Earth Day celebrates its 50th year in existence in April. This international day seeks to raise awareness of our consumption habits. The issue that Earth Day underlines is more topical today than ever before. Indeed, according to a report by Stylight, people are more focused than ever on sustainability. In 2021, the search engine noted a 49% increase in searches for eco-responsible products in fashion and beauty and a 64% increase in searches for organic products. These figures show a desire to consume better, and to encourage sustainable development in fashion and up-cycling.
Marie Kondo has encouraged millions around the world to declutter their homes and wardrobes. But what happens to the items that no longer “spark joy”? According to the World Wear Project, 85 per cent of textiles ends up in landfills. Meanwhile, figures from the Environmental Protection Agency suggest the US alone produces around 15 million tons of textile waste every year. Experts say the popularity of the KonMari method is only exacerbating the problem. Charities and resellers have been inundated with items since the Japanese decluttering guru’s Netflix show, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, aired in January. Only a fraction of these donations can actually be reused.
Elizabeth L. Cline, author of the new book The Conscious Closet, points out that Marie Kondo's advice can lead to unnecessary waste. “The ‘spark joy’ method to me is a fast-fashion approach to cleaning out a closet,” Cline tells Vogue. “It's really impulsive and creates a lot of garbage.” Instead, clearing out your wardrobe requires considered thought. “Consumers have a lot of power over whether or not the items they're getting rid of are going to have a second life or if they're going to landfill,” Cline continues.
The specialist reveals 6 responsible methods to give a second life to your wardrobe all whilst protecting the environment.
Give clothes a second chance
Instead of immediately purging clothes that don’t “spark joy”, Cline advocates giving them a second or third chance. “It’s an opportunity to rediscover what you've got,” she says. “Pairing up [a piece] with something else [can] create this totally fresh look. Obviously the most sustainable item in your closet is a piece of clothing that you already own.”
Ensure your clothes are in good condition
To increase the chances of your cast-offs going to a new home, you have to make sure they’re in good condition. “Your items should always be laundered. Any stains or marks that can be cleaned should be cleaned,” urges Cline. Go the extra mile to make basic repairs as well, including sewing back on any loose buttons. “All of this takes effort, but it really is the difference between those items going into a landfill versus potentially finding a second life in somebody else's closet.”
Re-sell or organise a clothes swap
“I'm a huge advocate for trying to resell or swap any of your high-value items,” Cline explains. “It always feels good to make back some money, but it also is a way to take greater responsibility and make sure the item has found a new home.”
Find organisations that take worn clothes
Most of us drop off all of our unwanted garments at the same place, whether that be a charity shop or a clothes bank. However, if any of your pieces are particularly worn out, it’s worth checking whether the organisation will take them. “You need to make sure the service has a relationship with a recycler, otherwise they will have to pay to landfill it,” Cline says.
Clear out clothes when they’re in season
Cline advises focusing only on clothes that are currently in season when you’re having a clear-out. This will help you decide what to keep, depending on what you’re actually wearing. It will also be easier to give a new life to any cast-offs, because that's what's in demand in the resale market.
Take an inventory of your closet
Cleaning out your wardrobe is also an opportunity to assess what you currently have and make smarter shopping decisions in the future. “When you're cleaning out your closet, what you're really doing is taking an inventory of what you've got and what you need,” Elizabeth L. Cline says.
The Conscious Closet, by Elizabeth L. Cline
More on fashion and sustainability at Vogue.fr
Stella McCartney brought the animal kingdom to her Paris Fashion Week show
Is fast fashion taking a green future seriously?
The coolest trainers of the moment are eco-friendly… And they go with everything!
More Vogue on Youtube :
