One more year has gone by! We are in 2024 and your resolution for the New Year? Sustainable fashion, naturally! But is it too difficult? Not quite. Sustainable fashion doesn't mean giving up on life eco-friendly does not equal frumpy let me give you top 10 tips on how to kick sustainability goals in 2024 without being too hard on yourself.
1. Wardrobe Audit
Begin with a wardrobe audit. Identify the gaps in your wardrobe and fill up the gaps with durable well-made classic staples that will stand the test of time. Familiarize yourself with current trends and buy a few on-trend accessories.
2. Mix and Match
... the old and the new to create trendy outfits. Peach is the Pantone colour of the year. You could buy the Peach cowl dress from Deidaa and dress it up with a silver gilet or bolero that might be already existing in your wardrobe. Alternately cinch the waist with a broad belt and get the on-trend hourglass look.
Ponchos are back on the runway. Repurpose a poncho with existing accessories.
3. Eco-Friendly Vegan Perfumes
Do not fall for the hype... glitzy packaging, celebrity endorsements, prime time promotions, full page advertisements. Instead check if the core product is good and the price easy on the pocket.
Perfumes are one of the most expensive beauty products but much of what you pay goes towards paying for fancy perfume bottles, advertisements, promotions celebrity endorsement fees.
Opt for reasonably priced Dossier perfumes. The notes or the scents in Dossier perfumes is the same as in upmarket perfumes. Dossier perfumes are not tested on animals. They rely on reviews from normal people like you and me and are a fraction of the price you would pay for if you opt for a high-end perfume with all the hype. The notes or scents for Dossier perfumes are sourced from Grasse in France and what's the icing on the cake? Dossier perfumes stay. I get dressed in the morning and splash a whff off my favourite Woody Sandalwood perfume from Dossier. Voila, I smell Divine throughout the day
4. DIY Upcycling
Try some DIY upcycling. Ponchos are trending this season and it is very easy to recycle an old scarf into a new poncho. You can unravel old sweaters and jumpers and repurpose them into ponchos, mufflers, mitties, beanies and other fashion accessories and homeware.
5. Thrifting
Love designer brands, but not the price tags? Try thrifting or secondhand shopping. Online sites like Reluv Australia, Vestiaire Collective, Poshmark, Luxe it forward and even your good old eBay will offer designer brands at a fraction of the original price. You can buy and sell on these sites. Some of these would also provide certificates of authenticity.
Visit op shops on your local shopping strip. You never know, you may stumble upon a treasure. These are called op shops or opportunity shops for a reason. Explore flea markets
6. Wear Sustainable Fabrics
Be mindful of the fibres you wear. Opt for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, linen, tencel, neo fibres or smart fibres from soya, milk, corn, mushrooms pineapple, coconut and recycled fibres. Donate your old clothing to textile units that repurpose fibre from old clothing into recycled textiles
7. Embrace Make Do and Mend
Embrace and apply the slogan make do and mend. A stitch in time saves nine whether it's a small hole or a missing button, some timely repair can extend the life of your favourite garment.
8. Minimalist Beauty and Healthy Habits
Embrace minimalist beauty. Simplify your skin care routine without breaking the bank. Instead of hoarding lotions and potions, invest in a few quality staples that address your specific needs. Buy selected skincare items and use them up. All of these items have expiry dates and can be harmful if used beyond. Do not go buying half a dozen mascaras all at once.
Time and again I get asked, Samita, do you do botox, do you use fillers? I do none of these. I have a simple beauty routine which I will share with you. First and foremost, I am loyal to CTM... cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. I do this twice a day in the morning and at night, before going to bed. For cleansing, you can use Micellar water or baby oil. For toning , rose water works fine. It is easy, convenient, accessible, and affordable. Top it up with a basic moisturizer like Cera Ve, almond oil or saffron oil.
Start using a sunblock or sunscreen early in life with at least SPF 30 and continue.
Do not smoke. Minimize alcohol consumption to an occasional glass of red wine. Avoid junk food, processed food, deep fried food. Minimize salt and sugar intake. Stay hydrated with water and herbal tea. Add all the colours of the rainbow to your plate with different coloured fruits and vegetables. Eat like a bird, i.e., eat fruits, nuts, and seeds. Grow your own veggies... in the backyard, on the terrace, or on the kitchen window sill
Most importantly move. Get off that couch and start moving. I do a mix of yoga weight training and walking, not everything at once
9. Socialize
Connect with positive people. Have meaningful conversations that add value to your life. Nurture relationships. Embrace mindfulness and believe In The Power of Now. The past is behind you. You cannot undo your past. The future is unknown. The only thing you can work on is the present.
10. Make Small Changes
Last but not the least, remember, every small change contributes to a sustainable future.