More and more clothing is being purchased. But dressing to the latest trends is not necessarily good for the environment. How do you deal with that more consciously? And how can you best recycle worn clothes?
The figures show that more consciousness is needed. For example, the worldwide production of clothing has doubled since 2000. Clothing is also becoming cheaper and the world’s population is growing. That makes the clothing industry one of the most polluting industries in the world.
Our country can also do something about it: the average Dutch person buys 46 items of clothing per year and does 40 away again. So you could ask yourself how important it is to purchase a new outfit for every occasion.
Especially during the sale it can be extra tempting to stroll off the racks to the most beautiful pieces. But that is the moment that you do wrong, thinks Marieke Eyskoot. She is an expert in the field of sustainable fashion and lifestyle, and wrote a guide for a more sustainable life.
“You want something new and some items of clothing save almost half in price. It is then very tempting to buy something, even if it may not even fit well or you actually don’t really stand.” She only advises to purchase something if it is an item that you really want to have.
A shame for your wallet
In addition, it is not only bad for the environment, but also a shame for your wallet. Because cheap can be expensive, says Eyskoot. Therefore go for quality above quantity: a good quality garment is perhaps more expensive, but you will do it longer. Something of a tenner of Lubbert after wearing and washing three times.
And also think of second -hand. There are plenty of options: vintage shops, the cycle and the IJhallen. If second -hand is not your thing, go for sustainable brands. They may be a bit more expensive, but that is also because the quality is often higher. If you can afford it, then choose a more sustainable brand. The more people buy there, the more the price will drop.
This way you can pass on clothes sustainably
If you go to this or a way more aware of buying a new wardrobe, it is also carefully to think about how you can pass on items of clothing that you no longer wear sustainably. Eyskoot also has tips for that:
Investing in better quality products
Some clothing chains such as HEMA and H&M say they want to contribute to a circular textile industry. These stores therefore offer service points where you can hand in worn clothes, from which ‘new’ clothing is then made.
Yet you can wonder if that is so sustainable. By continuing to make and sell ‘cheap’ clothing, these stores also maintain the process of many and often buy for little money, it is also professor by special professor of the Circular Economy Kim Poldner of the University of Groningen.
“They can better invest the money that these chains now stop in recycling (which also costs energy and emissions) in making clothing that is better quality and lasts longer,” she says. “So it’s a nice initiative, because it shows that they are working on it, but it is certainly not optimal.”
That realization has penetrated, says a HEMA spokesperson: “That is why we try to make products that will last longer. For example, we do that by thinking of smart ways. For example, with a double row of knots on the baby rompers, so that they can play several sizes.”
Thinking better about where and when you buy something saves a lot. If you are again with your arms full of clothes in the row for the fitting room, ask if you really need jeans. But never buying new clothes is not realistic. Then it is nice to know that you can give the pants or dresses that you no longer wear a second life.
More and More Clothing is being buyed. But dressing accordance to the latest trends is not Necessarily Good for the Environment. How do you deal with this more consciously? And how can you best recycle used clothing?
The Figures Show That More Awareness is Needed. For example, The Global Production of Clothing Has Doubled Since 2000. Clothing is also Becoming Cheaper and the World Population is Growing. This makes the Clothing Industry One of the Most Polluting Industries in the World.
Our Country is also Capable of This: The Average Dutch Person Buys 46 Items of Clothing Per Year and Throws Away 40. So you Might Wonder How Important It is to Purchase a New Outfit for Every Occasion.
ESpeciate Dooring Sales, It Can Be Extra Tempting to Scour the Racks For The Most Beautiful Items. But that’s the moment you make bad purchase, accordance to Marieke Eyskoot. She is an expert in the field of Sustainable Fashion and Lifestyle, and wrote a guide for a more Sustainable Life.
“You want something new and some items of clothing are almost half the price. It is then very tempting to buy something, just it may not just fit well or really suite you.” She advises only to purchase some it is an item you really because.
Waste of your wallet
It is not only bad for the environment, but also a waste of your wallet. Because cheap can be exensive, says Eyskoot. Therefore, Go for Quality about Quantity: A Garment of Good Quality May Be More Expective, But It Will Last Longer. Something for ten Euros will sag after Wearing and Washing it three times.
And also think about second hand. There are plenty of options: vintage stores, thrift stores and the ijhallen. IF Second-Hand is not your thing, Go for Sustainable Brands. These May be slightly more Expective, but that is also because of Higher. If you can afford it, eSpecany Choose a More Sustainable Brand. The More People Buy There, the More the Price Will Drop.
How to pass on Clothing Sustainable
If you are more conscious about buying a new wardrobe in this or another way, it is also good to think about how you can sustainable pass on items of Clothing that you no longer wear. Eyskoot also has tips for this:
Investing in Better Quality Products
Some Clothing Chains Such as Hema and H&M Say They Want To Contribute To A Circular Textile Industry. These Stores Therefore Sacrifice Service Points Where you can hand in worn Clothes, from which ‘New’ Clothing is then made.
Yet you May Wonder Whether That is so Sustainable. After all, by continuing to make and sell ‘Cheap’ Clothing, these stores also Maintain the Process of Buying a Lot and often for Little Money, also According to Professor of Circular Economy Kim Poldner of the University of Groningen.
“The money that these chains now put into recycling (which also costs energy and produces emissions) can be better invested in Making Clothing that is of better quality and lasts longer,” She Says. “So it’s a nice initiative, because it does show that they are working on it, but it is certainly not optimal.”
That realization has sunk in, says a spokesperson for HEMA: “We Therefore Try to make products that last longer. We do this, for example, by coming up with smart ways. For Example, with a Double CAN CAN CAN BABYS, SO THAT DE BABYS.”
Thinking more carefully about where and when you buy something already makes a big differentence. If you are standing in Line for the fitting room with your arms full of Clothes again, Ask Yourself Whetherel WHETER You Really Need Another Pair or Jeans. But Never Buying New Clothes Again is not realistic. Then it is nice to know that you can give the pants or dresses that you no longer wear a second life.