Pretty much everyone with access to the internet or a nearby high street with enough money has probably done it. Buying our clothes new from stores or online is a significant feature of our modern-day society. Gone are the days of sewing your own clothes, replaced by a convenient and cheap element of today’s consumerism.
And yet, in a time when our environment is at such great a risk, we do not begin to consider the implications that this has. We are told to turn off the tap when we brush our teeth, recycle our papers and opt for public transport over driving. Yet the mainstream of environmental advice often ignores one of the biggest polluters of our time- the textile industry.
Here’s where my authority on the topic pretty much ends. Okay I studied textiles GCSE and A-Levels, and there were always modules on the environmental impact of textiles. Side note, this was probably the least popular course at school, so the wisdom of Mrs Russell did not spread far. Regardless, there’s no way I can relay the statistics and info that I learnt four years ago, not to mention that I hardly have the authority. Basically, the energy, chemicals and waste that the industry produces has a huge impact on fucking up our environment. For more informative info check out these TEDx Talks that really highlight the significance of the problem. If you really give a fuck about global warming, I urge you to watch:
So, what can we do? First, it’s probably time to say bye bye to our beloved Primark and H&M. As Dean suggests in her talk, buying durable clothes and recycling your textiles is a great start. This already cuts down the huge impact of throwaway fashion, and takes money away from the huge corporations which take from our environment and exploit workers. Quality over quantity, as they say. Question your wardrobe. Do you really need all of that shit? I, for one, am guilty of owning a load of clothes that I probably wear 10% of, sucked into the pretty dresses in Zara or cheap jumpers in Primark.
Infographic creds: recyclingtoday.net
However, if you are a hardcore earth lover, there is one simple habit that you should consider changing- high street shopping. It’s time to surrender our addiction to new clothes, there is more than enough reusable items of clothing on this planet to sufficiently clothe us for the rest of our lives. For those that struggle to afford new clothing anyway, charity shops are a great option, especially for anyone who loves a good rummage. There isn’t a feeling quite like finding a sassy dress or t-shirt for £1, knowing that you probably won’t see anyone else wearing it. Not to mention the fact that you’re supporting charity, instead of greedy CEOs that don’t give a damn about human rights or the earth that we live on.
Still struggling to find decent clothes? Then there’s second hand online shopping, a gold mine for high street and vintage items. Ebay is a great start- just search whatever you need and you’re guaranteed a plethora of options for prices significantly less than on the high street. There’s also some great apps, Vinted, Depop and Tradesy to name a few. There apps have huge communities of people, selling second-hand clothes, often in perfect condition. You can become a seller too, and get some extra dolla for those items collecting dust in the back of your wardrobe.
Or are you feeling extra fancy? Maybe the Ebay bids on high end pieces keep exceeding your budget. No worries, ThreadUp has got you covered. They buy and sell second hand clothing online; anything from Zara to Chanel, they’ve got it. A great alternative for those who simply don’t have the patience to rifle through grandma’s old clothes. Another great thing about ThreadUp is that you can sell your clothes right back to them, completing the life cycle of a garment without it ending up in the fashion morgue, your local landfill.
As Dean stated in her talk, you really are what you wear. We like to think that we are passive consumers but we don’t have to be. We are investing our money into an industry that is incredibly harmful to our environment, that has often gone unnoticed by advocates of a greener lifestyle. Luckily, with one simple change, we can make a personal contribution to giving back to our planet that has given so much to us.
Shameless self-promo: if I’ve inspired you feel free to check out my second -hand clothing on Ebay and Depop. Considering the significance of selling my clothing inspired this post, and it opened a barrage of crazy deep shit about the industry, of which I had no idea of the extent of. I’m saving up to fund my gap year travels and every penny counts, so help me see the world AND save it all at once, whilst adding some sassy new items to your wardrobe.
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