Tips for a Greener Wardrobe

Open your closet and ask yourself the right questions

Need some new shoes, a pair of jeans, or something else to welcome the warmer weather? First, take stock of your wardrobe. To help you make the right choices (because the idea is to get rid of the unnecessary and buy only the essentials), look at each piece of clothing and pair of shoes and ask yourself:

• How long has it been since I last wore it? If the answer is more than a year, chances are you won’t wear it again.
• Is it comfortable?
• Does this still reflect my style, my work, and my tastes?
• Is it too small or too big?
• Do I feel like myself when I wear this outfit or these shoes?

Pass it on or swap clothes

After completing the little exercise mentioned earlier, you’ll inevitably end up with a few pieces of clothing you don’t need. Don’t throw them away! Give them to someone else—a family member, friends, neighbors—or take them to a donation center! Alternatively, another great option is to host a clothing swap. How do you do it? It’s easy:

• Invite a small group of people (between 5 and 15).
• Find a the perfect place to make the exchange.
• Assign a value to each item of clothing using clothespins to encourage fair exchanges.
• Enjoy this moment in good company!

Shop green in Laval

You’ve donated and traded clothes, and now you’ve decided to buy some new ones. Before heading to your shopping mall or your favorite local store, make a list of what you’ll need. Keep it handy and stick to what you’ve written down to avoid unnecessary expenses and impulse buys. Once you’re there, before putting clothes in your shopping basket, pay close attention to the following:

• The chance that your love for a piece of clothing will stand the test of time.
• The journey a garment takes to reach you.
• The materials used (for example, choose fibers such as lyocell, organic cotton, linen, or hemp).
• The dyeing techniques and types of dye used.
• The construction (we hope it will be sturdy).

However, whether you’re heading to your clothing swap or your shopping trip, opt for public transportation. It’s more efficient, cleaner, and more economical with the 360 shuttle (available on weekends, holidays, during the holiday season, and every day in the summer).