How to shop more sustainably
It can be difficult to navigate climate ethics, certifications, etc. when you want new clothes but are also concerned about the sustainability behind them. And you are definitely not alone. That's why we've created this mini-guide for you who want to buy more sustainably.
Pursue certifications
Many companies brand themselves as "CO2-neutral" and "sustainable", but how can you, as a consumer, know if this is actually true? You can do this by looking for certifications and labels that are controlled by a third party.
It's good to know these five labels and certifications if you want to buy clothes with a focus on ecology and sustainability:
- The GOTS label – Requires 70-95% of the fibers in clothing to be organic
- The Nordic Swan Ecolabel - Environmental requirements regarding the content and emission of problematic substances
- The Fairtrade label - Standards that prohibit, for example, dangerous pesticides and child labor
- The Oeko-tex standard 100 label – Requirements for the content of chemical residues in the finished clothing
- The FSC label – Ensures conditions for biodiversity, aquatic environment, and local education
Choose materials carefully
Not all fibres are created equal, which is why it's important to choose the right materials when buying new clothes. Wool, linen, and hemp are preferable, as these materials are biodegradable. If you're looking for cotton clothing, choose organic cotton, which isn't from cotton fields sprayed with chemicals.
If you want to shop more sustainably, avoid clothes made from plastic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane. These textiles are artificially made and release a lot of microplastics when wet – and these microplastics end up directly in our oceans.
Wash your clothes correctly - and not so often
Figures from the European Environment Agency show that up to 44% of a garment's total environmental impact occurs during the use phase – that is, when we wash, dry, and iron it.
The good news is that small changes in your routines can make a big difference. If the clothes don't have stains or smell, they often only need a hanger on fresh air instead of a wash. Cotton and wool, in particular, benefit from resting, and fresh air can remove most of the odors.
When washing, always follow the washing instructions on the garment. Most clothes – including the Ludmilla series – get perfectly clean at 30 degrees Celsius. Use a gentle detergent without optical brighteners or enzymes, and avoid fabric softener, as it can degrade the fabric's elasticity over time.
Also, let your clothes air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. It causes much less wear and tear and preserves the fit better.
By taking good care of your clothes, you extend their lifespan and allow them to be a part of your wardrobe for many years to come. This is not only good for the environment – it's also good for your finances and your style.
Buy clothes you can use for a long time
"Fast fashion" is the term for clothing typically produced very cheaply with rapid changes in styles and fashion trends. This form of fashion contributes to the increased overconsumption of clothing that we see today. New figures from the European Environment Agency show that, on average, we in Europe buy 19 kilos of clothing per person every year.
Instead of buying new clothes just because you see a good offer, be mindful when making new purchases. For example, look for the materials you prefer, consider if the clothing can be used for multiple occasions, and most importantly, look for something you feel comfortable in – then you will often end up using it more.
At Basic Apparel, we care about sustainability – that's why we use organic cotton and have asked all our suppliers to operate in accordance with our code of conduct, which requires suppliers to work towards adapting to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals for environmentally sound development. We are passionate about low-impact fashion that lasts longer than just a single season.
