Fashion Footprints

Our wardrobes say a lot about us, and not just in the ways you might think. In fact, what we choose to wear shapes a large proportion of our individual carbon emissions, as well as the impact of landfill in our local environment and waterways. Fast fashion takes a particularly big toll on our earth. On average, Australians each buy an incredible 27kg of textiles per year — among the highest in the world. Sadly, we send more than 85% of what we buy to landfill, often after just one wear. Given that the vast majority of what we buy is made from synthetic material, the burden of plastics in our environment continues to grow. As we strive to protect our environment many of us are now seeking better, more sustainable retail choices. Here are three ways we’re rethinking our fashion footprint to be greener:

1. Investing in the long term

Fashion is fickle. While there’s a lot to be said for having fun with what we wear and experimenting with new looks, this year we are becoming more mindful about how we do that. Investing more in good quality clothing that will stand the test of time means buying fewer items that can be worn over and over. Setting aside less of our budget for “short term” items and more for high quality ones means less textiles going to landfill.

2. Natural fibres win hands down

Reading the labels on our purchases to select more natural fibre content is one way to reduce the long term impact of our clothing. Even when it’s no longer wearable, natural fibres such as animal fleeces and cotton can be composted or recycled into other items. Check out our newest retailer, KUNA, for their range of beautifully made, sustainable wears.

3. Gifting for good

When buying gifts this year, try looking at the whole life cycle of what goes under the Christmas tree. Avoiding unwanted gifts before they become a waste headache is the first step. This could mean looking at gift certificates so the receiver can choose what they really need. Again, higher quality items we know won’t end up in landfill are another option. Or, purchasing experiences such as a beauty therapy or massage might be just what a friend or family member needs to recover from the hectic silly season.

4. Inspiring change

Inspiration to make greener changes in your life (or someone else’s) is easy with these great titles from Dymocks. These books remind us that small changes can make a big impact if we start now.

Upcycle By Rebecca Proctor

Call of the Weed Warbler  By Charles Massy and Nicolette Hahn Niman

Grow Food Anywhere By Pember, Mat & Seitchik-Reardon, Dillon, Dillon Seitchik-Reardon

You can read more on the effects of fast fashion in Australia here.

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