Concerned about the clothing crisis? Repair the clothes you wear by Creative Writing Student Lisette-Elousie Powell, edited by Amber Horne.
Why should you bother to repair the clothes you wear?
The past couple of decades has seen the rise of fast fashion as we’ve become reliant on short-term conveniences in order to keep up with the fast-paced world around us. With many of us struggling financially in the wake of a global pandemic, now is the perfect time to take up a new hobby and develop our practical skills. By repairing our clothes rather than buying new we can save money, learn a new skill, and tackle the detrimental environmental effects of fast fashion.
There are many benefits to repairing your clothes…
- It saves you money! Constantly replenishing your wardrobe burns a huge hole in your wallet.
- Buying or borrowing a sewing kit is an investment into a sustainable wardrobe.
- Handmade is trendy now. There is less stigma around hand-me-downs and thrifted clothes.
- You can make cute adjustments to your wardrobe. Regardless of your skill level you can make a fashion statement as quiet or as loud as you want.
- You reduce your carbon footprint!
Reducing your carbon footprint
Another benefit to mending your clothes is that it reduces your carbon footprint. It makes less of an environmental impact than buying fast fashion would. While corporations are responsible for the majority of the world’s pollution, this is one of many small things you can do to help offset this. While it may seem like your effort will mean nothing, if we all do a little bit here and there it adds up and our combined effort should help set us on the path to a sustainable future.
I don’t think I have time to repair my clothes
It can be hard to find time to repair clothes in such a fast-paced world. While replacing items may seem more convenient, it really isn’t doing you any favours in the long run. Making time to fix up your garments will be worth it in the long run, benefiting your bank and your mind. Swapping 15 minutes of social media browsing for 15 minutes in front of embroidery darling or sewing would make all the difference. The health benefits of clothing repairs are nothing to shrug off – having something to do with your hands stimulates your mind allows for a mindful, relaxing, and productive time amongst all the anxieties of the modern world.
I’ll ask my Mum to do it
Give mum a break! Stop feeling that this is a task to pass on. This could be an exciting new venture for you. Repairing clothes is an important life skill and it would cut out a lot of time waiting for someone else to sew on a button if you know how to yourself! So don’t throw away the extra buttons that come with your shirts; the reason they’re there is so you can replace the one you’ve lost. However, if you’re unable or find it difficult to work with your hands, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Show this article and the sources below to someone you trust; sustainability is for everyone.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/3-simple-clothing-repairs-you-can-do-right-now
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2020/04/9635721/benefits-of-mending-clothes
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/revealed-20-firms-third-carbon-emissions https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/nov/02/a-stitch-in-time-simple-low-skill-clothes-mending-and-alteration-techniques
Sustainable Instagram competition
We want to give you PRIZES to help make this change happen! All you have to do is follow the steps below for a chance to WIN!
Here’s how to enter:
- Comment 3 emoji’s related to today’s post
- Tag 3 friends
- You will automatically be entered into our prize draw.
- Unlimited entries, follow the above steps again. Each time is a new entry.
