FIVE STEPS TO SUSTAINABLE STYLE

We all want to shop more ethically but it can be tricky knowing where to start. Here are some easy ways to develop a style conscience without giving up your love of fashion

EMBRACE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

In today’s climate of increasingly fast fashion, 300,000 tons of clothing in the UK ends up in landfill each year, including quality items with plenty of life left in them. To prevent your clothes ending up as part of this problem, why not try the ’30 wears challenge’, committing to wearing every piece in your wardrobe at least 30 times before donating it to charity or passing onto a friend in need?

Pick your essentials

SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE COTTON

Did you know it takes a thousand gallons of water on average to make a single pair of jeans? And that irresponsible cotton farming can have devastating effects on the environment? In short, cotton can be a problematic crop when not grown sustainably – but, by wising up on how you shop, you can help. At M&S, we’ve partnered up with the Better Cotton Initiative to source 100% sustainable cotton – using less water and fertiliser and providing smallholders with better livelihoods.

Shop sustainable cotton

WASH YOUR CLOTHES LESS

You might not think that something as simple as doing your laundry could have an impact on the environment, but it really can. Save water and energy by washing clothes only when they are dirty, reducing the temperature to 30°C degrees and only pressing start when you have a full load. Remember: care labels state the highest temperature the garment can be washed at, not a recommended temperature, and most modern detergents are effective at 30. As an alternative to a wash, try freshening up denim by putting it in the freezer for a few hours to kill bacteria and odours. Sounds strange but it really works.

Go to jeans

GIVE TENCEL A TRY

Now here’s a clever fabric to get acquainted with. Produced in Austria from sustainably sourced wood pulp, Tencel Lyocell is a plant-based fibre that is energy-efficient and fully biodegradable. Soft, breathable and stretchy, Tencel lends itself to making super-comfy clothing, which is exactly why we’ve added it to some of our new designs. From airy button-down blouses to peg pants that keep their shape wash after wash, there’s a lot to love about this futuristic fibre.

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BUY LESS, BUY BETTER

If you’ve ever stared blankly at a packed wardrobe with no idea what to wear, it might help to embrace this mentality. Assess which pieces you turn to time and time again and take stock of what it is about them that makes you feel great, whether it’s the colour, the cut or the drape of the fabric. When the time comes to upgrade those love-worn pieces, opt for the best quality you can afford. Plus, once you know your own style you can wave goodbye to Monday morning outfit dilemmas. Bonus.

Pick your essentials

Editor : Dulcie Emerson

FIVE STEPS TO SUSTAINABLE STYLE

EMBRACE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE COTTON

WASH YOUR CLOTHES LESS

GIVE TENCEL A TRY

BUY LESS, BUY BETTER

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