All around the world, new fashion trends are always emerging while from time to time, the older ones are modified and brought back to life. While the primary function of clothes is to cover the wearer’s nakedness and protect them from the elements, it goes beyond just that for many people. For instance, many consumers in this industry belong to the lot who will only wear what is trending and in fashion. Additionally, certain professions and occupations require one to dress a certain way, which puts further strain on the topic.
The pace at which the clothing and fashion industry is progressing is alarming and as you might have guessed, the waste generated from it also puts some amount of pressure on the environment. This means that as the major players in the textile industry take measures to reduce this strain, the consumers also have a responsibility to play since we all need a healthy environment. Laura Wey from Puratium says that when shopping for your wardrobe, there are a few ways you can reduce the waste that comes from there. By so doing, you will be playing your part in sparing the environment from harm.
Here are a few pointers you want to read about how to reduce clothing waste in the fashion industry.
Shop when Necessary
“Dress for the occasion” has unknowingly impacted the way people shop for clothes. The presence of themes and dress codes for occasions has influenced many people to stock up their wardrobes with clothes they only put on once. But this is rarely good for anyone’s pocket and you can rest assured it’s bad to the environment. It is thus advisable to consider wearing what you have instead of buying clothes that you’ll only wear once to an occasion. With the recent trends in DIY, you can even refashion whatever garments you have to produce something incredible for the occasion. If you choose to buy, it’s better to get the clothes you will wear on future occasions comfortably.
Repair Instead of Buying
Have you ever been at work and your shirt runs and all you can think of is ordering another one very fast online and it’s delivered immediately? When the new shirt is brought, you do away with repairing the torn one. That’s another way you accumulate clothes you do not put on. You will want to take good care of your clothes for them to last longer and repair minor damages to avoid buying more and more clothes that you will not put on.
Donate or Resell Unused Clothes
One man’s meat is another man’s poison; so they say. What you don’t use might be a necessity for somebody else. You can go through your closet and set aside clothes you do not wear at all and those you have not worn over the last three months. Identify a charity group, or even families in your neighborhood and share it with them. For those that will not be picked due to differences in sizes, you can donate them by having them dropped off at the clothing banks.
Recycle
For quite a long time, people have been disposing of clothes inappropriately. Some have been burning them while others have been throwing them away carelessly. It is advised that you put all the clothes that cannot be worn, donated or resold in one bag and take it to a cloth factory where they will be recycled and the garments repurposed to make other products. You will be surprised at what old garments can be turned to at clothing recycling factories. For instance, blankets, rugs, and cushions are by-products of waste clothes.
Encourage Clothe Swaps
Communalities are encouraged to hold cloth swap events. This is where people bring with them all the clothes that they do not wear and exchange them with someone for others. In this case, however, the clothes being swapped should be in good condition. This can help reduce spending on clothes and can also help them avoid clogging closets. Clothes that will not get suitable owners can be donated to charity organizations as explained above.
Buy High Quality Garments
When shopping, go for high-quality garments that will serve you longer without the need to go back shopping soon. At all costs avoid clothes containing plastic material – they wear out fast. It is also your mandate to ensure that these clothes get the needed care by washing them as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Well, new clothes will always be produced and we all want to look elegant. However, it’s important to consider how your fashion habits are affecting the environment. With the few tips above, we can all help minimize the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry. We can become friends of the environment!