As you may already know, at Kleurstof Apparel our long-term mission is to become as sustainable as possible. Our current objective is to provide a middle ground in the fashion world, between fast fashion and thrift shopping, by using sustainable materials and implementing as many sustainable practices as our resources allow. Our clothes provide an ethical alternative in the streetwear scene. Although our focus is on making fashion more sustainable, we thought it would be useful to compile a short list of ways you can become more sustainable today:

The problem with single-use plastics is that they are often not disposed of correctly, and they end up polluting the environment and affecting wildlife. Every day approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans [1]. You can help to reduce this number by swapping single-use plastics for items that can be reused, like water bottles, razors and cutlery.

Reducing the amount of energy you use in the home can have a massive impact on your carbon footprint. Did you know that 75% of the electricity used in our homes comes from keeping appliances like TVs on standby [2]? By being more conscious of your daily habits you can save the planet and your wallet. You could start by switching appliances off after using them, using less water by washing your clothes in fewer, larger loads and even spending less time in the shower (sorry).

Separating your waste so that it may be recycled appropriately can have a positive impact on the environment – the more materials that can be recycled and repurposed, the less new material must be produced. Thankfully in recent times, many companies have started to produce their products from recycled materials to help contribute to a circular economy, where products at the end of their lifespan can be turned into new products. Therefore, it’s important that we help get our waste back into the hands of those who can repurpose it.

Two thirds of all UK car journeys are under 5 miles [3]. If you can get to where you need to be by walking, cycling or taking public transport, you can help to dramatically reduce air pollution caused by using a car. Not only is this better for the environment but it can also improve your health (getting more exercise and breathing cleaner air).

Like recycling your waste, finding a new home for your unwanted items can help extend their lifespan, creating less demand for new items (which come at an environmental cost). It’s also an easy way to make some extra money – sites like Depop and Facebook are great resources. Of course, it’s not always possible to buy second-hand items, and that’s okay – just be conscious of the companies you buy new items from and the impact those items have on the environment.

Bonus Tip

Buy clothes from brands who use sustainable materials 😉.

Written by Kieran (Kleurstof Co-Founder).

References

[1] https://www.sas.org.uk/our-work/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/

[2] https://www.thegreenage.co.uk/15-surprising-energy-facts/

[3] https://friendsoftheearth.uk/clean-air/20-shocking-facts-about-air-pollution