Breaking The Planet
Why our relationship with fashion needs to change
I'm a twenty-something woman who has experienced the forces of social media since the start of the decade. So, I'm not blameless when it comes to buying polyester pieces from fast fashion giants, wearing them once for a 'gram pic, and then tossing them in the bin as soon as it falls apart. In fact, I actively added to the problem when I set up my online boutique in 2018, sourcing clothing from huge wholesalers, who couldn't even tell me where the items were made, never mind assure me that they were made ethically. We're so used to seeing endless amounts of outfit inspiration flash in front of our eyes in the form of perfectly curated digital squares. Posts of beautiful looks, that, are to be appreciated only once? We have created a toxic relationship with clothing that makes us feel like we are less fashionable if, god forbid, we were to wear our clothes more than once, or didn't have 'the' item of the season.
Did you know that as of right now, there's enough clothing in circulation throughout the world to clothe the next six generations? How did we get here? How do we fix this when each day, Shein alone, is adding 6,000 new items to their website? 6,000. So it comes as no surprise that, in 2021 - 350,000 tonnes of used, but still wearable clothes were sent to landfill in the UK alone. The environmental impact of this is catastrophic, from water waste poisoning the local rivers close to factories, and off-cuts of fabric, mainly made from plastic fibers sent to landfills to stay there for hundreds of years. As well as brands sending their actual garments to landfill, simply because they believe their products are too exclusive, or luxurious to be recycled or given to charity. In a landfill, it can take anywhere from 20-200 years for a polyester dress to degrade, and with each passing day, the garment will emit toxic fumes, infecting our environment.
It's all a bit overwhelming, and it's easy to feel helpless.
“One person can make a change, and everyone should try”
You really can make a difference. If you think of something you need, instead of purchasing from a fast fashion outlet, save up to support a brand that you know makes its clothing ethically and sustainably. If that’s not an option right now, ask if one of your friends has something similar, or search for the item on Depop/Vinted. If it's something for a one-off occasion you're looking for, see if you can rent it. Small things such as shopping with intent instead of impulse, can not only help your wallet, but it's kinder for the planet, too. Instead of overwhelming your wardrobe with numerous pieces that were bought simply because it was Black Friday and they were 1p ( looking at you PLT). Buy things you know make sense to have in your wardrobe, items that will reflect your personal style, that are well made, and will last the test of time.
Donating your clothes to charity shops or local upcyclers can have a huge impact too. Rather than sending your clothes to landfill by stuffing them in
the bin, ask if one of your friends can make use of it or offer it up to your neighbours on an app like Olio. As for social media. a movement is happening. People are combatting the stigma of secondhand clothing, or inspiring others to cut down on their fast fashion consumption. Stop feeling like you can't post our outfit because you have already showcased this look on the grid, your clothes are meant to be worn. they are meant to be loved, they are meant to reflect your personal style, and they are meant to last you. Champion re-wearing and reusing your clothing, make tiny changes that make a big difference. If we do this together, we can sort this mess out.