Fashion and beauty are a lot of fun, but clothes and cosmetics can damage the environment in many different ways. Often, it’s not something we think about when we’re trying on a new outfit or considering buying a new lipstick, but it’s an issue we should all try to be more aware of. Here are some of the ways you can be more ethical and eco friendly with your purchases.
Buy fair trade
Fair trade is defined as “trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries, in which fair prices are paid to the producers.” It’s no secret that rich companies take advantage of the cheap labor in third world and less developed countries, where people aren’t paid fairly, are forced to work long hours, and even children are made to work. When you buy fair trade, you know that you’re purchasing from a company that has fairly treated those that have worked for your product. They have been able to earn a wage to better their lives, and worked under fair standards and conditions. It can be tricky to find fair trade companies for every product you want to buy, but where possible, look for the logo.
Use companies that are eco conscious
Lots of companies are making an effort to me more environmentally friendly these days. This includes recycling more, creating less waste, going paper free, and using materials that are sustainable. It can involve buying from more local companies where the products haven’t done a lot of air miles –– more air miles means more fuel and damage to the environment. Take paper companies for example (which of course need trees to make their product) who pledge to plant three trees for every one that’s cut down. Eco conscious companies can involve refusing to test on animals, and offering things like vegan products where animals aren’t used at all. You can even find things like diamonds that are ethically sourced, according to this post: diamondexpert.com/brilliant-earth-review. The more we shop from these kinds of companies, the more demand there becomes for them. We can all do our part by choosing to buy from businesses that are responsible and eco conscious.
Buy second hand and donate unwanted clothes
One thing that we’re all guilty of, and something that massively contributes to the state of the planet is creating too much waste. We live in a world where things are easily replaced, and perfectly good items are thrown away where they’re sent to landfill or burned in incinerators. One way we can create less waste when it comes to clothes is by buying second hand. This gives an item of clothing (that’s still in good condition) the chance to be worn. We all have clothes that we no longer wear, but instead of throwing them away, be sure to donate them instead. Charity shops raise money for charities by reselling these things, and it’s one less item that’s wasted. Even if your clothes aren’t in good enough condition to be donated, there are still things you can do. If you’ve ever seen clothing banks, these accept damage and ripped items and the textiles are sent abroad to be reused. Machines rip apart the items and the threads are then re-spun using machines to make fabrics, which are used for blankets. These are then given to the poor, so again, donating can benefit those less fortunate.
*This is a partnered post.
