What we wear says a lot about who we are. Are you buying outfits to follow the latest trend, or, to be you? The growth of the fast fashion industry means, a new outfit can cost the same as a takeaway. But, for all the benefits of cheap clothing, there are major cons to consider.
As a collective society, we need to be aware of the impacts that fast fashion has on the environment and biodiversity of the planet, which is a contributor to Climate Change.
Globally, fashion produces 10% of annual carbon emissions, and if the industry continues, by 2030 an increase of 50% of greenhouse gas emissions will ensue.
If the we are serious about slowing Climate Change and reaching Net Zero emissions, our use of emissions need to reduce, and certainly not increase!
The industry’s negative impacts do not stop at emissions, it heavily pollutes water with hazardous chemicals and dyes, consumes tonnes of freshwater, it is energy intensive from production to wear, and supports deforestation for unsustainable cotton and other natural textile farms.
Buy quality pieces that go with a variety of outfits. A dress can be worn in summer but may easily be worn under a jumper in winter!
You can find businesses online retailers- like John Lewis, where they rent out designer clothes which can cost half the price, and it is worn many times after. Other brands are available, check on high streets for independent options!
You can easily swap clothes in your family or with your friends. Alternatively advertise on Vinted or Facebook Marketplace! Visit the Running a Clothes Swap link below to find out more about running your own event…
Look at the supply chain, where is the product made and how, try to get past it being “Designed in the UK” which can be “Greenwashing”, your clothing may almost completely be made overseas in countries with less regulated social and environmental laws, concealing the big picture. The “Good on You” app provides information on some fashion designers’ environmental and social impacts.
Thousands of clothing items are thrown away before they are worn, it is simple to hand sew holes and rips that can occur in clothing items. Tailor your items to suit your body, there is no need to throw clothes away that can simply be turned up or cinched in the waist. If you would like to see how, there are great online tutorials to sign up to or even on YouTube with Tips/tutorial video.
Cotton is biodegradable but usually comes with a high environmental impact price tag, try looking for certified organic cotton garments or alternatives, like Tencel, organic hemp or linen textile garments. Many brands offer organic clothes, such examples as Lucy and Yak, People Tree, Organic Basics, and other brands available.
If you can, buy items with warranty and repair services- Patagonia as an example, is a leading brand in free repairs for life when buying their apparel an encourage any item not being used to be recycled. Other brand are available.
Washing clothing items contributes to the most energy intensive phase of its life and releases microplastics that get into our water systems and end up in our oceans. This contributes to emissions to global warming, water insecurity and loss of biodiversity. Click here to find eco-friendly laundry tips.
Tops into skirts, dresses into tops… You can work wonders with a pair of scissors, or even just a needle and thread to embroid a new life to an old garment.
If you need to recycle unwanted and fully worn clothes, theses can be responsibly recycled by donating to a registered charity or using the textile collection bin.
Watch our video below to shop Pre-loved with Content Creator Amy Lorenz
Retailers that are upfront and have organic certifications or “Eco-Labels” are more trustworthy as they maintain practices and standards that are regulated to not be harmful for the environment.
Retailers that claim they are “Recycled”, “Non-toxic” and “Organic” but have no certification or “Eco-Label”, do not share the information on the whole supply chain (i.e. from production to consumer) and follow fashion trends, are not sustainable.
See the link below to see the best Eco-Labels to look out for when buying new.
If you don’t have the money or the ability to make the changes we talk about on this page, please don’t worry, the weight of the world is not on your shoulders. It’s important to point out that with all environmentally friendly choices that your best is always enough. This is not to say that we don’t all have a responsibility to make changes, but if your financial situation is your limiting factor then it’s okay that waste reduction and recycling is not your priority.
Slowing Down Fashion Checklist
20 surprising facts on the impact from fast fashion on Climate Change
Chelmsford Repairing, Mending and Alterations List