Can we change the relationship with our clothing?

I did and  have never looked back.

Fashion production makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams. What’s more, 85% of all textiles go to landfill or are burnt each year. Washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic into the ocean causing micro beads that are harming our sea life and wildlife.

It is probably the first question that crosses our minds. Sustainability is a broad term that requires analysis of the environmental, social, and economic levels.

The textile industry is infamous for its extensive water consumption, energy, chemicals, and various pesticides. This is increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, which exacerbates global warming and climate change. Therefore, consumers now demand environmentally friendly products, which are recyclable, bio-degradable, and positively impact the economy and the people around us.

There is also the question on how ethically our clothing is made?

Worker conditions in the textile industry have come under the spotlight since the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,000 workers, with campaigners questioning how brands like Primark can produce such low prices.

So for many reasons I choose to buy second hand clothing. It has been one of my favourite past times now for over thirty years. I love the fact that I can find something unique especially if it is a vintage garment that are always made so well, have already been washed so no fear of shrinkage and have already lasted a lifetime,

There are plenty of reasons why you should buy secondhand clothing, many of which actually benefit the environment in a big way, making it a win-win.

Paula Ann Savage, Portsmouth Campaigner