We all have one thing in common, we wake up and get dressed. But just how important is what we’re putting on? The ethics of fashion is an ongoing issue that cannot be solved overnight, it will take the continual effort and acknowledgment of many factors. So living in a metropolitan place such as Saint Petersburg, how much do our circumstances play into that and how can we take advantage of what we’re given? With access to many ethical resources, the sky becomes the limit when changing your wardrobe to become more in tune with the vast development of ethical shopping. Here are three ways to preserve the environment while keeping a full and fashionable closet:

Number one is thrifting. This may sound like a very obvious choice but it never hurts to cover it here. There are many great options when thinking about thrifting in St.Pete, Sunshine thrift store, Salvation Army, CASA women’s residence, goodwill, and the list goes on and on. Not only does a portion of the money usually go to charity but it’s super cheap and always will offer unique pieces you can’t get anywhere else. 

Number two is upcycling. In elementary school, we covered the reduce reuse and recycle process, yet a lot of us end up throwing out old clothes because they don’t fit or are stained/ripped. A great way to extend the use of them is to first see if you can wear them another way or give them to a friend, that way it’s still being used for their intended purpose. If neither of those are an option, no worries! Depending on the material you can cut old t-shirts into washcloths or tie-together rugs, with thicker materials such as sweatshirts and sweaters you save the fabric for quilts or the yarn for knitting. There’s always a way to innovate something old into a useful household item or decoration for your room. 

Number three, only buy new clothes when necessary. Everyone knows when you’re a teenager you’re narcissistic and fearful of the fact that everyone is watching and judging you. This also has a lot to do with what we wear, it’s a way to portray yourself without speaking. That’s why a lot of clothing goes to waste; because the idea of if you wear an outfit you shouldn’t wear again or if your shoes are brand new you’re automatically poor continues to circulate. In all honesty, I don’t know anyone who can afford $75 shoes every other month or a new wardrobe every season, we should use and wear things until they fall apart. Another big part of that is spending money on good quality items instead of the fast fashion we’re constantly exposed to. Buying from brands with credibility instead of companies such as Shein, Romwe, and Zaful is what will benefit us and our environment in the long run.