5 Sustainable Fashion Resolutions for 2019.

With 2019 well and truly underway, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to let go of old habits and start making conscious lifestyle choices.

I’m not here to preach about some crazy health kick or gym routine; instead here are some simple steps which offer a great way to ease yourself into the world of sustainable fashion. It may be different to what you're used to, but these 5 ethical fashion solutions that can show you how easy switching to sustainable fashion can be!

1. Supporting your local or independent streetwear designers.

Buying local in 2019 is a great way to find unique streetwear pieces so you can stand out in the crowd. There are loads of talented ethical clothing designers right at your doorstep and half the fun is seeking them out. As independent streetwear fashion brands generally aren’t mass produced, there is little to no environmental impact and if you get chatting in store, you could probably even find out exactly how the clothing was made ethically. Nothing says sustainable like streetwear with a personal story behind it.

2. Attending or hosting a clothes swap.

A really fun and interesting way to kick-start your 2019 sustainable fashion journey is to host or attend a local clothes swap. Check out social media to see where your nearest clothes swap might be, there are tonnes of Facebook groups dedicated to clothes swap events. You can meet like-minded people, re-home the pieces of clothing you no longer wear and update your style by take home a bunch of cool new clothing and be doing your bit for the planet. Swapping clothes is more sustainable than donating them to a charity. Do I need to convince you any more?

3. Donating to your local consignment or charity shop.

"New Year, New Me" as the age-old saying goes and what says ‘New Me’ in 2019 more than a huge post-Christmas declutter? A deep cleanse of your wardrobe is sure to be somewhere on your resolution list and a more sustainable resolution includes donating your old clothes to a charity shop, a vintage store, or even re-sell your streetwear outfits on Depop. There are many ethical ways to ensure that your old clothes don’t go to waste or landfill, one mans trash is another man's treasure!

4. Customising your old clothing.

This is where you can really allow your creative juices to flow in 2019. There are heaps of ways to refresh an old piece of clothing starting from the comfort of your own home. Cut up an old tee into a sleeveless vest or a crop top, sew or iron on some patches. If your favourite t-shirt has a mark on it, make it new again by tie-dying or spray painting it! Have a look online for some sustainable fashion inspiration, there are some great YouTube tutorials which can get you started.

5. Inspiring your friends and family to be more conscious of our habits.

There’s no doubt that your 2019 ethical fashion resolutions will have you experimenting with eco-friendly clothing that is sure to get the attention of your nearest and dearest. The more people who practice and preach ethical fashion, the greater impact fashion sustainability will have on our planet, so share your ideas! Tell all your friends about the cute little thrift shop you found downtown, or show them exactly how you turned those old jeans into amazing studded festival cut-offs.

Soon the whole squad will be following in your footsteps.

Alex xx

Depop @alexchrys

Instagram @refresh_mag