Sustainability is a word that is thrown around a lot and isn't always completely understood.
Think about who made it
Was this item made by child laborers who are treated unfairly and paid poorly? Or was this item hand crafted by a well paid employee who has safe working conditions and fair pay? It may sound like something unavoidable or too far removed, but you vote with your money every time you pay for something. By financially supporting (aka. buying) from companies with harsh working conditions, you are supporting their choices. It can be more expensive, but it is a more sustainable purchase that also clears your conscience.
Think about how it was made
Similarly to who made the object, think of this purchase before it even resembled the final product. Is the fabric one that is going to degrade quickly and break down in the washing machine and pollute our water systems? Was it washed in countless harsh chemicals or dyed with harsh chemicals that will pollute the earth and your skin? Not only that, but will this product last? Is it a trend or is it something that will last for multiple seasons or years? These questions are for the good of the planet, but also your body. Your skin absorbs everything it comes in contact with, so ideally we only put good things on it.
Think about how long it will last
If this is clothing, is it fast fashion or something that you'll wear for multiple seasons? Is it a cheap fabric? Is it even comfortable? If this is any other type of product, think about how much you'll use it and if you already have something that does it's job. If you have doubts, maybe try to find a better option.
Think about the end of the products life cycle
When you are done with this product, does it go into a landfill? Or is it recycled? Composted? Can it be used for parts? Does your city even offer the right type of infrastructure to responsibly break this product down? It might be a long way to think in the future, but it matters where this product ends up when we are done with it.
Remember that it is a process and not an overnight change
You probably aren't going to be starting completely over in one day. It is okay to remember that a sustainable life style is a constant choice. You don't need to throw away all your plastic bottles in exchange for stainless steel ones just because the plastic one doesn't meet you new standards. It's partly about using something until it possibly be used anymore. Starting this process means starting with what you have, and that is valid too.
