The most helpful thing I’ve done was to implement a 30-day buy ban. I’ve found that when I put time and distance between me and what I want — even for just a few days — I can better determine if this piece will genuinely add value to my life and not, say, wind up in the donation box at the end of the year. I also reevaluated what I love and absolutely detest, like anything polyester. Made from plastic, polyester sheds microplastic particles ( 700,000, in fact, according to this study ) into our waterways every time it’s washed. Now, when I’m not purchasing secondhand, I exclusively wear garments made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and TENCEL™ — a type of cellulose fibers made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (read: completely zero-waste) — that is not only soft to the touch, but is also comfortable and breathable. And since it's certified compostable and biodegradable, by wearing clothing made from 100% TENCEL™-branded fibers, I know I'm not contributing to landfill waste.