Around the world, humans get dressed each day. Did you know a few small changes to how we manage and refresh our wardrobe can make a big impact on the planet and for other people?
“Did you think about swapping clothes? Surely you secretly wanted to try on your girlfriend’s dress or even ask if you can borrow her designer bag? Why not? It is not a new trend, it is happening now all over the world.”
Everyone is now interested in sustainability. We hear about it on tv, radio, on different media
channels but how do YOU identify with the topic? We, as women and men, can really relate to something if it is in our immediate control or if we are affected by it. When you get up in the morning, what is it that you are thinking about next? What to wear, right?
Every morning be the change.
You see, making change relatable to each of us as individuals is where we will create the connection to sustainability. You may have heard the statistics about, how many litres of water are needed to make the jeans (do you really need another pair?) or how many litres of water are needed to get that white cotton shirt for you. Not sure about the jeans statistics? Well, to make a pair of jeans it takes approx. 7600 litres of water. Think about it, how many litres of water do you drink a day, 2L? Imagine what else we could do with that water other than making jeans.
Stop impulsive buying and become a savvy shopper.
So now, what can we do as consumers?
Step one, get educated and rewire your brain. You don’t need another pair of jeans, no you don’t need to buy it only because it is on sale (you wouldn’t buy it if it wasn’t right?) The fast fashion industry is thriving, in layman's terms, these are your favourite affordable brands, like Zara and H&M, and these companies are producing garments on weekly basis with the intention of it being worn and torn within few washes so it can be easily replaced by another “affordable” garment, and you will not feel sad throwing away the old one that fell apart.
Step two, buy quality to last, save up for that favourite piece because trust me, you will get years of wear out if it.
Step three, open up to new opportunities and buy second-hand. Some of you might think, "oh I don’t want to wear something someone else has worn". Guess what? When you buy that “new” item in the store you don’t know if someone wore it and returned it and now you bought it. Remember, if it's new to you, it is still new.
Step four, wash clothes using low temperature and also wash when they are dirty, not after one wear unless you were in an area where it was funky smelling.
Drum Roll Please.... Have Fun, Swap and Donate!
Did you ever think about swapping clothes? Surely you secretly wanted to try on your girlfriend’s dress or even ask if you can borrow her designer bag? Why not? It is not a new trend, it is happening now all over the world. There are global swapping events being organised where people can sell their own fashion and luxury items and people can even get styling and sustainable fashion tips for their new pieces.
This might seem like a lot to digest, but take small steps and start with your wardrobe today. Discover some hidden treasures, swap with friends, repair that jacket that you love, upcycle (make it into something else) your old clothes e.g. jeans into jeans skirt or jacket? Become creative and original. And never hesitate to donate what you aren't wearing to a charity or shelter so that someone who really needs clothes can look great too.
The journey starts with you...
~ Dana
#fastfashion #ESG #BeTheImpact #InKind2030 #clothingswap #donate #getsmart #vintagefashion #prelovedrevolution