What is Conscious Consumption? A Fashion Lover’s Guide
We all want to feel good about what we purchase, and with conscious consumption you can! At Armoire, we want to make sustainable fashion easily achievable by empowering you with simple, impactful ways to take action.
Each day we’re faced with a number of purchasing decisions. To help you become a smarter and more sustainable shopper, we’ve created a go-to guide to consuming consciously. Here you’ll find tips and tricks that are easy to adopt in your busy everyday life.
Our guide to conscious consumption will help you become a smarter and more sustainable shopper, reducing your wardrobe’s environmental impact.
What is Conscious Consumption?
We live in a consumption-driven society, meaning purchases aren’t just economic actions. They come with socio-cultural and psychological implications as well. What you buy is tied to the very core of your identity.
Conscious consumption simply means participating in the economy with more awareness of how your consumption habits impact society at large. Conscious consumers are both ethically and environmentally aware. They consider the impacts their purchases have on the environment, as well as their health and overall well-being.
How to Practice Conscious Consumption
Reduce Impulse Purchases
There’s no denying that the easiest way to consume more sustainably is to consume less. According to our friends at Public Habit, the average consumer purchases 70 new clothing items per year, more than one per week! Unfortunately, most of the clothes we purchase end up in the landfill after only a handful of uses.
Through adopting a less is more mentality and avoiding impulsive purchases, you can greatly reduce your closet’s environmental impact. While it may feel painful not to purchase now, we promise your buyer’s remorse later will be far more unpleasant.
Avoiding impulse purchases can be hard. Try asking yourself the following before purchasing:
Will I wear this item at least 10 times this year?
Can I wear this item more than 10 different ways?
Will I still love this item in a year? What about two or three?
If I had to wait a month before buying this, would I still want it this much?

Rent Instead of Own
With Armoire, you can get that just went shopping feeling without the detrimental impact to the environment (or your wallet). For the same price as a single item at most sustainable retailers, you’ll have access to an endless rotation of today’s top styles without having to purchase a thing.
Here’s how it works: First, take our quick quiz so we can learn your unique style and fit preferences. We’ll curate a selection of styles with help from our algorithm and professional stylists. Select your 4 favorite styles and have them delivered to your door. The more you rent, the more our algorithm learns what you love! When you’re finished with your items, simply return them in your pre-paid mailer and repeat!
Even better, if you fall in love with an item you’ve rented, you can make it a permanent fixture in your wardrobe. Armoire members can purchase their rented items at a members-only discounted rate. Knowing you have been able to try an item before committing to it ensures you’ll truly wear it and love it for longer.

Stand Behind Your Values
In today’s internet age, there’s a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. When you educate yourself about where and how a garment is made, it makes it easier to stand behind your values. Consider what qualities are important to you when purchasing and stick to them!
It’s important to know your brands and know their values. Before making a purchase, do a quick search to learn more about the company. Additionally, sites like The Good Trade, Remake and Good on You provide ethical brand ratings that can help you learn more about who you are purchasing from.
Even if you don’t have time to research before purchasing, you can still practice conscious consumption by looking for key phrases on product packages. It’s important to note that just because a product may call itself natural or green, it may not actually be that eco-friendly. Look for products that are certified by reputable third parties and save this list of green certifications to use as a reference when you’re in a pinch.
At Armoire, we stand behind our values through carrying female-owned labels and sustainable brands. That way you can feel ever better about your rented wardrobe and find new eco-friendly brands to love!

Learn more about How to Live a Sustainable Lifestyle, Even if You’re Super Busy.
Vote with Your Wallet
While you only hit the ballot box once a year, you hit the cash register nearly every day. While you may think your small purchase doesn’t make much of an impact, the combination of all of your small purchases certainly does.
Vote with your wallet and choose to spend your hard-earned dollars with companies that support women, fair wages, green environmental practices, and are transparent about their production. Spending your dollars supporting sustainable companies, takes those dollars away from companies that perpetuate the cycles of poverty and pollution.

Here’s a few smart shopping choices to get you started:
Extend the Life of Your Garments
Clothing holds an incredible amount of value and meaning. A well-cared for garment can stand the test of time and hold a special place in our heart. Now that you’re purchasing with a purpose, you want to make the most of every item
Spending a small amount of time and money now, can save you from needing to purchase something entirely new down the road. Make friends with a tailor and find a green dry cleaner in your ‘hood. You can save money by mending items with a small at-home sewing kit and being thoughtful about doing your laundry.

Add these items your at-home clothing repair kit:
Shop Outside the Box
Instead of always purchasing new garments, think of ways you can shop outside the box. Sustainable products often come with a higher price point, so this is a great option if you’re on a budget. By purchasing used, you’ll prevent new items from being produced and decrease the demand for fast fashion.
Find your next second-hand gem at a local vintage shop, flea market or thrift store. Host a clothing swap to share items with friends. Rent clothes for special events instead of purchasing them. If you’re looking for something specific, search on a clothing resale site before shopping in-store. Do anything you can to prevent new garments from coming into existence and maximizing those that already are!

Take your first step towards consuming more consciously by renting clothes with Armoire. Take our 3-minute style quiz to start your sustainable fashion journey today!
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How to Live a Sustainable Lifestyle, Even if You're Super Busy | Armoire
November 10, 2020 @ 2:19 pm
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