Some of us toss our garments from a simple flaw, like a broken zip, for example. But have we ever considered caring for our clothes and mending the damage instead?

The fashion industry is responsible for between 2 and 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental organization Wrap says that prolonging the life of a piece of clothing by just nine months can reduce its ecological effect by up to 10 percent. So how do we become sustainable fashionistas? The first step is to revisit your closet and look for new ways to style it. “Through creative styling, dresses can become skirts or tops; old becomes new again. It’s as if you just went shopping, and yet you never left your wardrobe,” says stylist Sam Weir. Second is care. Contrary to popular belief, washing clothes is quite harmful. Wash fewer items — and do so at a lower temperature, with gentle, natural laundry detergents, and inside out to avoid color and print fading. Third, proper storage. Clean garments should be stored away from direct sunshine and heat in cool, dry areas with enough space between the clothes to breathe. Finally, mending is your best friend if the garments are damaged. Encourage visible repair, which involves utilizing contrasting colored stitches, embroidered designs, and patching to mend clothing in unique ways. It not only relieves the stress of striving for perfection, but it’s also enjoyable.

Limit new purchases of clothes and keep the old ones with pride. Because what we need right now are not clothes but a safe and clean environment where trees, animals, and us can live comfortably.