Waste reduction is a big mission. Luckily, it’s one we can all contribute to. Loving less-than-perfect fruit and vegetables is one great way to help the planet. However, you can take your sustainability further by bringing it from the pantry to your wardrobe. Sustainable fashion doesn’t have to mean fugly outfits. All it takes is some simple steps to giving your clothes a second life.
Fast Fashion
We all love a good bargain. Fast fashion is always tempting, offering trendy clothes at too-good-to-be-true prices. However, these low prices come at a high cost to our environment, using both unsustainable materials and unethical labour practices. Not only is fast fashion harmful to our planet, but also to your wallet in the long run as cheap materials are used to create low quality products that don’t last. Clothing that is only designed for a few wears only adds to landfill, where it’s abandoned to take years to decompose.
So next time you see that seemingly unmissable deal on fast fashion, consider investing in something higher quality that will last longer and save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for clothes made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp. These materials not only last longer but are also less harmful to the environment.
Repairing Clothes
Just because that shirt has a tear, it doesn’t mean it’s ready for landfill. So much of the clothes we throw out could be easily fixed instead. Simple fixes such as sewing a button back on or patching up a hole can be done at home without much effort. If you're not confident in your repair skills, you can take your clothes to a tailor or seamstress. This is a win-win; saving yourself money while also protecting the environment!
Repairing your clothes can even provide you with a chance to personalise them. You can add patches, embroidery, or even dye them to give them a whole new life. This way, you can keep up with trends without buying entirely new pieces.
Donating to Op Shops
Of course, you can’t hold on to every piece of clothing. Whether it no longer fits or if you just don’t want it anymore, you can extend the life of your unwanted clothes by donating them to op stores. This way, you’re not only helping the environment, but also local charities and those in search of more affordable clothing.
Perhaps you don’t want to contribute to fast fashion, but just can’t afford more expensive higher quality clothes. This is where thrifting is perfect! Op stores are full of beautiful and vintage pieces, just waiting for you to find them. You’ll be surprised what unique clothing thrift stores sell, that you won’t find in fast fashion stores. Buying pre-loved clothes is a great way to give a second life to clothes that are way too good to be thrown away.
Mix and Match Your Style
Fast fashion will tell you that you can’t re-wear an outfit out, or that you shouldn’t mix sets. However, mixing and matching your style is a great way to breathe new life into your outfits, creating a look that feels entirely new. Let the creative juices flow through you and see what exciting creations you can come up with!
As we can see, fashion doesn’t have to be costly to you or to the environment. There’s plenty of ways to give our beloved clothes a second life. Let's work together to make the way we dress more sustainable and ethical!
