We all know the fashion industry has had, and continues to have, a vast and lingering impact on our environment. From water usage to chemical pollution, the effect of fast fashion is staggering. But do you know exactly how bad it is in Australia alone?
According to Clean Up Australia, the not-for-profit Australian environmental conservation organisation, ‘Australians buy on average 56 new items per year, making Australia the second highest consumer of textiles per person in the world, after the USA. Each Australian disposes of an average of 23 kilograms of clothing to landfill yearly.
Wow.
Here at The Fitting Room and The Modern Gentry, we firmly believe how we consume fashion in our day-to-day can have a substantial positive impact on our little part of the world. We have always advocated for a sustainable approach and know our customers feel the same way. We pride ourselves in educating our customers on how to make those small changes in their wardrobes because the impact is not only better for the environment but also for the hip pocket.
So what are some ways you can create a more sustainable wardrobe?
1. Donate or swap clothes: If you no longer want a garment or it no longer fits, donate it to a local thrift store or exchange it with friends. This will keep clothes out of landfills and help promote a circular clothing economy.
2. Buy secondhand or vintage clothing: Buying secondhand or vintage clothing is an easy way to reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe. Shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale sites can be more affordable than buying new clothes.
3. Invest in high-quality, durable pieces: Fast fashion is a business model that encourages rapid turnover of clothing styles, resulting in a high volume of clothing waste. Instead, invest in higher-quality items that you love to wear, and will use season after season, eg. a high quality wool coat. If you choose well, investment pieces allow you to grow your forever wardrobe over time. Look for garments made from natural fibres like cotton, wool, or linen, as they are more comfortable to wear.
4. Repair and maintain your clothes: When clothes become worn or damaged, repair them instead of throwing them away. Basic repairs can go a long way in extending the life of your wardrobe. Additionally, tailoring a garment can help liven damaged or worn-out clothing, extending the garment’s life and preventing it from ending up in a landfill. This reduces the need for new clothing, which can help reduce the environmental impact of textile production.
It is the small steps we perform each day that will make the biggest impact. And although it may not seem like much at the time, making these small changes will eventually encourage the big ones.
We are always here to help, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or book an appointment at The Fitting Room or The Modern Gentry and see what we can do for you.
