Reduce and reuse for textiles

It’s been widely reported that the fashion industry is a large contributor to climate change. Consumers are often targeted to regularly refresh their wardrobes and buy new – rather than re-wear.

Did you know, by extending the wear of an outfit for as little as nine months it can reduce its environmental impact by up to 30%?

To help make it easier for you to love your things for longer or give them a second life, we’ve updated our web pages with guidance on textiles and fashion.

We can all take steps to help achieve a circular economy where products are used again and again.

Why not try:

• Reduce – buy only what you need.
• Sell it – reselling a cotton T-shirt (second-hand) – versus throwing it away, reduces its carbon impact by 14%.
• Pass it on – donate to charity shops, helping a good cause while giving clothes a second life.
• Recycle - if you can’t reuse your old clothing, then clothing and shoes of good enough quality to be worn again can be placed by the kerbside for recycling or taken to a recycling site.

Even though 95% of discarded clothing can be reused or recycled, nearly 73% of it ends up being burnt or in landfill.

Heading to a party or wedding? Could you help buck the ‘buy new’ trend and re-wear an outfit, or perhaps rent or borrow instead?

You could save yourself pounds as well as help to protect the environment.

Find out more by visiting our Textiles and fashion webpage.