Amid the urgent call to address climate change, the latest report from the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights it as the greatest public health crisis of our time. Ignoring the problem is no longer an option. The evidence is piling up, forcing us to act immediately.
Jordan Kelly, brand marketing manager for sustainable toilet paper brand Oceans, emphasizes the importance of sourcing sustainably: “Sustainable choices are a powerful tool to mitigate the devastating effects of global warming. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around sustainable shopping.”
Fortunately, various trends and innovations are emerging that are giving consumers the tools to make sustainable shopping a reality. It’s never been easier to make a big difference with small changes in shopping habits.
Away from the outdated notion of ‘shop till you drop’, the focus is now on the search for eco-friendly alternatives and a ‘shop and stop’ mentality.
Here are six current focus areas for sustainable sourcing as suggested by Oceans:
1. Understand sustainable purchasing
Sustainable shopping means considering the environmental and social impact of a product before purchasing it. Through this mindful approach, consumers become more aware of their shopping habits and look for alternative methods and products that impact the environment as little as possible.
2. Encourage upcycling
The upcycling trend presents a compelling alternative to mindless consumption. Rather than buying new products, individuals are encouraged to upgrade items they already have.
3. Use mobile and tablet apps
Mobile and tablet apps have revolutionized awareness of climate change and sustainable shopping. Innovative apps such as Vinted offer practical solutions to reduce the use of new materials and switch to second-hand clothing.
4. Increase demand for recycled materials
Consumers are increasingly looking for products made from or packaged in recycled materials. Leading brands like Adidas and H&M have committed to incorporating recycled materials into their products, benefiting both the environment and their business prospects.
5. Invest in the circular economy
The concept of the circular economy encourages the design and manufacture of products that work on the principle of “make, use and then reuse”. Manufacturers need to shape their product design to be durable, easy to repair and maintain, and eventually reusable. Brands like Adidas, Mud Jeans and Stella McCartney are investing in this eco-friendly approach.
6. Do good by shopping
To effectively combat climate change, shopping is no longer just about acquiring what you need, but also about giving back. Sustainable shopping enables consumers to make better choices that benefit the environment and their finances. “Retail therapy” can therefore definitely go hand in hand with ecological responsibility.
This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translated and edited by Simone Preuss.