Garment care in most places is far from sustainable, even when the products themselves are vegan, ethical, and sustainable. This does not mean you cannot take action and make changes in your garment care routine.
Garment care is not only crucial for the longevity of your favorite items, which you paid so much money for, it is also vital for our environment and all earthlings living in it.
Here are 10 easy steps you can take now to help make your garment care routine more sustainable.
If you only have access to a washer and dryer, whether it is in house, community, or laundromat. Do not worry. You can still start implementing some of these habits into your routine that will help save energy, water, your health, and your garments.
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Wear your clothes more than once before washing (especially DENIM)
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Wash your garments in cold water!
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Stay away from toxic, dirty, and unhealthy detergents. This is harmful to our skin and also plant life. (There are many inexpensive, clean detergents DIY online you can use; Just google it)
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Clean your dryer vents.
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If possible, use hang to dry methods! Line drying or rack drying. (Save energy and money!)
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Skip the Iron. Use a steamer if you need to get rid of wrinkles.
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Use an energy-efficient washer and dryer. (These use less water and energy)
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Use Vegan Dry Balls for a faster dryer load. (environmentally friendly substitute for softener)
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Try a sustainable “POWERED by YOU” washer that uses no energy and very minimal water (such as drumi)
If you have the time and are ready, you can go to the classic Hand Wash method to clean your garments. (This saves a lot of water, money and is excellent for garment care)
The journey to be an ethical, mindful, and cruelty-free consumer does not end with just simply purchasing from the right responsible brands. Being a conscious consumer goes beyond our purchase. Proper treatment and care of our pieces will result in a longer use and life. Even if you get tired of your pieces, the care given to them will allow you to gift, trade, or sell them much more easily.
How beautiful does that sound?!
The ultimate goal is to have a close circle in our fashion items and be able to stay fashionable without compromising our health, the planet, and animals.
