Exploring Solutions To Fast Fashion and Excess Clothing

When clothes are donated to a charity, such as British Heart Foundation or Salvation Army, approximately 20 percent of them are resold.

The other 80 percent are sold to textile recycling companies or are discarded. While 95 percent of all used textiles can be reused or recycled, only 15 percent are recovered from the waste stream. Clothing is produced in mass quantities, allowing it to be sold at lower prices, which encourages consumers to buy more than they need.

Exploring Solutions

Thanks to the modern era we are living in, new #trends and awareness on our #consumption are rising. New businesses are entering the market with new solutions and opportunities for customers to reduce their excess consumption - such as #clothing #rental #services. Yet, consumers still need to be educated and supported towards new solutions and gradually make transitions and accept the concept of #sharing #economy. On a good note, nowadays we have plenty of options! We can decide to buy second-hand clothes, sell our old ones and #renew our #wardrobe with rental services. #Recycle our old garments in exchange of vouchers or re-sell them in exchange for credits.

There are many possible ways to be fashionable without owning too many clothes.

Here are some small and easy steps covering solutions to excessive clothing, just a starting point towards the big shift.

1. Buy fewer clothes - of course!

Before going out to buy something new, ask yourself if you really need that item. Statistics reveal that we only use 20% of clothes in our wardrobe. You might want to reflect what type of style you want to showcase to the world, then curate your wardrobe according to your personal taste. For instance, are you into classic, elegant style? Or are you more into preppy, vintage style? Spend some time to reflect which type of clothing style suits your personality, then only buy clothes that fit into your favored style.

2. Buy second-hand clothes at thrift stores or consignment shops

Not only will you support your #local #charity, but you will also prevent used clothing from ending up in a #landfill. Thrift stores are known for selling quality clothing. You just have to know what type of fabrics to look for and check if there are any holes before you buy. There are also a variety of online thrift stores, such as #Thredup and #Poshmark. You can also use Facebook #Marketplace or #Craigslist to sell or buy second-hand items in your local area.

3. Choose to buy from brands that are both affordable and offer quality products

As ethical and sustainable clothing brands gain popularity, they will continue to become more #affordable. Support organizations that include #sustainability in their #mission when possible. You can also purchase clothing from brands that have #recycling programs. Brands such as #Patagonia and #North Face will take back used clothes and reward you with a discount on your next purchase.

4. Instead of donating to large chain thrift store charities, donate to a local shelter or nonprofit organization that gives clothes directly to those in need in your community

Animal shelters usually accept old blankets and towels for their furry friend animals. Animals need comfort and warmth too, so don't always go for large chain #thrift #stores when getting rid of your old blankets and clothes. #Donate them to non-profit organizations that urgently need clothes and other stuff.

5. Swap clothing with your friends

If clothing rental services are not quite your thing yet, or you didn’t find the right one to start with, train your #habits by boosting the #sharing #economy within your #friends. #Borrow your items and #lend theirs, it will help you to have that feeling of #newness like when you buy and this will limit the excess & stop you from buying. Remember, sharing is caring!

6. Lend your wardrobe

When you are ready, you might even consider #lending your #wardrobe to others and this might master your acceptance into the rental world. #By Rotation is another peer-to-peer platform facilitating the #sharing of people's personal wardrobes. Worth giving it a go!

7. Earn points reselling your old clothes

And when donation it’s hard due to feelings of attachment, services like #Thrift+ might make it easier and incentivize you to do so. You can #earn #credits while re-selling your old clothes and get more second-hand clothes!

8. Most importantly, continue to educate yourself and research alternatives

Find articles or engage with people on social media who are sharing resources and their experience in #eco-friendly #fashion. Attend online/offline sustainability #events and network with like-minded individuals. Research #alternatives to plastics such as #reusable water bottles, bar soaps packaged in cardboard boxes, and clothing made of #natural #fibers.

While making these changes may seem small, the #choices we make as individuals, if we #act #collectively, can have a great impact on the fashion industry. By continuing to share resources and solutions, together we can work towards reinventing the economic model into a circular and sharing economy.