This month we’re highlighting the benefits of buying and selling second hand. And one of the most common items finding new homes through Preloved is clothing. Second hand clothing’s a great example of sustainable fashion, and it’s quickly taking over from the recent trend of fast fashion. But, what is fast fashion, why’s it so harmful, and how can we fight it?
What’s Fast Fashion?
Fast fashion is defined as cheap clothes, usually found on the high street. They’re produced very quickly in order to copy new trends while they’re still hot off the catwalk. However, constantly following the latest trends means these clothes are often discarded after less than a year, making room for the newest styles.
Why Is Fast Fashion So Bad?
- Washing a synthetic garments can release as much as 700,000 microfibres into the water. This makes its way into the ocean and, ultimately, our food chain.
- 85% of unwanted clothing makes it’s way to landfill where it can take up to 200 years to decompose.
- The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions.
- Untreated toxic wastewater created by the textile factories is dumped directly into rivers. This is very harmful for both aquatic and human life.
- Clothing’s often made in countries where “slave labour” workers have little to no rights. And an average working week is 96 hours.
What Can We Do To Support Sustainable Fashion?
In the words of the talented Vivienne Westwood, “Buy less, choose well, make it last”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! In other words, think about what you’re buying, and what you already own.
- Buy Less: Avoid the latest trends and stick with classic styles. A capsule wardrobe of well-matched items will last you years. Most wardrobes contain items that have been bought and never worn.
- Choose Well: Buy good quality items. They may seem a little pricier, but these garments are an investment. There are lots of sustainable fashion lines nowadays to help you buy responsibly.
- Make It Last: Follow washing instructions to ensure they’re being cleaned in a way that wont cause damage. Consider repairing rather than throwing away, and donate, swap, or sell items you no longer need, ensuring their life-cycle continues.
It’s Competition Giveaway Time!
We’ve teamed up with one of the UK’s leading sustainable fashion brands, Swim Society. Founded in 2019, they’re quickly changing the ‘fast fashion’ landscape.
Their swimwear is produced ethically, with a minimum recyclable content of 85%. Their first collection was launched with an incredible 97% recyclable content. As a brand, they take their commitment to the environment very seriously.
Swim Society also work with our sister company, (more : trees). They’ve pledged to plant a tree for every order placed at no extra cost to customers. This helps combat the carbon emitted when transporting orders to customers.
We’re giving our readers the chance to win £100 to spend at Swim Society. Just enter your details to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize to help get you started on your sustainable summer wardrobe. The winner will be selected at random on April 15th. Good Luck!
