How Australians Can Make Eco-Conscious Purchasing Decisions and Transition Away from Fast Fashion

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation worldwide. In Australia, the effects of fast fashion are particularly evident. Consumers often opt for cheap, disposable clothing that contributes to landfills and perpetuates poor working conditions abroad. However, many Australians are beginning to shift towards more sustainable purchasing habits. If you're considering transitioning away from cheap fast fashion, this blog will provide some practical tips to help you make more eco-conscious purchasing decisions, with a special focus on how to evaluate a product’s sustainability.

1. Understand the Real Cost of Fast Fashion

Before diving into sustainable choices, it's important to understand the hidden costs of fast fashion. In Australia, the average consumer buys 27 kilograms of clothing every year — equivalent to 56 items (Australian Bureau of Statistics). But many of these clothes are worn just a few times before being discarded, contributing to an estimated 23,000 tonnes of textile waste annually in our landfills. The sheer quantity of clothes purchased is one issue, but the environmental impact of these garments is even greater. Cheap clothing often uses synthetic materials like polyester, which take hundreds of years to decompose and release microplastics into our oceans.

When it comes to sustainability, the best way to start is by shifting your perspective: every purchase you make has a wider impact. Choose clothing and accessories that last longer, are made from better materials, and were produced with ethical practices.

2. Evaluate Materials: Opt for Natural and Sustainable Fabrics

When evaluating the sustainability of a product, start by looking at the materials. Fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and silk are biodegradable, unlike synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are derived from petroleum and contribute to the microplastic problem. Even though natural fabrics may come at a higher upfront cost, they last longer and are more sustainable in the long run.

For example, sustainable materials like organic cotton, which uses fewer pesticides and water than conventional cotton, or hemp, which is durable and requires little water or pesticides to grow, can make a significant difference in reducing environmental harm. Fabrics such as Tencel (made from sustainably sourced wood pulp) or bamboo are also excellent eco-friendly options, offering both softness and durability.

For accessories like bags, look for items made from natural or upcycled materials. My handmade bags, for example, are crafted using a combination of eco-friendly fabrics and reclaimed materials. These products offer an alternative to the disposable nature of fast fashion.

3. Check for Ethical Production Practices

The sustainability of a product goes beyond just the material it’s made from—it also depends on how it’s produced. Ethical production practices focus on fair labor conditions, ensuring workers are paid a fair wage, treated well, and work in safe environments. When purchasing from brands, check for certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, or Ethical Clothing Australia, which demonstrate a commitment to ethical labor standards.

In Australia, where local manufacturing is being revitalised, supporting locally made goods is an excellent way to ensure ethical practices. My products, for example, are made in small batches by me, right here in Brisbane, Australia, which not only supports local artisans like myself, but ensures that workers are treated fairly throughout the production process.

A sustainable, locally made product often carries a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation distances. Moreover, smaller-scale production means better quality control, which often results in longer-lasting products that won’t need to be replaced as often.

4. Prioritise Durability Over Trendy, Cheap Items

One of the primary issues with fast fashion is the lack of durability. The constant cycle of trends in cheap clothing leads to items that fall apart quickly. The 2019 Australian Textile Waste Report found that Australians dispose of 23,000 tonnes of textiles annually, with nearly 85% of these items being sent to landfill. Instead of buying five items that will wear out in a season, why not buy one high-quality item that will last for years?

Durability doesn’t just refer to the fabric; it’s also about the construction of the product. Look for products that are designed with longevity in mind. Sturdy stitching, quality fastenings, and thoughtful design are all key indicators of a well-made item.

For example, one of my premium handmade bags—like the Up, Up, and Away quilted bag—is crafted with durable materials and features quality stitching, meaning you won’t need to replace it anytime soon. While it may come at a higher price point than a cheap, fast-fashion bag, the cost per wear over time is far less, and you’ll have a timeless, classic piece in your wardrobe.

5. Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Embrace Slow Fashion

Transitioning away from fast fashion means changing your buying habits. Instead of constantly purchasing new clothing, embrace the concept of "slow fashion." This involves buying less, but choosing carefully and thoughtfully. Focus on timeless pieces that can be styled in various ways and will last through multiple seasons.

Ask yourself: Do I really need this? When purchasing new clothing or accessories, evaluate if it fills a genuine gap in your wardrobe or if it’s simply an impulse buy. Slow fashion emphasises investing in pieces that suit your personal style and are versatile enough to wear over time.

The same approach applies when considering sustainable accessories. When you buy a Signature Tote or a Rainbow Lorikeet Bag, you're not just purchasing a trendy item. You’re making a thoughtful, long-term investment in a high-quality product that can be used for years.

6. Support Brands that Align with Your Values

Finally, support brands and businesses that prioritise sustainability and ethics in their operations. Small businesses, especially those that focus on handmade, locally produced items, often offer transparency about their production practices and are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Supporting local artisans and makers helps to foster a community of creators who care about quality, sustainability, and ethical production. It’s not just about the price tag—it’s about the values behind the product.

Conclusion

Making eco-conscious purchasing decisions requires a shift in mindset, but the impact is significant. By prioritising high quality, sustainable materials, supporting ethical production practices, and buying fewer, more durable items, you can help reduce your environmental impact while saving money in the long run. For Australians, choosing sustainable fashion and accessories— like my handmade bags — offers not only a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion but also the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet.

If you're ready to transition to a more eco-conscious wardrobe, consider investing in products that align with your values, like those offered by small local businesses committed to sustainability.

Together, we can help shift the fashion industry toward a greener future.

References:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020). "Australian Clothing and Textile Waste"

• Australian Textile Waste Report (2019). "Australia’s Textile Waste Crisis"