, used clothing is sold at the mitumba (Swahili for "secondhand") markets. Most of the clothing is imported from the United States. However, there are concerns that trade in secondhand clothing in African countries decreases development of local industries even as it creates employment in these countries. And the authors of Recycling of Low Grade Clothing Waste warn that in the long run, as prices and quality of new clothing continue to decline, the demand for used clothing will also diminish.

The increase in western consumers' environmental interest is motivating companies to use sustainable and environmental arguments solely to increase sales. Because environmental and sustainability issues are complex, it is also easy to mislead consumers. Companies can use sustainability as a "marketing ploy" something that can be seen as greenwashing. Greenwashing is the deceptive use of an eco-agenda in marketing strategies. It refers mostly to corporations that make efforts to clean up their reputation because of social pressure or for the purpose of financial gain.

In the European Union, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations required in 2007 that clothing manufacturers and importers identified and quantified the chemicals used in their products.

On May 3, 2012, the world's largest summit on fashion sustainability was held in Copenhagen, gathering more than 1,000 key stakeholders in the industry to discuss the importance of making the fashion industry sustainable. Copenhagen Fashion Summit has since then gathered thousands of people from the fashion industry in their effort to create a movement within the industry.

In July 2012, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition launched the Higg Index, a self-assessment standard designed to measure and promote sustainable supply chains in the apparel and footwear industries. Founded in 2011, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition is a nonprofit organisation whose members include brands producing apparel or footwear, retailers, industry affiliates and trade associations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, academic institutions and environmental nonprofits.

The Global Change Award, is an innovation challenge created by the H&M foundation. It created a trend report in 2017 to look at the future of sustainable fashion. Five "megatrends" are identified by the organisation that will lead the future of sustainable fashion. The first "megatrend" is "Power of Nature" which is the industry looking into materials that have always been looked at as waste as a more sustainable method to making new clothing. The materials that will mitigate negative impacts from the industry include vegan materials from the earth and recycling old fabric into new clothing. The second "megatrend" is "Rent a Closet"; this initiative has been around for a while. This trend ultimately lowers the new purchase of clothing and disposal of clothing, which means less waste. Rent the Runway is an example of the "Rent a Closet" trend. Rent the Runway started as a company that would give luxury brands like Hervé Leger, Vera Wang, Etro to people who may not be able to afford the clothing at regular retail price. Renting and sharing clothing is also known as CFC (collaborative fashion consumption) a sustainable fashion trend consumers are getting involved in. The third trend is "Long Live Fashion" is the revival of Vintage clothing. Vintage clothing is a way to lower the amount of clothing that gets disposed of and ends up in landfills. Companies like RE/DONE, Vintage Twin and Frankie Collective sell re-paired vintage clothing. Repairing and reselling clothing has less negative impact than creating new clothing does. The fourth megatrend is "innovative recycling" which is looking at waste as value. The industry is starting to create incentives for consumers to participate in the recycling of clothing.

Tailored couture is one option for the future of a greener fashion industry as it can potentially lead to less waste and more jobs improving the economy. Tailored couture is no longer desired because of the convenience of malls and stores provide but the consequence of the convenience is the pollution of the environment. Tailored clothing if it were to become the norm mass production of clothing that will not be bought can be reduced and reusing and redesigning old clothes to fit could reduce the amount of old worn out unfitting clothes thrown out or given away.

In 2019, the UK Parliament's Environment Audit Committee published a report and recommendations on the future of fashion sustainability, suggesting wide-ranging systemic change, not least government regulation and tax-incentives for sustainable practices, such as lowered VAT for repair services. As highlighted in the report, wide political and social changes are needed to push industry towards more sustainable practices and levels of consumption: brands doing "less harm" is not enough. The report finishes with the following statement;

"Retailers must take responsibility for the social and environmental cost of clothes. They should use their market power to demand higher environmental and labour standards from suppliers. Offering rental schemes, lifetime repair and providing the consumer with more information about the sourcing and true cost of clothing are all measures that can be more widely adopted. Shifting business practice in this way can not only improve a business's environmental and social impact but also offer market advantage as they respond to the growing consumer demand for responsible, sustainable clothing."(p.54)

Black, Sandy (2008). Eco-chic : the fashion paradox, London: Black Dog. ISBN 1-906155-09-7.

Black, Sandy (2013). The sustainable fashion handbook, New York: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 9780500290569.

Choi, Tsan-Ming; Cheng, T. C. Edwin, eds. (2015). Sustainable fashion supply chain management: from sourcing to retailing. Springer series in supply chain management. New York: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-12703-3. ISBN 9783319127026. OCLC 907012044.

Gardetti, Miguel Ángel; Torres, Ana Laura, eds. (2013). Sustainability in fashion and textiles: values, design, production and consumption. Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing. ISBN 9781906093785. OCLC 827952084.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion concerns more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION? — Sustainable Fashion Matterz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Sustainable Fashion? Brands & Consumers. Pros and Cons of Second Hand, Slow-, Vegan, Organic, Clothing Swaps and Upcycling. Here is: How to be Sustainable!