Did you know that the fashion industry accounts for about 8-10% of global carbon emissions?
Fast fashion (products which are mass-produced to keep up with the latest trends) is having a terribly negative effect on not only our planet, but the people in it.
Fortunately, awareness is really growing and both consumers and retailers are starting to understand how their choices are impacting our planet.
Making the decision to shop responsibly, from environmentally–conscious brands is going to make a massive difference.
Why move from fast fashion to sustainable fashion?
- To prevent waste
Quality lasts. Mass-produced fashion doesn’t.
By buying from brands who use materials that are made to last as well as being sustainable, you’re extending the life of your purchases.
This means, not only are you reducing waste by not having to replace your clothes and jewellery as often, but you’re also saving your own money!
- To protect the planet
Have you ever thought about the environmental footprint your purchases leave behind?
Energy consumption, water consumption, pollution, pesticides, insecticides, landfill….I could go on.
By choosing to buy from responsible retailers who sell products using waste from wood and fruit, like our range of Buriti tree jewellery, and who care about the workers who actually make the products, you can reduce your own environmental footprint.
- To protect your fellow humans
How can fast fashion be so cheap? Because of the low pay and working conditions in developing countries where the products are made.
All of our products are handcrafted in small communities in Brazil, using sustainable materials sourced in the local area. For example, you may have noticed that we have a large variety of jewellery which is made with fibres and material from the Buriti Tree, which is helping to boost small local communities in Brazil by creating a new source of jobs, and ensuring that forests and trees are worth more standing than cut.
How do I shop more sustainably?
There are a number of ways to shop more sustainably, even if you’re on a budget. Sustainable shopping doesn’t have to cost the earth (see what I did there?)
Here are my top tips for shopping more responsibly and with sustainability in mind…
Embrace your own style and avoid trends
Rather than rushing out to buy the next latest ‘fashionable’ piece of jewellery or clothing, use a couple of timeless pieces, which will go well with different outfits for different occasions. Embrace your own style rather than looking like everyone else.
Shop smart and by doing this, you’ll reduce waste and look amazing!
Buy the best quality for your budget
It’s a fact that environmentally conscious brands can cost a little more, but rather than thinking of that piece of handcrafted jewellery as being more expensive, think about how much longer it is going to last. Quality lasts; invest in it and save the planet at the same time.
Think about the journey
Before you buy a piece of jewellery or a piece of clothing, think about the environmental footprint that product has left behind, and the impact on the people who have made it. Were the workers paid adequately for their skills? Did they have good conditions to work in? Were the materials sourced responsibly? Are the materials used to make the product sustainable? If you’re not sure, a quick Google search of the brand is sure to give you a good idea.
Care for your purchases
Looking after your clothing or jewellery correctly will make it last longer, causing less waste.
Research your brands
Before you buy, look into the brand’s values. Are they environmentally conscious? Are the materials they use in their products sourced responsibly? Are the workers who make their products given adequate pay and working conditions? Spending a little more time when deciding who to buy from can help to protect our planet and the people on it.
For more information about Treasures of Brazil, take a look at our vision and how we’re doing our bit to look after the planet and our communities.
Until next time,
Daiane x
