Why We [Still] Have A Clothing Waste Problem
Let’s be honest – some of us are addicted to accumulating clothes, and when our overflowing closets demand a clear-out, the planet doesn’t always take precedence over convenience. According to Wrap, roughly 336,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing wind up in UK landfills each year. Globally, it’s more like 92 million tonnes. That’s enough textile to fill 60 thousand Olympic swimming pools.
Be part of the solution and not the problem with our simple tips to reduce clothing waste and maximise the wear you get out of your wardrobe.
Track your wears
There is an easy way to hold yourself accountable: Take note of each time you put something on, whether it’s a Sharpie mark on the care label or a written note in a dedicated clothing diary. This way, when it’s time to declutter your wardrobe, you can quickly remind yourself what you’ve worn least. You’ll probably spot a pattern in the kinds of pieces you’re not reaching for, and you can avoid these sections of the store next time you’re shopping.
Rework instead of replace
If your favourite jeans feel a little loose around the waist or that trusty evening dress no longer excites you, rework, don’t replace. A good tailor can breathe life into older garments, and the service usually costs less than buying something new. Bring along some inspirational shots from Instagram or Pinterest to help the tailor see your vision. Handy with a needle? Simple repairs can be done at home, and there are plenty of online tutorials to help you out if you’re new to the sewing game.
Switch and rent
Before you start filling up the plastic bags to take to the charity shop, invite your friends over to raid your to-go pile. Your ‘old’ clothes will feel new to them, and they’ll probably want to return the favour when they see how much space is freed up in your wardrobe. If you’re not yet ready to permanently part with an item, attending a swap can be, renting can be a great step.
Never attended one of Stories Behind Things clothes switching events? Keep an eye on our platform for our next release dates!