Textile waste is a huge issue for our society with an average of 23 kilograms per person of textile waste ending up in landfill each year.
Unfortunately, we Aussies are one of the major contributors to this problem. We are the highest consumers of textiles per year, acquiring 27 kilograms of new clothing annually and dumping 85% of this back into the Earth.
The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have acknowledged the enormity of our textile waste issue, providing $1 million to the Australian Fashion Council in 2021 to drive environmental innovation.
Confessions of a shopaholic
I have a confession. I love clothes and have two cupboards and an attic to store them in. However; it has become evident that our behaviours and actions toward fast fashion need to shift. Statistics indicate that as the years go on, we tend to buy more clothes, and we wear them less: the average piece of clothing is worn 36% fewer times than it was 15 years ago. Then we throw them out.
As we have seen through one of the most photographed woman in the world, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is how we need to change our attitude and action with regard to fashion. Over the years, Kate has gained a reputation for recycling iconic looks . From wearable blazers to dazzling dresses, Middleton doesn't shy away from an outfit repeat.
In keeping with the sustainability goals of her husband's Earthshot Prize Awards in October 2021, Middleton rewore her iconic lilac Alexander McQueen gown from 10 years ago.
What can we do?
We as consumers play a key role in reducing waste in the fashion industry. From an increased support for more sustainable models, we are seeing circularity seeping into supply chains, manufacturing, and at the final stage; after a consumer has finished with an item.
Some key actions we can take to align with circular fashion and reduce textile waste in the industry:
Know about the brands we buy by using resources such as Good On You
Support sustainable and ethical fashion
Live by the five R’s of fashion
Shop second hand where possible or consider renting for your next event
Host and attend clothes swaps
Ask “What are the alternatives?” before throwing away used clothing
Brands and Businesses we love managing textile waste
JOLYN Australia
Stretched-out, faded swimsuits are now a thing of the past.
JOLYN has taken their mission to empower female athletes to the next level with their Forever Fabric Technology.
Made from a recycled polyester, Forever Fabric is UV and chlorine resistant to keep those swimsuits just as bright as the day you first bought them. With double stitching and designs to fit most body shapes and sizes, Jolyn ups the ante with game-changing features in swimwear fit, function and sustainability.
Namastay
Namastay is an active leisurewear label designed out of Broome in Western Australia. The brainchild of Barrell Surf Co Owner, Annette Fuller, Namastay is manufactured out of textile waste which otherwise would have ended up as landfill in Bali.
Boody
Boody creates soft, ethical and sustainable bamboo clothing (underwear, activewear and loungewear) for the whole family. Designed for pure comfort, Boody offers a solution for your items when it reaches its end of life: they have partnered to reuse your items by donating it to one of their charities | upcycle it into something new | or recycle it into new yarn or shred for insulation.
As an affiliate with Boody, Eco Surf Australia often has special offers or discounts for Boody. Be sure to follow our Instagram or Facebook to get your discount codes. To celebrate Spring 2022 and receive 30% off all activewear click and use the offer below.
The Green Pear
Everyone woman now needs a go to pre-loved consignment clothing shop. My current favourite is The Green Pear, a boutique store in Subiaco Western Australia, full of beautiful, quality, pre-loved women's fashion.
"Just because something in your wardrobe doesn’t work for you anymore, doesn’t mean it won’t work perfectly for someone else".
I leave with this quote of Emma Watson and welcome you to share your thoughts, pledges and tips regarding sustainable fashion and textile waste.
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