Eco-fashion tips

ADPARA>1. Go vintage Re-purpose and recycle old clothes to give them a new lease of life. Buy clothes at flea markets and garage sales and modify them.

2. Re-use materials Try being creative and re-make a new dress using fabrics from old clothes that you've abandoned. Designer Carmanita re-used flood-contaminated fabric, while Lenny Agustin used leftover scraps in her designs.

3. Hand clothes down Give away any clothes that are sitting in mint condition at the back of your cupboard, or hold a garage sale. There is nothing wrong with wearing hand-me-downs.

4. The brand matters. Though still rare, there are some designers here who use sustainable materials such as hemp, bamboo and pandanus leaves. Big brands such as Levi Strauss, Victoria's Secret and Esprit are increasingly offering organic cotton products, which are made of cotton grown using minimal chemicals.

5. Friendly accessories Rather than choosing shoes made of leather, go with wedges. The same goes for bags. Choose bags made from materials such as rattan, bamboo or canvas.

6. Be Fair Try and make purchases that are supported by the Fair Trade Association the next time you shop, or ask the manufacturer the origin of the materials and the production process. This is to make sure that the clothes and accessories are made from highly sustainable materials that were harvested so as not to harm the environment and were produced in a good working condition.