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   ![How To Shop More Sustainably](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2021/01/sustainable-shopping-2.jpg?itok=CDigZt1S)

  

 

 



 

 

[Inspiration](/fashion/shopping/inspiration)

 /  08 January 2021  

#  How To Shop More Sustainably  


If you’ve resolved to shop more sustainably this year, you’ll be glad to hear it’s easier than you might think to do your bit for the planet. From practical changes, to the brands to know, here are some tips to become a more conscious shopper.  


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### Check the label

An estimated £140m worth of clothing ends up in landfill each year and synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylic are some of the most commonly used, despite the fact they are slowest to biodegrade. It’s not just man-made fabrics that are the worst offenders, however, with cotton production contributing to a sixth of all pesticide used globally, with up to 3,000 gallons of water used to create just one t-shirt. Therefore, try to opt for pieces made with organic cotton (many high-street shops are now labelled as such) and while not entirely without its issues, choosing naturally biodegradable fabrics like wool is always an eco-friendlier choice.

 

 

 

### Take your time

Impulse purchasing is one of the easiest ways to end up buying something you don’t really need, and that may eventually end up in landfill. Try to shop only when you’ve got enough time to decide on whether something is right for you – but if you really are in a rush, consider the ‘three outfit rule’ before buying – i.e. if you can’t think of three different ways to style it with pieces you already own, then remove it from your basket.

 

 

 

### Shop certain brands 

The number of brands using sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes has increased dramatically in recent years, making it far easier to make ethical choices that doesn’t sacrifice on style. [Navy Grey](https://navygrey.co) is an SL favourite for classic wool sweaters designed to last up to 20 years, while [Pangaia’s](https://thepangaia.com) cosy tracksuits are perfect for lockdown 3.0. If you’re in need of further inspo, check out our monthly [Conscious Edit](https://sheerluxe.com/2020/12/04/conscious-edit-december) feature.

 

 

 



 

 

 

> [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CGX5H_SBCoT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

 

 

> [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CG4ydrnABFo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

 

 

> [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CGvM9uKhMSJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

 

 

 

### Try renting 

We’re all guilty of buying something new to wear once, only for it to gather dust in the back of your wardrobe afterwards. Renting clothes is a great way to get that ‘new dress’ feeling for special occasions without the guilt of only wearing it one time. You can also rent out your own wardrobe to others too, to monetise and make your purchases more circular. Peer-to-peer rental sites include [Hurr](https://www.hurrcollective.com) and [ByRotation](https://www.byrotation.com), whereas sites like [Rotaro](https://www.rotaro.co.uk) and [Onloan](https://onloan.co) manage their own selection in house.

 

 

 

### Buy second hand 

The best way to avoid contributing to mass manufacturing and consumption is to buy what already exists. These days, there are plenty of online vintage sites that make the process of buying pre-loved much smoother than you’d think. We love [Retold Vintage](https://www.retoldvintage.com) for sophisticated jackets, dresses and knitwear and [Pin Denim](https://pindenim.uk) for the coolest selection of Levi’s that won’t break the bank. Plus, try resale sites like [Vestiaire Collective](https://www.vestiairecollective.com) and [Hardly Ever Worn](https://www.hardlyeverwornit.com) It to pick up designer favourites at a lower price – while it does require a bit more time than a browse on ASOS, it’s all the more satisfying when you do manage to snap up a bargain.

 

 

 

### Avoid returns

It’s easier than ever to order clothes online and send back what you don’t need, but sadly it’s not as simple as putting returned products straight back on the shelf. Much of what is returned is not fit to be resold, so is instead sent to landfill, with tech company Optoro, which helps retailers process returns, estimating that landfill waste from returns contributes 15 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. So, if you want to do your bit, try to cut back on those serial returns.

### Beware ‘greenwashing’

While many fashion brands have pledged to make positive changes, there are still some making unsubstantiated claims about their eco-credentials – a practice also known as ‘greenwashing’. This darker side of the industry can make it tricky to know what’s truly sustainable, so a bit of background research is always worthwhile before you commit to buying.

 

 

 

 

  

## *more from*

### Fashion



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[High Street](/fashion/high-street)

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 [##  The Round Up: High-Street Earrings  


 

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[Shopping](/fashion/shopping)

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  16 October 2025  

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[How To Wear](/fashion/how-to-wear)

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  23 July 2025  

 [##  A Cool Influencer Shares Her Summer Outfit Formulas  


 

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[Shopping](/fashion/shopping)

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  23 July 2025  

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[Shopping](/fashion/shopping)

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[Shopping](/fashion/shopping)

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  02 June 2025  

 [##  The Round Up: Summer Pyjamas  


 

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[How To Wear](/fashion/how-to-wear)

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  30 May 2025  

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 [Fashion](/gold/fashion)/

  14 April 2025  

 [##  The Fashion Influencers Worth Following  


 

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[How To Wear](/fashion/how-to-wear)

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  11 April 2025  

 [##  11 New Fashion Follows On TikTok  


 

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INSPIRATION CREDITS: [Instagram.com/Jen\_Wonders](https://www.instagram.com/jen_wonders/?hl=en); [Instagram.com/NavyGrey.co](https://www.instagram.com/navygrey.co/?hl=en)  
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at <info@sheerluxe.com>.

 

 

 

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