Movement Thursday: Choosing Circular over New
“Oh no! I’ve got a hole in my sock” said who? Yep, that was me. If you are anything like me, I will wear the hole for as long as I can before retiring a pair of socks. Circular socks are not my thing to be honest. But, on the whole, buying circular clothing makes more sense. I might not be buying second-hand underwear and socks (would you?) — but the rest, well — why not?!
Personally, buying circular products has a big impact on my daily thinking. Not because I couldn’t afford new products — but simply because I choose to. It bothers me that ‘fast fashion’ generates mountains of fabric waste every year. It is not celebrated for its ethical endeavours.
For me, it has been about changing my mindset. I don’t suggest that this is always easy but when it brings such a great impact and when you join others in chasing the change, it definitely helps you to sustain your ideals. How cool is it that I can have a “brand new” jacket, pay as little as a bar of soap for it (ok, I might be exaggerating here) and help protect the planet at the same time?
Ways to keep things in the loop- cancelling out the need for excessive waste. Image: from Twitter account @HappyCityUK
I admit that I do now spend a little more time chewing over the origin and components of my new clothes (they are new to me) and take more time to ensure my choice of purchase is environmentally compassionate. I do ponder more thoughts over the life cycle of clothing items- and how to look after them when in my care. Where will my replacement socks come from? What are they made from and what did that process emit? If from recycled materials — was it recycled with proper infrastructure, or just a greenwash? What will happen to that broken sock now I am done with it? I might turn it into a dishcloth or I compost it(should it be natural material). I have clued myself up (a little) on the life-cycle of the clothes I wear. I am constantly inspired by the ingenious hacks of others as my old clothes are switched into something new. DIY fashion projects have lifted lockdown boredom too! I have turned to alternative options — not just headed to the doors of fast fashion stores. It requires a small effort here and there, but I have brought meaning and purpose to my outfits! Isn’t everyone hankering for a greater sense of purpose? Well, great — I have built some into my wardrobe!
I realise I am not the first to shift my dress in this way. I have come to see just how much is happening out there to give the individual shopper some autonomy and choice. New ventures speak through a love for the environment and with a mission to keep things in the loop. It no longer cuts the mustard to disregard and dump our unwanted things on the planet. Vintage shops have been in vogue for some time already. Fun places but with a tendency to sting my bank balance! Enter clothing rental! Historically reserved for special occasion wear, clothing rental is growing in a big way — even within the midst of COVID-19. Ownership turns to access — with more of us accessing variety and sharing what is already in existence.
As more people feel the financial pressure at the moment, My Wardrobe HQ shares that many of us “still want something new and nice to wear without the financial risk.” Rental robes are described as the “feel good” fashion — raising the ethics of the industry. It is an exciting venture picking up pace and slowing down fashion as we know it. It is worth watching this space as more of these reselling, rental and swapping platforms pop up. Big names such as H&M and Selfridges are already taking note.
Onloan
To name a few existing rental companies:
Global brands don’t have such a say on my own trends anymore! I buy from others, swap with friends or rent accessories. Am I free from echoing the outfits of everyone else around me now? With more people choosing environment over ego, is the door to the ‘must-have-it-probably-wear-it-once’ culture finally closing? Instead of following suit, I am now more like a walking tapestry of long-lasting, pre-loved fashion. I transcend eras and time, look pretty and enjoy a sense of positive impact!
A lot of wins — with small actions. What about you? Would you rather buy new over join the circular motion? Share your thoughts in the comments!
