The world is a blaze with talk about going green, so I wanted to see how all this eco-friendly talk could impact the fashion industry. Well, I found that there is quite a bit to talk about, so I’m going to divide my thoughts into a few articles to cover everything.

In the fashion industry, going green means that products or lifestyles are environmentally friendly, or minimize impact on the environment. Within the production process, the more eco-friendly steps that are included, the greener the final product is. Companies can try and consume less natural resources, use organic product, recycle, create less waste and many others, during these production steps.

In the fashion world, there is a very basic way to be more green- just buy less stuff. If that’s not an option for you, then consider purchasing items from thrift stores, eBay or local garage sales. Essentially, this eliminates more junk going to landfills, because manufactures don’t have to make as much stuff. Pretty simple, really. Another good way is to Freecycle! A great way to get and give clothing locally. The average American throws away almost 70 pounds of textiles and clothing EACH YEAR! With a little change in behavior, you can really see the environmental impact this would have.

Hey, these options aren’t bad, I know, but I love to shop! The thrill of the hunt. Finding the perfect handbag at just the right price. I love it! Well, luckily, there is hope for me from our friends ate Team Treehugger on Planet Green.

You’ve heard it before, but shop with a plan! Pretend that a new item of clothing is like a new kitten, it needs a home where it will be loved and appreciated. Don’t just through it in the closet full of other clutter. It needs to be valued and most importantly, worn. Ask yourself: Will I wear this in two years? Can I wear something like this at work? How will it go with my other items and accessories? Will I still want to wear this rhinestone-studded bustier after I get it home? If not, then don’t make the impulse buy! I know, it sounds boring, because we love the impulse buy, but if it doesn’t fit into your long term fashion plan than skip it.

Whatever you’ve chosen, take good care of it. Love your duds. When you get home from the office, change into something more comfortable and get out of your nice work clothes. Don’t work on your car or cook in clothes you want to be seen in in public. Sew a button when you have to. Don’t know how? Learn, or get the name of a local tailor and have them give your clothes a little TLC.

Dry cleaning is not eco-friendly. The industry is getting better, but the little shop down the street uses perc (tetrachloroethylene), a know carcinogen. These are really harmful the the environment. Although your article of clothing may ask for dry cleaning, often it can be hand washed, especially sik, wool and linen. If not, see if a local green cleaner uses wet cleaning or liquid CO2 techniques.

Vintage and used clothing are great alternatives. Try a second hand shop and you’ll be suprised what good items you can find. They say ones trash is anothers treasure and it’s true! From Oscar-worthy vintage dresses to Freecycled denim, you can most likely find something that fits just right and for a lot less money. Often, you’re helping out charities at the same time. Everyone wins.

Washing clothes wreaks havoc to the environment! It requires a lot of water and energy, so eliminate washes when you can. Turn your clothes inside out and use the lowest temperature possible. If an item is really hurting, make a thin salt past an soak the fabric for a half hour before washing. Choose phosphate-free and biodegradable detergent. Also, try link dry if you can. Treat stains quickly with non-toxic removers. If you’re in the market for a new machine, be sure to look for those with the Energy Star label- they are engineered to save energy.

When possible, wear organic! We often think that cotton is clean, natural and fresh, but most the time it’s not. It takes a third a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce the cotton for just on cotton t-shirt! Luckily, organic cotton is getting easier a nd easier to get our hands on. Be careful, however, a T-shirt that may have started out as being organic is often processed with chemicals and metal-laden dyes. We need to stay vigilant for true organic clothing.