Shop different, source different, discard different, discover different, and question different. Consumers have a major role in the ways in which business and government operate. From the amount we consume, the prices we seek, and the brands we endorse, collectively we are supplying the industry impact. Though as easy as it is to want something you love, it is just as easy to find something you value.
Next time you find yourself in this situation, consider if you value your clothes or just love(d) them? To value an item you appreciate its worth and usefulness. To love an item you have a desire to have it, but don't need it for its function. One is sustainable, one is short-term.
When you feel like you are sick of seeing the same stuff or just want something new, question if what you want is something you would genuinely value, and replace it with what you no longer care for. This way you will start to develop a closet full of all your favorites, keeping things essentially minimal.
Buy SUSTAINABLE products that are made from all natural resources that can easily be recycled, broken down, or repurposed, have had little impact on the environment during production and are durable, lengthening the PRODUCT LIFECYCLE while avoiding landfills.
Look for Fair Trade, Fair Life, World Fair Trade, Fair Wear, Soil Association and other certifications that authenticate brand's ETHICAL efforts like paying fair living wages, empowering workers, maintaining respectable labor conditions, and honoring WORKERS’ RIGHTS.
Shop with brands that are TRANSPARENT about their SUPPLY CHAIN practices. By that we mean, where clothes are made, what went into them, who made them, and where your money is going when you make a purchase? Clothes are worth wearing and the more you know, the better fashion becomes.
Does your friend have something that fits you just perfectly? EXCHANGE some of your no longer favorite items with some of theirs, prolonging garments lifecycles, and aiding the impact of textile waste. It's a great way to collect clothes you value, knowing they came from someone you care for.
You can also look outside of your circle and visit VINTAGE SHOPS. Curators are constantly looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items, and if you think you have exactly that, swap! This way you are saving money, keeping your closet minimal, and sharing connections. And who knows, maybe this new found hobby can become your weekend side hustle.
Have you ever re-gifted a gift? (Guilty). And I am sure the person you gave it to loved it (hopefully), but next time consider giving it to a person, organization, charity, or anyone that you feel would genuinely benefit from your UNWANTED ITEMS. By personally handing them out, you are developing an awareness of where your clothes are going, storytelling the journey of an item. Next time, instead of hoping a gift will be appreciated, give it someone you know will treasure it.
Are you a frequent contributor to Goodwill? Charity organizations are great at offering low priced goods to a large demographic, while supporting greater causes, but unfortunately only 10% OF DONATED items are sold. Where do the rest end up? Exported (sometimes unwanted) to developing countries to be sold in the off-market (secondhand), driving competition against small business vendors, and eventually suffocating local economies. It's a grim side to a great cause, so this is not to say to STOP donating but to consider donating differently and directly.
Brands, charity organizations, and used garment collection facilitators are teaming up to supply and promote circular fashion systems. Dhana is a proud signatory of Global Fashion Agenda's 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment, implementing closed-loop fashion systems and increasing the collection of used garments to offer solutions using only what we have with as little impact on the environment when producing clothes. There is a total of 207 brands committed to circular fashion and drop off locations everywhere. Discover how you can donate differently now.
