Tips for a Greener Wardrobe

Open your closet and ask yourself the right questions

Need new shoes, a pair of jeans, or something else to welcome the warmer months? First, take stock of your wardrobe. To help you make good decisions (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 doing the little exercise mentioned earlier, you’re bound to 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, or neighbors—or take them to a donation center! Another great option is to hold a clothing swap. How do you do that? It’s easy:

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

Green Shopping in Laval

You've donated and swapped, and now you've decided to buy some new clothes. Before heading to your 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 spending and impulse buys. Once you’re there, before putting any clothes in your shopping basket, pay special attention to the following:

• The chances that your love for a piece of clothing will last for years to come.
• The journey the garment has taken to reach you.
• The materials used (for example, choose fibers such as lyocell, organic cotton, linen, or hemp).
• The dyeing techniques and types of dyes used.
• The construction (we hope it will be sturdy).

However, whether you’re heading to your clothing swap or your shopping trip, choose 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).