9 Slow Fashion Ideas that Save Money and the Earth

I overheard a couple saying they couldn’t afford to ‘go green’ as sustainable options were so much more expensive. I can understand their stance when buying new or comparing for example organic v non-organic produce. The opposite is true the moment we look at the costs and damage from fast-fashion.

So here’s 9 slow fashion ideas that save you money and don’t damage the earth in the way fast fashion does.

10,000 items of clothing being sent to landfill every five minutes, equivalent to £140 million in value every year

Wise up to Waste

1. Re-Love your Wardrobe

Start with what you have in your wardrobe. What can to re-imagine, change, recreate or combine to create a capsule wardrobe you can enjoy, love and keep for longer. If you have items that simply don’t fit, or you’ll never wear then sell them on Vinted or Depop and replace with items from the tips below.

2. Clothes Exchange Party

I’ve never done this I’ll be honest but it does sound fun. If you don’t love it in the above exercise then put it aside, pack some wine, invite your friends over with their unloved items and exchange them.

3. Champion Charity Shops

If you have to buy new then champion charity shops or resale apps. Look for quality items that work with your wardrobe and give them a new lease of life at a fraction of the cost, whilst keeping them out of landfill for longer.

4. Rent or Hire One-Off Wears

If you’ve an occasion or risk only wearing an item once, try hiring or renting it. By Rotation is an example of a rent to wear App or shared wardrobe. Its cheaper to hire than buy new and wont take up squatting space in your wardrobe afterwards. Alternatively, If you’ve lovely items already why not list them to hire and earn some extra money from the clothes you already own?

5. Quality over Quantity

When you have to buy new this one is a real long term win. Avoid polyester and viscose and other man made fabrics or anything quickly or mass produced. Buy natural fabrics that are well made as they’ll last longer, wash better and reduce the number of micro plastics your washing is putting back into the water system. Check your labels and also brand credentials and if in doubt, check if they have BCorp certification.

It takes around 1,800 gallons of water to make a single pair of jeans

Interesting Water Facts

6. Make, Sew. Mend and Alter

Re-learn this old skill. And if you’ve neither the time nor inclination then find someone local whose business is based on this. If you’d like to learn there are more workshops popping up so sign up, take a family or friend and enjoy mastering this money saving and creative skill.

7. Ditch the Dryer

Confession time with a family of outdoor loving boys I found this one tough, then I saw the electricity bill! Add an extra spin after your wash for quicker drying, buy an extra clothes horse or a heated airer to reduce your energy bill and your energy usage. If you have to dry something, just use for a short time and set the timer so you don’t forget.

8. Wash Cooler and less often

Most washing machines set the default temperature for a wash but also have an override to increase or reduce this. Unless it needs a high temperature drop it to cooler washes for most items. This reduces your energy usage and overall bill.

9. Use green washing options

I found this tip tough too as I had to experiment with what was ‘greenwashing’ and what was actually ‘green washing’. There are many options from the reusable Laundry Egg to plastic free packaging and refill options and non animal tested or SLA free liquids, disposable laundry sheets to old fashion methods using vinegar and bicarbonate. I landed on Laundry Egg for light cool washes and refillable Bower laundry liquid with no nasties. But this may be a case of trial and error til you find what works best for your family.

Slow is Sustainable

In short, slow fashion is simply more sustainable than fast-fashion as it reduces landfill waste, water and energy usage, improves working conditions for those that make clothing AND saves you money. If you have any other slow fashion tips to save money then do let me know!

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