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How to Buy Eco-Friendly Clothes

By Michelle Powell-Smith on Oct 11, 2009

If you are hoping to make eco-friendly clothing choices for your family, shopping can pose challenges. There are multiple issues involved in choosing eco-friendly clothes, including fibers, production and marketing. However, purchasing eco-friendly clothes provides the opportunity for your children and yourself to be smart, sustainable and practical...continues below

Step 1

Shop thrift stores, consignment shops and vintage clothing stores for clothing. Buying clothing second hand is an eco-friendly clothing option. It can also help you save money. If you are shopping for your children, you might be able to swap out their outgrown clothing for new items that can be worn now.
Step 2

Choose classics. Buying classic, well made garments will allow you to wear your clothes for several seasons. Buying less is, in and of itself, a smart way to make your wardrobe greener. This can cut down on the amount you buy each season and allow you to spend more on investment articles of clothing.
Step 3

Look for organic and sustainably farmed fibers. Wool, hemp, cotton and bamboo fibers are all available organically grown. Tencel is a hard wearing fabric with many of the properties of a synthetic, but it is produced sustainably from wood pulp. If you are shopping for children's clothes, organic soft cotton baby clothes are fairly accessible, but professionally appropriate organic clothing for adults might be harder to find. Look for soft and comfortable organic pieces for lounge and weekend wear.
Step 4

Buy from small companies and individuals instead of mass market producers. While you might not always be able to opt for organic fabrics, you can still go green by choosing to buy from companies that treat their employees well. Buying hand-crafted clothing also allows you to choose one of a kind garments or have items made to fit your body and lifestyle.
Step 5

Shop online and from local stores that offer organic and eco-friendly clothing. Supporting businesses that believe in eco-friendly clothes will help them to stay in business and improve your access to organic fashion.