Earth Month is the perfect time to evaluate how our clothing choices impact the environment, which is why we’re challenging our customers to adopt a more sustainable wardrobe. At OXXO Cleaners that Care, we know small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to creating a more sustainable future.
Ready to take on our Earth Month Challenge? Here are five ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable and eco-friendly while still looking your best.
1. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Investing in fewer, higher-quality garments reduces waste and creates a more sustainable wardrobe foundation.
When building a wardrobe, many of us fall into the “fast fashion” trap. That means buying trendy, inexpensive clothes that wear out quickly or go out of style. This cycle creates enormous textile waste, with the average American throwing away an alarming 81 pounds of clothing per year. Instead of keeping up with the latest trends, we encourage folks to focus on purchasing well-made pieces that will last for many years. Look for sturdy stitching, naturally made materials, and timeless designs that won’t quickly become outdated. Think of a wool peacoat, for instance. While quality items tend to cost more upfront, they typically offer better value over time, since you won’t need to replace them as frequently.
2. Opt for Natural and Organic Fibers
Natural fibers are generally more sustainable than synthetic alternatives and better for both your skin and the planet.
Conversely, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are essentially forms of plastic derived from petroleum. These materials release microplastics when washed and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Alternatively, choose clothing made from organic cotton, hemp, linen, or wool. These natural materials are renewable, biodegradable, and often require fewer chemicals to produce. They also tend to be more breathable and comfortable against your skin. When shopping, check labels for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX to ensure the materials meet specific environmental and social standards.
3. Extend Garment Life Through Correct Care
Caring well for your clothes is important because it significantly impacts their lifespan and environmental footprint.
Did you know that approximately 30% of a garment’s carbon footprint comes from how we wash and care for it? At OXXO Cleaners that Care, we understand that impact, which is why we have always used GreenEarth® Cleaning—a nontoxic, silicone-based solution that’s gentler on fabrics and breaks down into natural components. At home, here’s how you can extend your clothing’s lifespan:
- Wash your clothes less frequently and spot clean when possible.
- Use cold water and eco-friendly detergents.
- Air-dry clothes instead of using energy-intensive dryers.
- Follow the care label instructions carefully.
- Store your seasonal items properly to prevent damage.
4. Embrace Secondhand and Vintage Shopping
Purchasing pre-owned clothing keeps perfectly good garments out of landfills while giving you unique style options.
When trying to find the best clothing for the planet, the most sustainable piece of clothing is one that already exists. Thrift stores, consignment shops, vintage boutiques, and online marketplaces offer endless opportunities to find quality items at a fraction of their original price. Shopping secondhand not only reduces demand for new production but also prevents usable clothing from ending up in landfills. Many pre-owned items are barely worn, and you might even discover unique pieces that help define your personal style. Challenge yourself to source a percentage of your wardrobe from secondhand sources this Earth Month.
5. Recycle and Repurpose Old Clothing
When clothes reach the end of their wearable life, there are better options than throwing them away, like recycling and repurposing them.
Even the highest quality garments eventually wear out or no longer fit your needs. Instead of discarding them, consider these alternatives:
- Donate wearable items to local charities or shelters.
- Sell gently used pieces through consignment shops or on online platforms.
- Participate in retailer take-back programs. Many brands now accept old clothing for recycling.
- Repurpose damaged items into cleaning rags, quilts, or other household items.
- Find textile recycling programs that convert old fabrics into insulation, carpet padding, or other materials.
For items that can’t be repurposed, look for textile recycling bins in your community rather than sending them to landfills.
Take the Earth Month Challenge
Small changes in how you approach your wardrobe can make a meaningful difference for our planet. At OXXO Cleaners that Care, we’re committed to environmentally responsible practices through our GreenEarth Cleaning process, which eliminates harsh chemicals and helps your clothes last longer. This Earth Month, we invite you to join us in making more sustainable wardrobe choices with these five ways. Start by implementing just one of these suggestions, then gradually incorporate others as they become habits. Together, we can reduce fashion’s environmental impact while still expressing our personal style.
Ready to extend the life of your favorite garments with eco-friendly care? Download the OXXO app now or visit your nearest OXXO Cleaners that Care location today, and experience the difference that gentle, nontoxic cleaning can make for your wardrobe and our planet!
