I love clothes and shoes and bags and jewellery and… you get the picture. But I also love our planet, and being surrounded by hyper-consumption is exhausting and demoralising. Seems like a paradox, no? Well, it is possible to be environmental, sustainable and save some of your student budget while still satisfying your fashion cravings, and here’s how:

 1. Buy second hand (or as I like to call it, vintage)

You know that feeling when you buy something a little too indulgent? It’s great, for a while. But when that sudden satisfaction wears off, you can often be left with a hole of wallowing guilt about your shopaholic consumerist lifestyle.

“Maybe invest in staple pieces and save the impulse buys and trend purchases for the second hand alternatives.”

Buying recycled clothes can fill the gap without burning a hole in your purse. You can find amazing pieces in charity shops for a fraction of the price, while being good to the environment and contributing your cash to a good cause. It’s a win-win situation for the planet, those in need and your wallet! For those who don’t believe in selfless good deeds, it makes you feel good too. You get that warm glow of buying something new for yourself, with the added satisfaction that you’ve done something good for others. I know some may think trawling through tonnes of clothes is tedious, but when you find that hidden gem it’s completely worth it.

If you don’t fancy venturing out to the shops, there are some great sites online for buying second hand items too, such as Ebay and Oxfam. You can even download apps like Depop to help you update your wardrobe by buying and selling clothes.

 2. Do you love it? If you do, buy it from an ethical brand.

Ethically made clothing can sometimes be more expensive due to the added cost of fair wages and improved working conditions for the employees. However, with the added cost you also get better quality items that will last longer. It’s better to buy something ethical that will last longer rather than spending less on something that will need to be thrown out after a few wears.

If there is that special occasion or new item you are desperate to have brand new, research your favourite brands to find out if their products are made ethically. If you do make a purchase like this, question whether you really love it, if it is timeless and if it will add something new to your wardrobe. If not, I know it’s hard, but put it back. Maybe invest in staple pieces and save the impulse buys and trend purchases for the second hand alternatives. If more ethical brands are out of your price range, why not wait for the sales and grab yourself a bargain?

Trash Talk, episode one: Can we live without waste?

Some high-street brands have started new ranges of clothes that aim to be more ethical. ASOS has an ‘Eco Edit’ with more environmentally friendly clothing, H&M has a sustainable ‘Conscious’ clothing line and Urban Outfitters has ‘Urban Renewal’ with hand-picked vintage clothing. By supporting these more sustainable lines, hopefully the message will be heard and more retailers will follow suit.

 3. Other little tips and tricks

• If you’re feeling adventurous, why not let the creative juices flow and learn how to make your own clothes?
• Or, if you’re not feeling quite so brave, try checking out some businesses with locally made products.
• Buying from ethical brands can send a message, but you don’t have to stop there. Contact your favourite brands and ask them to improve.
• When you have your clothes, that’s not the end. Learn how to repair them so you don’t have to throw them out so soon. Wash your clothes only when needed (within reason, of course!) and use a lower temperature. It’s better for the environment and your student loan.

And finally, I hope you have a happy, prosperous, fashion-filled and ethical New Year!