I’ll be the first to admit that I am definitely NOT perfect when it comes to sustainable shopping. I love a little shopping spree far too much for that :) But I am definitely becoming more conscious about what I buy, how much I buy and whether I actually need another black top that looks suspiciously similar to the other seven hanging in my wardrobe...
It’s not about suddenly throwing everything away and replacing your entire life with beige linen and a bamboo toothbrush either. Surely that defeats the whole point?!
For me, it’s more about making little changes where I can. Buying second-hand, choosing things that are going to last and actually checking what something is made from before handing over my money.
There are so many different materials being used in fashion and homeware now, so here are a few worth looking out for next time you’re shopping.
ORGANIC COTTON
Cotton is obviously nothing new, but organic cotton is definitely becoming easier to find.
You’ll see it in everything from T-shirts and underwear to children's clothes, bedding and towels.
I’m trying to get much better at buying good-quality basics rather than something cheap that looks gorgeous for approximately two washes and then comes out looking like it belongs to Nila :)
If I’m going to wear something over and over again, I’d much rather spend my money on something comfortable that washes well and actually lasts.
LINEN
Linen just screams summer to me.
Give me a pair of linen trousers, a simple vest, sandals and an iced coffee and suddenly I think I’m on a European city break.
Reality: I’m probably doing the school run or wandering around Tesco :)
It’s lightweight, breathable and perfect when we actually get one of the approximately nine warm days we're blessed with in the UK each year.
The only downside?
THE CREASES.
You can iron linen until your heart is content and approximately three seconds after sitting down it looks like you've slept in it. At this point I think we all just have to accept that it's part of the look.
BAMBOO
Bamboo seems to be absolutely everywhere now.
I swear it started with socks and suddenly we’ve got bamboo clothing, bedding, towels and all sorts of things around the house.
It can be ridiculously soft too, which makes it perfect for things that are going directly against your skin.
It’s still worth checking the label and looking at how something has actually been made though. Just because the word “bamboo” is slapped across the packaging doesn't automatically mean we need to buy it.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
I actually find this one really interesting because some of the things being made from recycled materials now are incredible.
Old plastics and fibres can be turned into trainers, bags, coats, activewear, furniture and loads of other everyday products.
Obviously, that doesn't mean I need to go and replace my perfectly good trainers because I've found a pair made from recycled bottles. Again... slightly defeating the point :)
Using what you already own is probably one of the easiest sustainable choices you can make.
SECOND-HAND SHOPPING
Now THIS is an area I can get behind.
Vinted has me in an absolute chokehold.
I love having a little browse, especially when I’ve seen something I like in a shop and then manage to find it barely worn for half the price.
There are SO many clothes sitting in people's wardrobes that have been worn once, or sometimes not at all. I’ve found some absolute bargains over the years and it makes so much sense to give those clothes another life rather than always buying new.
It works both ways too. If I'm clearing out my wardrobe and something doesn't fit or I know I’m never going to wear it again, I'd much rather sell it and let someone else enjoy it.
Plus, a little Vinted balance appearing in my account always feels like free money even though I KNOW that's not how money works :)
BUY LESS AND CHOOSE BETTER
This is probably the biggest thing I’m trying to get better at.
I don't need a wardrobe bursting at the seams when I reach for the same outfits every week anyway.
I’d much rather have clothes I genuinely love, that fit properly and that I can wear in lots of different ways.
Before buying something now, I’m trying to ask myself a few questions. Do I actually need it? Have I already got something similar? Will I still want it in six months?
Admittedly, I don't always listen to my own answers... :)
Nobody needs to completely change the way they live overnight to be a little more sustainable.
Use what you've already got. Have a rummage on Vinted. Look at what things are made from. Buy something because you genuinely love it rather than because TikTok has convinced you that you NEED it immediately.
Small changes are still changes.
And if it stops me buying black top number eight, we're making progress :)
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