Laila Sørensen, founder and designer of Sensify, is one of the pioneers of sustainable fashion in Portugal. After getting a degree in fashion design she left Denmark and came to Portugal in search of technical knowledge for which the Portuguese textile industry is so renowned. And then she combined that with her concern for the environment resulting in the creation of Sensify and the aspiration to change the face of fashion.

These are 10 simple steps to a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. CHOOSE NATURAL FIBERS

As the fashion industry is the most polluting one, since it has already surpassed the oil sector, we all have a responsibility towards the environment and our health in general. Given this, I always choose natural fibers. I carefully read the labels inside the clothes and I never choose synthetic compositions such as polyester, polyamide and acrylic. Because they are plastic!

2. INCREASE POSSIBILITIES THROUGH MULTIFUNCTIONALITY

I always like to opt for versatile, multifunctional and quality pieces of clothing. To be able to wear them more often and increase their combinations. That way, I can have fewer pieces and use the ones I have on more occasions throughout the year. I always think that cheap is expensive and that a quality purchase or choice can last longer.

3. CHOOSE TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF YOUR FOOD CHOICES

For food I always choose organic products and preferably from local producers. For health reasons and because of the environmental impact. Since this type of food does not use fertilizers or pesticides. And as they are from nearby regions, in their transport smaller amounts of carbon dioxide are released. This option for organic farming products helps to restore the harmony of nature.

4. WALK WHENEVER YOU CAN

I love to walk and whenever the distances allow it, I go by foot or by bicycle. It’s a way to exercise, it’s more economical and at the same time it saves the environment. Also for these reasons I prefer to climb stairs rather than use the elevator.

5. GO FOR ECOLOGICAL DETERGENTS

When cleaning the house, I always choose natural products like lemon and vinegar because they are good substitutes for traditional bleach. When I buy detergents, I choose products that are ecologically responsible.

6. LOOK FOR DIGITAL ALTERNATIVES

I do my best to be aware at all times and make more sustainable choices in all areas of my life. In terms of work, I always assess whether there is a digital solution. I choose to send correspondence by email or save documents digitally to avoid printing on paper.

7. NOURISH YOUR SKIN NATURALLY

I follow a simple rule: whatever I can eat, I can also apply on my skin. So I use olive oil and essential oils, especially coconut, on my skin because they are absorbed directly. Absorption takes place most effectively through the skin. Because when ingested, food ends up being filtered by the digestive system, and in this way the first layer of skin retains all the nutrients.

Laila Sørensen

WE CAN’T CHANGE EVERYTHING IN ONE DAY BUT WE HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE

8. CHOOSE REUSABLE UTENSILS

I pay special attention to what I consume and my choices are as sustainable as possible. At home, and especially in the kitchen, I like to have glass, crockery and porcelain utensils instead of plastic or paper.

9. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

I prefer prevention to medicine. And that’s why I always give preference to alternative and natural medicines.

10. WARM CLOTHES SAVE HEATING

In Portugal, houses in winter are quite cold, but even so, I prefer to wear warmer clothes and even more clothes than opt for heating with a negative environmental impact. We cannot change everything in one day, but we have to be responsible and continue to improve and contribute to a better world.”

An earlier version of this post, by Sandra Dias, was published in 2019 on www.terramotto.com

• 10 Steps to a more Sustainable Lifestyle
• How the pandemic is changing the way we dress and live