Mass consumption and fast fashion are now the target of much criticism. Admittedly, the figures are staggering. Every year in Europe, more than four million tons of clothing are thrown away, and 80% of these garments end up, at best, incinerated, at worst, in landfill.
We all share some responsibility for this phenomenon, as it's estimated that 70% of the clothes we have in our wardrobes are unworn. Every second, a ton of clothing is thrown out into the world. To remedy this, today we're explaining what you can do at your own level to avoid all this waste.
What to do with your clothes and accessories?
We can differentiate between two categories: clothes and accessories that you no longer wear because they are damaged, and those that you no longer wear because they are no longer to your taste. However, it is important to pay attention to your clothing and stop buying things haphazardly. The fashion industry is the second largest source of pollution in the world. The environmental impact is undeniable, and it is also our duty as consumers to be careful about what we buy. Now let's see what you can do with your old clothes and other fashion accessories.
What to do when they are damaged?
Is your beloved little dress full of holes? Are your shoes, which have accompanied you on many journeys, no longer wearable? Repairing your clothes and shoes requires skills you may not have. But fortunately, there are solutions! For your shoes, you can entrust them to the company My Shoemaker for example. This family business has set up an online service to take care of your shoes and make them look like new.
For your clothes, there are also many solutions if you don't have the dexterity of a seamstress. You can look for professionals in your area, with the help of your town hall. You can also look for sewing workshops, which are popping up all over France. These are very friendly places, where you can learn to repair small bruises on your favorite clothes yourself. This might be the discovery of a new hobby for you, as useful as it is enjoyable!
You can also learn about upcycling. This modern solution aims to transform and improve your original material. The very notion of added value lies at the heart of upcycling. French companies have specialized in this field and are competing in creativity to give a second, more luxurious life to many everyday materials.
What to do with clothes you won't wear anymore?
If your closet is overflowing with clothes that no longer fit, that you no longer like, or that you no longer want to wear, you have plenty of options other than throwing them away on a compulsive sorting day. And if you're about to do so, never throw your clothes in the household waste!
Resale
If you have the time to do it yourself, you can resell your out-of-fashion clothes on platforms designed for this purpose or sign up for clothes swaps. The advantage is that you can set your prices, even if it represents a significant time investment. Between sorting, taking photos, providing information, and mailing them, it's not an accessible solution for everyone. There's also the option of consignment sales at thrift stores. The concept is simple: you drop off your clothes and accessories, they sell them, and you collect a portion of the money earned. To avoid unpleasant surprises, ask the store in advance what percentage you'll get.
The gift
Clothing, shoes, and even bags are always welcome by many charities that serve the less fortunate among us. You may also have access to collection points near us. Be careful not to put dirty or wet clothes in them. However, they may have holes, as they will be repaired.
So, here are all the options available to you. There are still others, from organizing a swap party with friends, to donations that can go through your children's school or even brands that create clothing from recycled clothing. It's certain that we have our share of responsibility in the face of this problem, and it's worth taking a little time to take care of our old clothes rather than throwing them in the trash without thinking. And when you go on a shopping trip, choose eco-responsible brands that offer you beautiful, good-quality clothing, made from recycled natural fabrics!