Top tips for a truly eco conscious closet…

Out with the Old!

We can all be eco divas by doing what I call a “closet clean up.” Simply go through each piece you own and donate everything that you don’t want, need or wear consistently. For me consistently means at least once a month in the appropriate season except special occasion items that are perhaps worn much less. You may be amazed by what you find tucked away in old drawers or messy closets. Donating and recycling is the best option here because when clothes are just thrown away (and believe it or not millions of them are every week as only 14% of our clothes are actually recycled), they end up in landfills where massive amounts of methane are released throughout the decaying process, contributing to climate change.

Washing Wisely

To be a “wise washer” simply follow our Rain Tees motto and wash clothes cold to save energy and cut down on carbon emissions at the same time. We recommend washing with cool water and no tumble-drying clothes if possible. Also be sure to always use an eco friendly detergent. We like Seventh Generation cleaning products. At Rain Tees we go natural and bring out the clothes line on bright sunny days.

Dry Clean isn’t always Eco Clean

Try cutting back on buying items that are dry clean only as many dry-cleaning chemicals are unbelievably toxic to the environment and to us. If you happen to be living in a super cool city that has eco friendly dry-cleaners then lucky you! Go support them for making a big step towards safer living for all of us. If not, try hand washing your items with an eco soap in cool water.

Personal Promises

Perhaps the most powerful change we can make to our wardrobes is to make what I call an “eco pact” with ourselves. This eco pact is like a personal promise to only buy apparel and household items that are planet, people and animal friendly and reflect our core values. I did this a few years ago and its totally changed my life and my buying habits for the better. Every piece in my wardrobe suddenly has a brilliant story to tell and its created a mad love affair with things like vintage that I just can’t get over -but in the very best way.

Article by Beth Doane, founder and designer of Rain Tees