I wrote this article for the Sustainable Travel edition of the People Over Product magazine.
As the weather is getting better and the summer draws nearer, many of us eagerly anticipate our long-awaited travel plans, and holiday escapes.
Naturally, our thoughts drift to what we’ll be wearing as we lounge on foreign beaches or stroll through warm city streets during those balmy summer nights.
However, what often goes unnoticed is the environmental toll of our holiday wardrobes. A 2019 study revealed that in the UK alone, 11 million clothing items are purchased for holidays each year, only to be worn once and then discarded.
Considering the colossal environmental and ethical footprint of the fashion industry, this statistic is truly alarming. The fashion sector contributes around 8 to 10 percent of global carbon emissions and ranks second in water consumption. Additionally, it heavily relies on chemical usage, while fast fashion brands are notorious for exploiting workers with low wages and unsafe working conditions.
In light of these concerning facts, it’s crucial now more than ever to adopt a mindful approach to our summer holiday attire.
Here are six tips for creating a sustainable summer wardrobe perfect for your travel holidays.
Shop in your own Closet
Wearing the pieces that you already have is, of course, the most sustainable option. On average, we possess around 148 pieces of clothing. That means that your ideal summer dress might be tucked away in the depths of your closet, collecting dust.
Before rushing to the nearest store or firing up your laptop, take a moment to survey your closet—there might be a hidden treasure you’ve forgotten about. Organizing your closet is a perfect way to familiarize yourself with its contents. I understand it may not be the most thrilling activity, but it offers valuable insight into your wardrobe. And let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about having an orderly closet, isn’t there?
Invest in Summer Staples
If your closet search did not yield any suitable summer outfits, it might be time to consider something new. In that case, investing in high-quality summer essentials that will withstand multiple seasons is a wise choice. A versatile dress that can be worn over your bikini or a pair of durable sandals can work wonders. Personally, I swear by investing in a high-quality bathing suit—I’ve had mine for over three years now!
Borrow From Friends
One thing I absolutely adore doing, whether it’s for summer outings, festivals, or nights out on the town, is borrowing something from a friend. It’s the ideal way to switch up your look without having to hit the stores. Even if you and your friend don’t share the same dress size, borrowing accessories can work wonders for adding a touch of extra glamour to an already fabulous outfit. Just don’t forget to give it back!
Rent an Outfit
Some of the outfits we envision wearing during our summer getaways are ones we might not wear often for various reasons. For pieces destined for just one or two outings, renting an outfit is an excellent solution.
Renting platforms have surged in popularity, and rightfully so. They offer a fantastic way to reduce our carbon footprint and make luxury items more accessible to everyone. Opting to rent an outfit allows us to be mindful and sustainable while enjoying a fresh look for each occasion.
Explore platforms like Circle Closet, Rent The Runway, and Nuuly to discover your perfect summer holiday outfit.
Buy Second Hand
Thrifting a summer holiday outfit is a sustainable alternative if you want to wear something different. Second-hand stores and online platforms offer many unique and
Gather your friends and go on a holiday shopping spree to vintage stores. With the many available options, you will find the perfect sunny outfit for the holidays.
Prefer to stay shop from home? Platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Vinted, and Depop are great options. Type in the name of the brand or a description of what you’re looking for and see what options are available. Personally, I love using Vinted to find cute, affordable heels.
However, be sure to order on time because delivery can take a while, especially during the summer!
Opt For Eco-Conscious Brands
If you do wish to buy some new pieces for the summer holidays, look into brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. Luckily, sustainability is gaining momentum, and fashion brands are increasingly implementing eco-friendly practices. Research and discover brands that align with your values.
For the perfect swimwear, consider brands like Vitamin A and the SALTWATER Collective. For flowy summer dresses, check out Christy Dawn and Pact. And for cute sandals, Nomadic State of Mind is a great option to explore.
Bonus Tip: Sunscreen
While sunscreen may not be a typical part of our outfit, it’s an essential item, especially during sunny summer travels. However, research has shown that certain chemicals in sunscreen can be harmful to marine life if they wash off into the ocean or lakes. In fact, Hawaii has taken proactive steps by banning sunscreens containing coral-damaging chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
This serves as a valuable example for other coastal regions and holiday destinations near bodies of water, highlighting the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and safeguarding the environment. So the question then is: what are sunscreens that we can wear during our summer travel holiday?
When seeking out reef-safe sunscreen, it’s crucial to watch out for certain ingredients:
- Avoid Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: These chemicals are known to be harmful and have been linked to coral bleaching.
- Avoid sunscreens with nano-Titanium Dioxide: While Titanium Dioxide is commonly used in sunscreens, it’s not biodegradable and can form toxic hydrogen peroxide in warm water.
- Other chemicals that can pose threats are: Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor, 3-Benzylidene camphor
Here are a few examples of safe and sustainable sunscreen brands: Naïf, Mama Kuleana, and Maui Natural.
Sources
All pictures link to their source, and all credits go to the rightful owners.
Image Credit: Me
