While retailers definitely have their work cut out for them to follow more sustainable and ethical practices, consumers can also make a huge difference in terms of fashion waste. There are some easy things you can do to reduce your environmental impact and help sustainable fashion:

• Buy less - it might be tempting and fun to follow the trends and update your wardrobe every few weeks, but it’s incredibly wasteful. Instead of chasing the latest look, figure out your own style and find a few pieces that can work well together. Your wallet will thank you.

• Take care of your clothes - did you know that using a dryer actually reduces the longevity of your garment? If you want to keep your clothes looking fresh for longer, line-dry them. Not only will they last longer, but you also don’t have to worry about unfortunate shrinkage.

• Learn basic mending - Sometimes you’ll pop a seam. Other times you might pop a button. Regardless, if you know how to sew, you can fix these issues in less than 10 minutes. If you don’t know how to sew, there are plenty of video tutorials online.

With more and more people worried about the environmental impact of fast fashion, more companies are stepping up to the plate and re-evaluating their production model. H&M launched its Conscious line, which aims to reduce its footprint by using organic or recycled materials. Other companies are following suit and finding ways to maintain their quick turnaround while also reducing their impact.