The average consumer now buys 60% more garments than in the early 2000s but keeps each piece for half as long

From Learning to Action

“I op shop about 90% of everything I wear, this includes clothing, shoes, jewelry, other accessories etc. I decided to shop my own wardrobe of op shopped clothes, centring around my currently fave pair of blue cotton pants. I found these at a Sallies in Sth Akld about a month ago. I looked to see what tops I could find to go with it and have come up with these. I have only worn one of these pairings in the past, so it was good to see how else I could wear the pants in future! I also recently found a pair of jeans with toadstools on them on FB Marketplace. I will try to figure out what tops I can wear with them soon.”

— Shizue

“My mum has actually been resizing some of her old skirts to fit me so I can use them!”

— Srishaa

“The workshop gave me the push I needed to sort out my wardrobe which I'd been thinking about for ages but hadn't got started.

Donations: I took 43 items to the Salvation Army. Mostly things I hadn't worn for several years, didn't work with other clothes to make complete outfits or didn't suit me. I also donated several items that I had planned to resize or cut down to reuse the fabric but I realised that I have plenty of outfits left and the clothes were in excellent condition as is so might as well go to a new home.
Capsule wardrobe: Once all the clutter was gone, I found I already had the capsule wardrobe I was after.
Still to get for the capsule wardrobe: More versatile jacket, Shoes with slippery soles for line dancing - maybe cowboy boots, Think about a winter capsule wardrobe
Repairs: Replaced frayed waistband of pyjamas, Cut off the bottom of one pair of exercise leggings and used the fabric to make a phone pocket in each pair of leggings, Repaired the seam of the cardigan
Recycled: Cut up the tattiest T shirts, one gardening dress, and leftover bits of leggings and made garden ties
Style hack: I had a lot of trouble tracking down the right dye to use on the beige top. But I finally got it last weekend so I'll do that this week.

I really enjoyed this challenge. Thank you for giving me the kick start I needed to get going.”

— Barbara

“Repaired the zip in an old pair of trousers (at a mending night in my local community centre) so I can wear them again. Mended a cotton shirt and put a pleat in the back of some trousers sourced from The Really Really Free Shop. Voila! New outfit. Compliments all around…..

— Sharron

“On a recent outdoor outing, I purposely selected a rarely worn hat from my wardrobe. I received compliments on it too, so that was a nice bonus!”

— Sumana

Why Become Clothing Conscious?

The fashion industry’s environmental toll is huge! 1 kg of fabric produces an estimated 23 kg of greenhouse gases, and most discarded textiles end up in landfills, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

When we extend garment use, we reduce demand for new clothing. Simple style hacks can help you look and feel wonderful, while reducing your annual clothing-related emissions by over 25%.
When buying new clothes/shoes/raincoats, look for ways to lower the environmental footprint of your new purchases.
Where possible, air dry your clothes to increase their life and to save energy (and money) by reducing dryer use.
We all approach clothing differently in our daily lives. It is very possible to find a style and wardrobe that suits you and is good for the planet.

Keen to rethink your clothing choices, embrace sustainable fashion habits, and reduce your personal carbon footprint - all without compromising style? Reach out to explore how EcoPlay Challenge can help you take practical, meaningful steps toward sustainability.