How to consume without costing the planet.

The writing on the wall is clear. Environmental agencies, governmental reports and the breaking news are all telling us the same thing. We need to stop consuming fashion so quickly.

The House of Commons recently released this damning report:

“By 2030 global apparel consumption is projected to rise by 63%, from 62 million tons today to 102 million tons—equivalent to more than 500 billion additional T-shirts." (House of Commons)

The Earth is already at a tipping point. In 2022, Earth Overshoot Day (the date when we've used up all the resources the Earth can regenerate in a year) was the earliest yet - the 28th of July.

But what if I told you that you don't need to slow down? What if I told you there's a way you can update your wardrobe as often as you wanted without harming the planet?

Let's look at 3 ways in which you can consciously consume without costing the earth:

1. Go charity shopping

Are you tired of turning up to a party and realising that you're wearing the same trending Pretty Little Thing dress as half the girls in the room?

Do you want unique clothes that aren't an endless iteration of the current micro-trend?

Are you scared of looking at your bank balance because you're constantly shopping on Shein?

Then hop on down to Nottingham's charity shops instead!

Nottingham has an array of the best vintage and charity shops in the country. From Relic x Hooked and White Rose to Cow and Bubble Vintage - there's something for everyone.

The best part about charity shopping?

It's fun!

Grab a friend and turn it into a game.

Give each other a budget and an occasion and shop for each other. Tiktok has hundreds of charity shop challenges you can complete.

Why not try to find an outfit for your next Ocean night?

You'll find the experience so much more fulfilling than a 3 am Boohoo-binge.

2. Throw a clothes swap

Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills.

This statistic can feel overwhelming. How can we prevent this? We aren't multinational companies with millions of pounds backing. Yet we can still make a difference.

We can swap the clothes we already have with our friends to constantly keep on updating our wardrobes without supporting fast fashion or sending garments to landfill.

Arrange a swap-shop with your friends once a month to get rid of the clothes you're bored of and refresh your wardrobe with some stylish new fits.

Alternatively, check out one of NTU Sustainability Society's swap shop events.

3. Upcycle your old clothes

Have you got an old pair of jeans that you never wear?

Why not turn them into a trendy bucket hat?

Our unworn clothes are a goldmine for upcycling ideas!

Check out BluePrintDIY and Coolirpa for more inspiration.

I hope this article has given you some ideas on how to consume without costing the planet. You'll feel better, your bank balance will be higher and you'll look more stylish than ever!

Love,

Imi