Green is the New Black: Be Fashionable, Be Eco-Friendly

beautiful woman wearing a green palm leaf green is the new black

Green fashion has been on its way to the new black for several years now. Using eco-friendly fabrics, supporting local designers, or even finding new ways to wear old clothes, are all practices that have been put at the forefront of the ecological movement. And that’s no surprise, considering that the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world.

The impact of what we buy and wear extends not only to CO2 emissions due to manufacturing and transport, but even more, to water and soil pollution with microplastics and toxic chemicals. To make matters worse, a huge amount of clothes end up in landfills. In fact, some sources state that the numbers go as high as 21 billion pounds of textiles per year!

green is the new black - pile of blue jeans eco fashion sustainable living textile waste pollution

But as we’re gaining access to all of this information, there is also great news on the horizon.

Sustainable fashion and a more eco-friendly way of living are becoming more available, as we now have magazines promoting less wasteful practices and websites that help shoppers find green, ethical brands. In addition, the current global pandemic is most certainly amping up awareness to a whole new level. The change of pace and economic impact on the fashion industry has everyone wondering what exactly the future of fashion will be. But, of course, there’s still quite a long way to go.

So, if what you’re looking to make green your new black and for a way you can help planet Earth, here are six easy things you can do right now.


Green is the New Black: 6 Ways to be Fashionable and Eco-friendly


1. Do your research

being naked it the #1 most sustainable option - eco fashion is #2

Before you purchase a piece of clothing, footwear, or accessory, try to find options that are less harmful to the world around you. This might mean going with organic cotton, linen, or Tencel materials, or forgoing leather and choosing a cruelty-free alternative. In addition to reading the composition label, you can also dig deeper and opt to support brands that pay a living wage to their workers throughout their supply chain.

2. Buy only what you really need

woman wearing black with shopping bags - buy only what you need - green is the new black

Leading an eco-friendly lifestyle does not mean you have to purge your closet, buy a whole new green wardrobe and dress in a black t-shirt and jeans for the rest of your life. But, it does mean making some changes to the way you shop. Apart from avoiding fast fashion brands, it’s also a good idea to only buy what you really need. Purchasing a piece of clothing that you’ll wear twice and forget all about is wasteful, so try and avoid them.


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3. Define your personal style

define your personal style - green is the new black - woman standing under a good vibes only neon sign

One of the easiest ways to avoid the trap of irresponsible consumption is to make the effort to define your own style. Think about your favorite pieces of clothing, the shapes, cuts, and silhouettes that look best on you, as well as the materials you feel most comfortable wearing. Once you have a clear idea of what these are, you’ll see that shopping for new looks will be much easier, but you’ll also prevent yourself from filling your closet space with unnecessary items.

4. Invest in high-quality pieces

woman standing in a red coat with a designer bag looking at the Eiffel tower

This should go without saying, but it’s good to remind ourselves from time to time – quality will always beat quantity. A white blouse, a great pair of jeans, or a classic trench coat are all pieces of clothing you could potentially wear for years, without them ever going out of style – as long as they fit well and are in good condition. With these clothes, you can make the decision to spend a bit more than you normally would, knowing that you’ll be using them for ages to come.

5. Adjust the rest of your habits as well

woman walking in front of a yellow wall

Being eco-friendly doesn’t just stop at your clothes. There are numerous lifestyle changes, big and small, that you can make right now, and that will have a profound impact on your carbon footprint. Choosing to walk instead of driving, or even adjusting your coffee habits to be more eco-friendly are both easy ways to make a positive impact. So is moving to a predominantly plant-based diet, or making the effort to conserve water and electricity.

6. Don’t forget about your beauty products

natural beauty products by honest company - eco beauty

While a growing number of people are aware of the importance of fashion choices in leading a sustainable lifestyle, finding natural, vegan, and non-toxic cosmetics is a story on its own. It’s easy to say that switching to a shampoo bar is better for the environment, but what most people don’t tell you is that a green beauty routine takes a lot of trial and error. That’s why it’s best to take these things step-by-step, giving yourself enough time to adjust to the changes without becoming overwhelmed.

In the long run, you’ll definitely notice the difference between a chemical-filled cream and something more natural like micellar water. But don’t expect to find replacements for your favorite products right away.

Wrapping Up, Green is the New Black

Whether you’re ready to go waste-free, or are just starting to become more conscious of the effect your everyday habits have on the environment, it’s important to remember that even the smallest change is of huge importance. So don’t be afraid to take things slow. Try to seek out as many helpful resources as you can, and try to give yourself time to adjust. In the end, you’ll be proud of yourself for taking these steps. And you’ll know that you’re doing good by the environment, all the while looking beautiful in your sustainable clothes.