A circular notion for a sustainable world.
I am fond of creating New Year's notions. These aren't commitments; they are ideas I commit to exploring! Last year included a notion to perform a stand-up comedy - wasn't that a wild ride? This year's list contains six notions, one of which is to write more, and another is to stop buying new.
This article will confirm that I am writing more, and I can attest to completing an entire quarter without purchasing a single new item of clothing. So why does this matter?
According to Greenpeace, the average person buys 60% more clothing and keeps them for about half as long as 15 years ago. Alarmingly, Australians are the second-highest consumer of textiles in the world (no. 1 on the list is the United States). Each year, we purchase an average of 27 kilograms of new clothing and dispose of an average of 23 kilograms of clothing in landfill. (Source: Planet Ark)
The Circularity Gap Report 2023, published by Circle Economy, has uncovered that the world is now only 7.2 per cent circular – meaning that only 7.2 per cent of the materials we extract and use are returning to the economy.
Some ideas if you want to explore sustainable options.
1. Reduce, reuse, recycle (or repair!). Never tried sewing? You can teach yourself anything on YouTube, and who doesn't love learning a new skill?
2. Think twice or even three times before you buy new. Is this an emotional, impulsive or unnecessary purchase? Try the 24-hour holding pattern…..or consider matching the purchase with a donation to your favourite charity! That will either stop you or ensure that some good comes from the experience.
3. Buy pre-loved and re-love. I can attest that the journey will bring you unique items and great satisfaction. It doesn't have to be casual clothing, either. It is possible to buy classic brands for your corporate wardrobe, often brand new with tags (BNWT to us purists!)
? Consider renting for special occasion outfits or ask your friends if they have anything suitable you could borrow. Organise a swap and share party; you will be popular, especially if you provide snacks and/or bubbles.
? If you must buy new, try to stick to quality basics that you will wear regularly and therefore pay you back
? Research brands to understand their sustainability practices
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? Get to know your fabrics. Polyester can take 200 years to decompose! Recycled cotton, organic hemp, organic line and recycled wool are among the best options, but new materials like Tencel are constantly hitting the market.
The final word should go to the doyenne of fashion.
"Buy less, choose well, make it last" - Vivienne Westwood
Last week I made a gem of a pre-loved discovery, a pair of red tartan trousers, a nod to 80's punk - Vivienne would have approved!
PS If you want to explore pre-loved, I recommend high-street charity shops, Facebook marketplace, and Depop as first stops. My favourite destinations are Mitchell Road Antiques in Alexandria, Fashion Forward in Bondi and Victory Antiques in Blackheath or Sal-on in Katoomba if you fancy a trip to the Blue Mountains.
Find them on Instagram
@mitchellroadantiques
@fashionforward_jh_retail
@victorytheatre
@_sal_on