Tips for a greener wardrobe

Open up your wardrobe and ask yourself the right questions

Need new shoes, jeans or anything else to welcome the warm weather? First, take stock of your wardrobe. To help you make the right decisions (because the idea is to get rid of the superfluous and buy only the essentials), examine each item of clothing and pair of shoes and ask yourself:

• How long has it been since I've worn it? If the answer is more than a year, chances are you won't be wearing it again.
• Is it comfortable?
• Does it still suit my style, my work and my tastes?
• Is it too small or too big?
• Do I feel like myself when I wear this garment or these shoes?

Give to others or exchange clothes

Following the little exercise mentioned above, you're bound to find yourself with a few pieces of clothing on your hands. Don't throw them away! Give them to the next person in line, a family member, a friend, someone in the neighborhood, or take them to a donation center! Another interesting option is to exchange clothes. How do you go about it? It's easy:

• Invite a small number of people (between 5 and 15).
• Find the perfect place to make the swap.
• Put a value on each piece of clothing using clothes pins to encourage fair trade.
• Enjoy this moment with good company!

Green shopping in Laval

You've given and exchanged, and now you've decided to buy some new clothes. Before you head off to your favourite mall or your favorite local boutiquemake a list of what you'll need. Keep it handy and stick to what you've written down to avoid unnecessary spending and impulse buying. On the spot, before putting the clothes in your little basket, pay particular attention to the following items:

• Chances are your love for a garment will transcend the years.
• The path taken by the garment to reach you.
• The materials used (for example, opt for fibers such as lyocell, organic cotton, linen or hemp).
• Techniques and types of dyeing used.
• Construction (we want it to be sturdy).

However, whether you're heading to your clothing swap or shopping spree, opt for public transit. It's more efficient, cleaner and more economical with the 360 shuttle (available weekends, holidays and every day in summer).