While it may be easier to transition purchases like food and cleaning supplies to more earth-friendly and healthier options, for me clothing seems to be a more difficult challenge when buying brand new.
I venture to say that the average city does not have many, if any at all, organic clothing stores or even lines represented in a shop. And while there are many great online boutiques and companies offering these kinds of options, it may not be the answer depending on the particular clothing need.
So in the meantime, how can a new clothing purchase be as “green” as it can be when the item isn’t? Here are 10 key questions to consider.
- Do you really need it? Or is this an impulsive desire that will soon fade after the credit card is swiped and the package gets home?
Do you already own something similar to serve the same purpose or will this enhance what you already have in your closet and perhaps help create an additional outfit or two? Likewise, will this create a domino effect and cause you to purchase more to complete the look?- Is this a closet staple kind of item like a coat or good pair of pants that you can wear for many seasons to come or is this more of a trendy piece with a shorter life span?
- How well is it made? Will it survive more than the first wash or two?
- Where is it made? Check the tag…USA or overseas?
- What is it made of? 100% wool, linen, silk, cotton or other natural fibers or a combo of polyester or another synthetic blend?
- What are the care instructions? Dry clean or hand wash? Machine wash in hot or cold water? Line dry or tumble?
- How much does it cost? Can you afford it regardless of being on sale or not?
- Will it be donatable? Do you think the condition will be good enough to pass on when the time comes?
- Where are you buying it from? A national retailer or a local merchant?
Of course the greenest thing to do is not buy at all, but let’s face there are times when we really need an item as well as just plain really want it. Thinking through and asking ourselves these kinds of questions can at least help us tread a little more lightly during the process.
10 Questions to Ask to Green Your Non-Green Clothing Purchase republished with permission.
Jeanne
In addition to serving as the Healthy Living Editor for Modern Hippie Mag, Jeanne Blaisdell publishes TheGreenSamaritan.com, her personal blog highlighting green living tips and information geared towards helping herself and others on their journey towards greater environmental awareness. Jeanne is the founder of EcoAvenueLtd.com, an online shopping site featuring the latest deals and promotions from a collection of earth-friendly merchants. Jeanne lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband Tom and two boys, Jack (10) and Ben (7). Find The Green Samaritan on Facebook, follow on Twitter @GreenSamaritan and @EcoAvenueltd.
