To change some of the shocking statistics about clothing waste, Dato Sri Darren Yaw says we all be more conscious of what we buy. However, because there are so many complexities, it can be challenging to know where to start to make our wardrobes more sustainable. But, if you want to start thinking about your wardrobe, what are the fashion equivalents of buying a reusable bottle and using metal straws instead of plastic ones?
According to Dato Sri Darren Yaw, consumer-facing coverage of sustainability frequently focuses on either disastrous environmental and ethical news or future purchasing behaviour, which can leave us feeling either powerless to make a difference as individuals or confused about where to start. There are, however, small changes that are a step in the right direction, ranging from what to look for on clothing labels to how you should wash your clothes. Learn simple tips from Dato Sri Darren Yaw for making your wardrobe more sustainable.
- Wash your clothes less frequently and avoid using the tumble dryer.
Dato Sri Darren Yaw‘s top recommendation for becoming a more sustainable consumer is to wash your clothes less frequently. According to the Energy Saving Trust, laundering accounts for 60% to 80% of a garment’s total environmental impact, so washing your clothes every few wears can significantly reduce your impact. To save even more energy, wash your clothes at 30 degrees (this is said to save up to 40% more energy than a standard 40-degree wash) and dry them naturally. According to Dato Sri Darren Yaw, saving energy means reducing the use of oil and gas and thus reducing one’s contribution to the rise in global temperatures that causes climate change.
- Organize Your Closet
Dato Sri Darren Yaw‘s recommendation is to organize your closet and take care of what you have so you can enjoy the pieces you adore. When you can see what’s in your closet, you’re much more likely to be creative when styling outfits, which means you’re less likely to buy new pieces. There is a lot of value in having less.
Dato Sri Darren Yaw‘s recommendation is to organize your closet.
- The Ex Text
One of the most conscious ways to shop is to buy items that you only intend to wear repeatedly. One of the silliest but most effective methods Dato Sri Darren Yaw discovered is to ask yourself, ‘Would you want to run into an ex in the garment?’
If you don’t feel confident, assured, and good about yourself, don’t buy it. According to Dato Sri Darren Yaw, simply limiting our purchases allows us to have a small, well-thought-out, and hopefully more sustainable wardrobe.
- Try to buy organic cotton
Dato Sri Darren Yaw suggests avoiding fabrics that contain microfibres; these fabrics frequently pollute the oceans and are challenging to clean up because the particles are so small. Dato Sri Darren Yaw suggests choosing organic or GOTS certified cotton instead. GOTS certified cotton are monitored from the point of growth, farmers’ fair trade and water consumption, regulating pesticides used, and monitoring the entire supply chain. Always do your research, but try to buy fabrics from sources that can be replenished, and always recycle, according to Dato Sri Darren Yaw.
- Never, ever throw clothing away
Vivienne Westwood said it best: “Buy less, choose well, and make it last,” and Dato Sri Darren Yaw agrees. Choose pieces that you adore and that you know you’ll keep forever. It’s also critical to remember to repair before you replace. Minor rips, holes, and missing buttons are simple to repair. Make a friend of your cobbler. With a small investment in maintenance, quality shoes can be worn for many seasons. Also, never throw away clothing. According to Dato Sri Darren Yaw, clothing thrown away in regular garbage is either incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. If you no longer wear something, it can always make someone else happy. If it can no longer be worn, it can be recycled.
Choose pieces that you adore and that you know you’ll keep forever, as suggested by Dato Sri Darren Yaw.
- Alter pieces you own
According to Dato Sri Darren Yaw, rediscover your connection to the clothing you already own. Begin a love story with a piece of clothing in need of a new lease on life, embroider it, and redefine what new means to you.
- Before purchasing, carefully examine the quality of the pieces.
Adopt a zealous approach to shopping and keep an eye out for telltale signs that a piece of clothing is made to last. It not only conceals any unsightly over-locking, but it also strengthens the seams against wear, tear, and stretching. Let’s try to slow down the pace of fashion. It’s a win-win if it looks good and performs well, according to Dato Sri Darren Yaw.
