We want to support not only FARA’s journey in loving our planet, but yours too.
Here are ten ways that you can commit to a more sustainable and planet-loving wardrobe:
- Make educated decisions while shopping
Do your research about the items and brands you buy. Choose clothing that will be worn often, and that you can trace. If something isn’t clear to you, feel free to ask the company more questions. The best way to do this is to quit “shopping sprees”. Instead, each season, take inventory of what you will need in the coming months. After you’ve decided what you need, research the best options. Take your time with this, and once you actually purchase, you will know you made the right decision.
- Wash with care
Buy green laundry detergent. We recommend The Laundress. It is just as effective and less harmful to both your clothes and the environment. Normal brands are harsh and full of synthetic chemicals that harm the environment and pose health hazards. To save energy, turn your washing machine down to cold or simply handwash (FARA clothes like to be caressed by hand.) Also if you have dry-clean items, seek out an eco-friendly, organic cleaner in your neighborhood that doesn’t use perchloroethylene (perc) – It’s been listed as a hazardous air pollutant by the Clean Air Act and a carcinogen by US Environmental Protection Agency
- Discard responsibly
In 2009, the EPA found that more than 25 billion pounds of clothing and household textiles were generated in the U.S alone and currently more than 21 billion pounds are discarded in U.S. landfills. That’s about 70 pounds of clothing and household textiles per person each year. Instead of throwing them out, give old clothing and sheets to vintage shops, charities or have a swap-party (see above). Another idea is to donate them to local animal shelters, as the shelters use old clothing to line the kennels and keep the animals cozy. Also it’s both wallet friendly and environmentally friendly to simply ask yourself before you buy – “Do I really need this?”
- Upcycle and Revamp
We have lost the art of repairing. On the streets of India, and most of Asia, you can get your old umbrella fixed, your clothes restitched and new soles for your worn out shoes. Give old, tired or discarded clothes and accessories a second life with a little bit of love and a whole lot of DIY magic. Get crafty.
- Say No to Plastic
Biodegradable shopping bags aren’t just for the grocery store. Make sure to bring them shopping with you and tell the sales clerk to hold the plastic. When you buy clothing at fancy boutiques they often wrap your purchase in paper and boxing, which usually just gets thrown out, you can always just throw your new purchase into your reusable shopping bag. This can also apply to online purchases. Feel free to contact a retailer and ask them to send your item to you as sustainably as possible. This may include slower shipping or less fancy packaging, but in the end you receive your purchase all the same. This year we took the steps towards more sustainable shipping and have invested in biodegradable bags to ship in. We are currently on the lookout for even more ways to become as low impact as possible.
- Skip fast fashion
We all love a bargain. But what is the real cost of a $3 T-shirt? It means someone, or many people, in the chain weren’t paid fairly and it means cheap fabric and production – all in all, unsustainable. And it’s a false economy. Be fashion savvy – Cheap garments are often made to fall apart, so that we need to stay involved in the consumption cycle. Unethical labour practices, chemicals and sweatshops – we can vote against all of this with our wallets.
- Be Brand Conscious
When you buy into a brand, you’re not just buying a statement bag or a great pair of trainers. You’re indirectly giving your consent to its labor and environmental practices. Check out ‘Labor Behind the Label’ who provide information on many high street brands and fashion favorites.
- Street-Style – Invest in your shoes
Take new shoes to the shoe repair store as soon as you buy them and invest in their longevity with heel covers and toe treads, so you don’t damage the bottom of your shoes. Continue to take them to the cobbler as they age. You are making your shoes last longer, and also providing business to cobblers who are quickly becoming lost to our high-street shopping tendencies.
- Know your fabrics
We have already talked about the fashion benefits of hemp – and there are also many other conscious textiles out there like bamboo, silk and organic cotton.
- Buy FARA – Conscious sensual clothes that feel great.
All of our clothing is produced under fair trade conditions, without the use of harsh chemicals. Our raw silk is handwoven by skilled artisans in the holy city of Varanasi. We strive at every level to make women feel great in our clothing, all while leaving as little impact as possible on our beloved Mother Earth.
