Green Living Tip Tuesday: Eco-Wardrobe

Every night I ask myself the same question – “what I am going to wear tomorrow”, and after talking to others I know I am not the only one trying to solve the wardrobe dilemma.  Between work clothes and work-out clothes, go-out clothes and lounge clothes, underwear and sleepwear – our closets contain outfits for all kinds of occasions. But this blog post is not about fashion, even though going green has become very “trendy” lately – today I would like to share some tips on greening our closets.

• Buy local or make yourself. As with everything else, locally made clothes eliminate the emissions that would be used for transportation.
• Buy organic and sustainable. Cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo and other natural fibers do not only feel nicer against your skin, but are also biodegradable.
• Read labels- you want to know how the fabric was made, what chemicals were used, what dyes?
• Reuse and recycle. Donate clothes you no longer wear, reuse the fabric to make something else, shop at second hand stores, swap clothes with friends.
• Avoid clothing that needs to be dry-cleaned.  Wash your clothes in cold water with eco-friendly detergents. Air-dry instead of using a dryer.
• Repair your garments. Sew back a button or fix a ripped seam.

Even though this post doesn’t do much to solve your wardrobe dilemma, following these tips will help you ensure your outfit doesn’t leave a giant footprint.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User ninette_luz