How To: Green your wardrobe

Wearing vintage clothing is one of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your fashion choices—short of walking around naked.

You Will Need:
* A vintage store
* A sewing kit
* A resale shop
* Eco-safe laundry detergent
* A clothesline
* And an environmentally conscious dry cleaner

Step 1: Read labels
Look for natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, cashmere, bamboo, hemp, and linen.

Step 2: Avoid synthetics
Avoid new synthetic fabrics made with petrochemicals, such as acrylic, polyester, rayon, nylon, or anything labeled stain-proof or wrinkle resistant. Many such fabrics are treated with chemicals that not only impact the environment, but also may be absorbed or inhaled directly.

Step 3: Look for natural dyes
Botanically dyed or color-grown cotton provides natural variety.

Step 4: Think classic not trendy
Try not to load up on trendy items that you will throw away after one season. Be willing to pay a bit more for a high-quality classic that will last for years.

Step 5: Buy vintage
When shopping for clothes, accessories, and jewelry, check your local consignment or thrift store for vintage items.

Step 6: Make over old clothes
Don't but new clothes unless you have to. Extend the life of what you already own with a stylish makeover—such as new buttons or trim.

Step 7: Donate used items
When finished with an item of clothing, instead of discarding it, hand it down to a friend or charity, or donate it to a resale shop.

Step 8: Use a green dry cleaner
Many natural fabrics wash beautifully in cold water by hand, but if you must dry-clean something, look for an environmentally conscious dry cleaner.

Step 9: Use nontoxic detergent
Launder your clothes with a nontoxic detergent that is free of dyes and artificial fragrances. Powdered detergent is easiest on the environment.

Step 10: Use a clothesline
Consider air-drying at least some of your clothes on a clothesline, to save on electricity.