For many of us, our student years are when we leave home for the first time and have full control of how we spend our money. It’s also the time when many of us are trying to get by on a very tight budget. So how do we combine study with our desire to do the right thing by people, planet and animals? Here’s a quick guide.
1. Buy Less
It’s the mantra that we all know well, but that’s because it’s always relevant. Instead of buying two cheap t-shirts, buy one that has been ethically and sustainably manufactured. You will more than halve your environmental impact and it will be affordable. Look at capsule wardrobe ideas to see how few clothes we actually need.
2. Shop with Cost per Wear in Mind
Buying many cheaper, fast fashion items that you only wear a handful of times actually end up more expensive than spending slightly more money and purchasing something that will last us for years. Focus on buying items that are timeless (so they won’t go out of ‘fashion’) and that are made out of higher quality materials, so they last a lot longer.
3. Care for Your Clothes
Look after our clothes to help make them last longer. Paying attention to care instructions will ensure our clothing doesn’t wear out faster than it should.
4. Buy Second-hand/Vintage
This not only helps us save money but is one of the most effective ways of minimising your impact on the planet with your fashion purchases. Check out the Good On You guide on How To Shop For Vintage Clothing. Charity shops have loads of clothes and you are supporting great causes!
5. Sell Clothes you don’t Wear
When the budget is tight, liquidating some unwanted assets is a good move. If you don’t wear an item of clothing, sell it and you can use additional funds to spend on other ethical items of clothing, or other supplies. There are loads of Buy, Swap, Sell apps out there to help.
If you still need to buy some new outfits that are comfortable, practical and affordable, here are some brands rated ‘Good’ or ‘Great’ by Good On You:
