How to shop more sustainably
It can be difficult to navigate climate ethics, certifications, etc. when you want new clothes but are also concerned about the sustainability behind them. And you are certainly not alone. That is why we have created this mini guide for you if you want to shop more sustainably.
Look for certifications
Many companies market themselves as “CO2-neutral” and “sustainable”, but how can you as a consumer know whether it is actually true? You can do so by looking for certifications and labels that have been verified by third parties.
It is good to know these five labels and certifications if you want to buy clothing with a focus on organic and sustainable practices:
- GOTS label – Requirement that 70-95% of the fibres in clothing must be organic
- Nordic Swan Ecolabel - Environmental requirements regarding the content and emission of problematic substances
- Fairtrade label - Standards that prohibit, for example, hazardous pesticides and child labour
- Oeko-tex standard 100 label – Requirements for the content of chemical residues in finished clothing
- FSC label – Ensures conditions relating to biodiversity, the aquatic environment and local education
Choose materials carefully
Not all fibres are the same, and it is therefore important to choose the right materials when buying new clothes. Wool, linen and hemp are preferable, as these materials are biodegradable. If you choose cotton clothing, opt for organic cotton that does not come from cotton fields sprayed with chemicals.
If you want to shop more sustainably, avoid clothing made from plastic-based fabrics such as polyester, nylon and elastane. These textiles are man-made and release a lot of microplastics when they get wet – and those microplastics end up directly in our oceans.
Wash your clothes correctly - and not so often
Figures from the European Environment Agency show that up to 44% of a garment's total environmental impact occurs during the use phase - that is, when we wash, dry and iron it.
The good news is that small changes to your routines can make a big difference. If your clothes do not have stains or smell, they can often simply be hung in the fresh air instead of being washed. Cotton and wool in particular benefit from resting, and fresh air can remove most odours.
When washing, always follow the care instructions in the garment. Most clothing - including the Ludmilla collection - can be washed perfectly clean at 30 degrees. Use a gentle detergent without optical brighteners or enzymes, and avoid fabric softener, as it can break down the fabric's elasticity over time.
Also, preferably let your clothes air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. It causes far less wear and preserves the fit better.
By taking good care of your clothes, you extend their lifespan and give them the opportunity to be part of your wardrobe for many years to come. It is not only good for the environment - it is also good for your finances and your style.
Buy clothes you can wear for a long time
“Fast fashion” is the term for clothing that is typically produced very cheaply and has rapidly changing styles and fashion trends. This type of fashion helps promote the increased overconsumption of clothing that we see today. New figures from the European Environment Agency show that in Europe, we buy an average of 19 kilos of clothing per person every year.
Instead of buying new clothes because you see a good offer, be conscious when you buy new items. For example, look for the materials you prefer, whether the clothes can perhaps be worn for several occasions and, most importantly, look for something you feel comfortable in - then you will often wear it more too.
At Basic Apparel, sustainability matters to us – which is why we use organic cotton and have asked all our suppliers to operate in accordance with our code of conduct, which requires suppliers to work towards aligning with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals for environmentally responsible development. We are passionate about low impact fashion that lasts longer than just a single season.
