What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is a way we keep resources in circulation for as long as possible while getting the maximum use out of the material. Clothing and garments made under a circular economy are made using a considerate model where the start and end of a garments life are equally important - the product is repurposed into something else when it can no longer be worn in its original state.
Instead of wearing and disposing of an item of clothing, under a circular economy we wear, reuse and recycle our clothing. This can be turning an old jumper into a skirt, or a tea towel, or even hair accessories - something that you will get use out of.
Key points surround circular fashion (Source: Goodonyou):
Use less materials so recycling is easier
Strive to remove non-recylcable and/or polluting materials which exist in the supply chain
Save every piece of scrap material to be re-used
Try to re-use the item for as long as possible - e.g. donate, collection scheme, sell second hand
Bring materials back to their original state if possible
Dispose of unavoidable waste back to nature in a safe way
Source: GoodOnYou
The impact of fashion
GoodOnYou had reported that "global consumption of apparel is expected to almost double from 62 million to 102 million tonnes by 2030, yet clothing use has dropped by 40%!" The waste that is now being produced from textiles is around 92 million tonnes per year in landfill, and these materials take hundreds of years to breakdown, and whilst they do break down they release methane into the atmosphere.
It is super important that we start to think about what we are buying and make a change to our shopping habits. How come we are using less clothing, but buying more? What is the point in having clothes that just sit in our wardrobes? I once read a handy tip to help decide when you should think about selling or re-using an item if you are unsure - put all the hangers in your wardrobe facing one direction, and when you wear the item that hangs on that specific hanger, switch it so it faces the other direction (only change the direction once), and then after a month or two, you can tell which items you have been wearing often, and which you can give to your best friend, sell on Depop, cut and stitch into something new or give to your local charity shop.
Source: Mochni
How do you know what brands are sustainable?
If you check out GoodOnYou - either download the app or type it into your search bar - a lot of brands have been rated to help distinguish where we should shop. Fashion Revolution Transparency Index is also a good document to utilise which shows where to shop. Sometimes, it can be best to do your own research as some brands "greenwash" - check out my Instagram to find out some more information about this (@sustainablelucy).
So, what can you do as a consumer?
There are many steps you can take as a consumer, which can contribute towards a circular economy...
Source: GoodOnYou
Source: Businessoffashion
Lets have a look:
Support brands which are sustainable and ethical - look for certifications which allow for easy identification of these brands (check out my previous blog post on this) and maybe do a little digging into their supply chain and what materials they use in their products;
When you decide you no longer want a garment or feel as though you won't wear it anymore, either sell it on or turn it into something brand new - this can be either something you will use, or why not gift it to a friend or family member?
When buying a new item, think consciously and use my 30 rule! Will you wear this garment 30 time? Yes? Then go ahead and buy, you are going to get the wear out of it after all. No? Then you don't need it!
Have a look through your wardrobe before you make a purchase. You already have 8 black similar looking t-shirts, you don't need a 9th just because it has a ribbed effect.
Shop second hand, you will not regret it. Prices of second hand garments are soooo much cheaper, and a lot of the time, garments are brand new, some have tags and most are in really good condition. Depop is a really good starting point!
Attend a clothes swap event - in the current day, a lot of these are online and you don't actually need to get out of bed to be able to attend. Super easy and convenient!
Educate, educate, educate! I am a big believer in passing your knowledge on to others in a sort of "knowledge exchange". This can be teaching others about the likes of what a circular economy is, or showing them second hand sites or even sending them a YouTube clip on how to turn an old t-shirt into a scrunchie!
And finally, we should all commit to trying to contribute towards a circular economy! Don't feel guilty or pressured in any way, and make the steps where you can - little steps are better than no steps, after all its a marathon not a sprint!
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