Fashion footprint
July 9th 2009 07:41
We've all heard of the ecological footprint, and how important it is to minimise our own use of the Earth's resources in the interests of sustainability. Well, now this concept has been taken one step further with the 'fashion footprint' - an idea that essentially recognises the negative impact fashion has on the environment. I'm not suggesting that we need to give up fashion in order to preserve the Earth - far from it! - but I do think that many of us need to make some changes when it comes to what we wear, how we wear it, and how we get rid of it when it's no longer a must-have item in our wardrobes.
An international study has estimated that people in the United Kingdom go through 17.5kg of clothing per person, per year, and that around 60% of old clothes end up in landfill. Fashionistas, of course, would go through much more than that - I know women who wouldn't dream of wearing the same thing more than three times, and even I am hesitant to wear something to an event where there will be cameras, if I have already been photographed wearing that particular garment. Of course, there will always be exceptions here - trusty jeans and winter coats come to mind - but most women will agree that wearing the same dress, top or accessory too many times shows a lack of innovation and possible financial problems. There are many ways of getting around this, however, and all of them are environmentally-friendly.
First of all, if the garment is still in good condition and still vaguely fashionable, then selling it on ebay should be your first priority. You'd be amazed at how many women still consider items like gladiator flats to be desirable, when those in the know wouldn't be seen dead in them. These people are valuable - you'll make a decent amount out of selling last season's gear, which essentially gives you a 'fashion rebate' that can go towards your next purchase.
Secondly, if you're feeling charitable, or the item is in good condition but no longer trendy, then pack it up and give it to Vinnies, the Red Cross, the Smith Family or whichever charity takes your fancy. This is a much better option than simply throwing the item in the bin, as you're helping people, rather than adding to landfill. What could be better than feeling good about yourself and reducing your fashion footprint at the same time?
Thirdly, if the item is no longer in good condition, then tear it up and use the pieces for household cleaning. Cotton clothes are especially good for this, and I've found an old fleece ideal for polishing my car as well. Using old clothes for cleaning is only slightly less convenient than using paper towel, and infinitely better for the environment.
Although considerable energy is used in the manufacture and transport of new clothes, it's washing them that causes the biggest strain on the environment. Now, I'm not about to advocate wearing smelly clothes - tops and underwear MUST be washed after one wear - but jeans, jackets and many pants don't need to be washed unless you've worn them at least five times, or if they've become marked. Even then, remember that you can spot-clean; not everything needs to end up in the washing machine.
And on that note, remember that clothes should only be washed when you have a full load, and that the dryer should only be used when it's raining or you need something to shrink. Sure, it's an effort to hang clothes on the line, but it's one that will extend the life of your garments, save you money, and stop you from harming the Earth at the same time.
There are many more ways of minimising your own fashion footprint, but these are the most basic ones that just about everyone can incorporate into their lives. If the environment is important to you - and as a modern woman, it should be! - then you'll have no problem making these changes. And if you're already doing all these things, then good for you, and keep it up! The smaller our fashion footprint, the better off we'll all be in the long run.
How big is your footprint?
An international study has estimated that people in the United Kingdom go through 17.5kg of clothing per person, per year, and that around 60% of old clothes end up in landfill. Fashionistas, of course, would go through much more than that - I know women who wouldn't dream of wearing the same thing more than three times, and even I am hesitant to wear something to an event where there will be cameras, if I have already been photographed wearing that particular garment. Of course, there will always be exceptions here - trusty jeans and winter coats come to mind - but most women will agree that wearing the same dress, top or accessory too many times shows a lack of innovation and possible financial problems. There are many ways of getting around this, however, and all of them are environmentally-friendly.
First of all, if the garment is still in good condition and still vaguely fashionable, then selling it on ebay should be your first priority. You'd be amazed at how many women still consider items like gladiator flats to be desirable, when those in the know wouldn't be seen dead in them. These people are valuable - you'll make a decent amount out of selling last season's gear, which essentially gives you a 'fashion rebate' that can go towards your next purchase.
Secondly, if you're feeling charitable, or the item is in good condition but no longer trendy, then pack it up and give it to Vinnies, the Red Cross, the Smith Family or whichever charity takes your fancy. This is a much better option than simply throwing the item in the bin, as you're helping people, rather than adding to landfill. What could be better than feeling good about yourself and reducing your fashion footprint at the same time?
Thirdly, if the item is no longer in good condition, then tear it up and use the pieces for household cleaning. Cotton clothes are especially good for this, and I've found an old fleece ideal for polishing my car as well. Using old clothes for cleaning is only slightly less convenient than using paper towel, and infinitely better for the environment.
Although considerable energy is used in the manufacture and transport of new clothes, it's washing them that causes the biggest strain on the environment. Now, I'm not about to advocate wearing smelly clothes - tops and underwear MUST be washed after one wear - but jeans, jackets and many pants don't need to be washed unless you've worn them at least five times, or if they've become marked. Even then, remember that you can spot-clean; not everything needs to end up in the washing machine.
And on that note, remember that clothes should only be washed when you have a full load, and that the dryer should only be used when it's raining or you need something to shrink. Sure, it's an effort to hang clothes on the line, but it's one that will extend the life of your garments, save you money, and stop you from harming the Earth at the same time.
There are many more ways of minimising your own fashion footprint, but these are the most basic ones that just about everyone can incorporate into their lives. If the environment is important to you - and as a modern woman, it should be! - then you'll have no problem making these changes. And if you're already doing all these things, then good for you, and keep it up! The smaller our fashion footprint, the better off we'll all be in the long run.
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
I have never thrown out clothes. I always put them in the charity bins. Firstly, it stops them going to landfill and also someone can probably make use of them or shops like Vinnies can sell them.
Often we have to part with clothes, not because they are old or over used. They simply don't fit us anymore. And as they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure!
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen
Always Learning
Cinema Voyage
I admittedly do ebay my daughter's clothes as she grows so quickly and I also purchase many things of ebay for her to wear so I guess I am doing my bit!