3 Sustainability Myths You Shouldn’t Buy Into
Can you spot the difference between facts and myths when it comes to sustainable living? Let’s uncover the truth.
Key takeaways:
- Sustainability is not a synonym for bland style or a lack of creativity.
- Caring about the environment doesn’t equal a radical lifestyle change.
- Low-impact practices are less expensive than you think.
Living responsibly is not just for tree-huggers, everyone should care. Yet, many find it hard – to care, not to hug trees – because of fake myths and misconceptions surrounding the idea of making conscious choices.
Despite some popular belief, adopting a mindful lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring, dramatic, or complicated. To phrase it like they would on TikTok, whether you’re Demure or Brat, you can express your unique style while choosing this path. With that in mind, let’s debunk the 3 biggest myths surrounding sustainability.
Myth n. 1: Sustainability is a synonym for bland and non-creative
Reality: Style and environmental consciousness can be a perfect match
Okay, earthy tones, neutral colors, and minimal aesthetics are at the core of many brands looking out for our planet. But, in today’s clothing industry, there are conscious garments for every taste.
Fashion designers and artists are proving that embracing mindful habits doesn’t mean sacrificing style or being confined to low-key, unremarkable shades. They push creative boundaries and experiment with colorful, vibrant patterns and unique upcycled materials. Brands like Stella McCartney are committed to proving that compromising on creativity and glamour is not necessary [1], showing that more ethical designs can be both innovative and fashion-forward. These days, it’s easier than ever to make a low-impact choice while still wearing your true colors – whether they are pastel shades, bold neon hues, or anything in between.
Myth n. 2: Sustainability means a radical lifestyle transformation
Reality: Small and everyday steps are enough
Some believe it is not worth the effort if they can’t go all in for the environment.
Spoiler alert: embracing an all-or-nothing approach is not mandatory. You don’t have to act like a modern Saint Francis, adopting an extreme, off-the-grid lifestyle or giving up all modern comforts. A lot of low-impact options are becoming increasingly accessible and only require minimal additional time or effort to fit into your daily routine.
For example: did you know that producing a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water – enough for one person’s drinking needs for about 2.5 years?[2] Next time you need one, opt to visit the nearest flea market rather than a fast fashion chain.
Myth n. 3: Sustainability is too expensive
Reality: purchases last longer… or even a lifetime
Many perceive conscious items as too expensive. However, such products not only have a reduced impact on the environment but also on your health… and on your wallet. How?
Buying fewer, higher-quality products: can you believe that one shampoo bar can replace up to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo?[3] This cuts down unnecessary waste and costs. Plus, solid beauty products feature more natural ingredients and don’t contain harmful chemicals.
Similarly, opting for conscious fashion brands ensures durability, comfort, and healthier skin. In contrast, fast fashion often features low-quality items that contain harmful substances like toxic DYES, and formaldehyde, leading to dermal irritation[4].
A sneak peek to our next article
With October here and Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to tackle the myths and legends of the season. This year, let’s make it a little less spooky for the environment by avoiding the frightful tale of single-use decorations and other scary practices. Stay tuned for our next article to learn more!
[1] Stella McCartney on Wanting to Make Fashion More Sustainable”, TIME, available at: https://time.com/6302562/stella-mccartney-sustainability-interview-lvmh/
[2] WWF on Cotton & Water use, available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton
[3]“Shampoos and soaps are mostly water. Here’s why you should buy them without it”, The Washington Post, available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/10/03/plastics-free-products-replace-single-use/
[4]“Are your clothes making you sick? The opaque world of chemicals in fashion”, The Guardian, available at: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/jul/02/fashion-chemicals-pfas-bpa-toxic
AUTHOR: Federica Paolucci
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