Why? The fashion industry is on track to become one of the world’s most polluting industries second only to oil.
Really?
THROWAWAY FACT
Every 5 MINUTES
we produce 1 million pieces of clothing. More than half get thrown away in less than a year.
Yes, believe it or not it’s responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than shipping and aviation combined! That’s mainly down to fast fashion, buying more than we need, wearing it too few times to mention, left hanging in our wardrobes unused or discarded while we shop for more.
That says it all, but let’s elaborate. Raw materials are the big one, but it’s also water (one pair of jeans takes 8,000 litres to make), transport, packaging etc.
Myth buster: Cotton (unless it’s organic) isn’t as good as we might think - takes a ton of water and pesticide to produce and destroys the land. Nylon and polyester are pretty bad too. Linen is good!
Ok got it. So how do I take action?
Challenging the current MO of fashion is going to be essential to change things. The positive news is the industry is shifting towards sustainabilty so it will hopefully soon be easier to buy the ‘right’ stuff, if we need to buy it at all. Mainly we should be buying much less and looking out for second-hand if we do.
For now, let’s start with what we’ve got already and do a Marie Kondo. This week, take an honest peek in your wardrobe - does every item in your wardrobe spark joy?! Pick out at least one - that is high quality and well made - that doesn’t or that you just never wear:
Give it or swap it with a similar sized friend. Or organise a swap day at work where everyone brings in something.
Take it down to your local ‘Worn Once’ or charity shop. If it’s work wear something like Dress for Success is brilliant as you’re really helping someone in the process too.
Get it altered or repaired, so you can start wearing it again.
Generally, let’s be deliberate when we buy something new and go with the Buy Once vs Buy to Wear Once rule of thumb. Watch out for the great circular fashion models that are coming like Patagonia and Rapanui who accept "take backs" of their own clothing to recycle themselves.
But will it cost me more money?
Quality can and should cost more. But if we buy cherishable staples we’ll be breaking more than even in no time. Recycling, sharing, reselling will save us money or make us some.
We…
Aimee: Ok, I’m making a public commitment here. I’m going to buy from makers who either use sustainable materials and/or will recycle clothes I’ve bought from them.
Sonia: When I do buy, I’m going to be strict with myself, using this question tree:
Do I really need it? Do I love it? Will I wear it a lot? Will it last? Any no’s and it goes.
“This is how we tell. Buy little and buy well.”
It’s serious. So let’s make some serious noise.
Please like, share, forward, comment, tweet. It’s on us all.