Genuine leather not only leads to the death of millions of animals globally, but also causes water pollution, land devastation, and carbon emissions.

Did you know that the fashion industry accounts for 10% of carbon emission and 20% of waste water globally?

With the current environmental concerns we all share as global citizens, one term that has gained popularity is "sustainability." In the context of fashion, this term stands for the proposition that people switch ecologically sustainable lifestyle brand that are durable, long-lasting, and do not harm our planet.

Here are some tips on how you can dress in an eco-friendly manner:

1. Think Before You Buy

The minute your favorite fast-fashion brand calls a sale, you may find this overwhelming urge to rush and collect clothes for the next three seasons. Before you do this, stop and think. Every year brands like Zara, H&M, and Top Shop churn out more than 840 million garments. These brands focus on trend, quick turnaround and quantity, instead of quality, which is why you'll notice their materials aren't durable and long lasting.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself before buying a piece of clothing:

How long will this last?

How many times will I wear this?

Is it worth the purchase?

Only after you're completely satisfied with your answers should you go ahead and make a purchase. It's advisable to shop for basic clothing that can be re-worn in different styles for different occasions. For example, a basic white t-shirt can be worn with a pair of jeans, under a denim dress, or even with a formal pantsuit—the possibilities are endless.

2. Avoid Real Leather

Now that the winter season is here, you'll notice an array of genuine leather jackets on display in storefronts. However, leather doesn't only causes the suffering and deaths of billions of animals globally, but it also contributes to climate change, pollution, and ocean contamination.

To turn animal skin into leather, manufacturers use tons of chemicals and energy. You'll find several other winter jackets in sustainable fashion stores that will keep your style game high while reducing your carbon footprint.

3. Choose Handmade Jewelry

Jewelry produced in bulk for big brands undergo a rigorous chemical process that releases carbon emissions, polluting the environment. We recommend switching to unique, handmade, best ethical jewelry brands instead, as not only are they gorgeous, but are also eco-friendly.

4. Sustainable Clothing All the Way

Now that the environmental issues are surfacing on the news, a few designers are taking a step forward to produce handmade ethical clothing. Their sheer focus is on the material's quality as they aim to avoid any discarded items ending up in landfills. This not only saves you money but also helps the environment in several ways.

Equal Hands - One Viable Alternative

If you’re looking for sustainable fashion luxury brands, shop with Equal Hands. We're a leading luxury sustainable fashion brand that offers unique and fashionable clothes that are both stylish and comfortable.

Whether you're looking for eco-friendly women’s clothing or handmade jewelry, we've got you covered.

This post originally appeard on Equal Hands