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WHERE DO OUR RETURNED CLOTHES GO? — After a few

WHERE DO OUR RETURNED CLOTHES GO? —
After a few conversations I’ve had over the last couple of days, I’m realising that a lot of people don’t know what really happens to our clothes if we return them. If they’re tagged and in good condition then surely they’ll be resold right??

Not quite.

A lot of the time these clothes are sent to landfill or incineration as it’s the cheaper option for brands. Around 17% of our purchases are returned, creating a massive carbon footprint and around 5 billion pounds of waste, fuelling around 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

So - what can we do?

There are many reasons we need to return clothes, and shouldn’t feel guilty because something didn’t fit right or is faulty. But if you can, shop less and shop well. Maybe look into renting or swapping if you can (however I realise this is a big privilege!!). And speak to your favourite brands, let them know your concerns and put pressure on them for transparency around these things! We also need system change to stop big brands creating so much waste, so if I find any movements around this, I will share them as well.

{Sources: BBC Earth, Quartz & Aequem)

SUSTAINABLE PERIODS — {Contains PR samples} Sust

SUSTAINABLE PERIODS —
{Contains PR samples} Sustainable period products have always seemed a little daunting to me. I’ve never really known where to start but it was one change I really wanted to make this year. Enter: @meetdaye - I especially loved the CBD infused tampons which are a godsend with cramps. The cotton is organic and unbleached and they use sustainable packaging. Their applicators are bio-based sugarcane, the wrappers are water soluble and it comes in recyclable materials. They are a great place to start if you’re looking to be a little bit more sustainable this coming year🌍🤍

Good morning campers🏕 coming out the other end

Good morning campers🏕 coming out the other end of those funny few weeks where you’re not sure what day it is exactly and it is acceptable to crack open the Baileys at 12 has certainly been weird and my sleeping pattern isn’t quite back on track, but I hope you all had a lovely time nonetheless and feel somewhat more refreshed and ready to head into 2021 despite lockdown 3🤍

This is basically a @annalouoflondon fan account,

This is basically a @annalouoflondon fan account, the most BEAUTIFUL handmade jewellery. At the big old age of 22 I finally got my ears pierced (I know, I know) and I couldn’t be more excited to start my earring collection off with these beauts🤍

(Ring and necklace are also from Anna Lou - the ring was kindly gifted a few months ago and I bought the necklace last year, like I said, this is a fan account now)

{pr sample}

I miss being by the coast and going on long hikes.

I miss being by the coast and going on long hikes. I’ve already started planning where I want to explore in the new year (Covid permitting of course), anyone else?🥾

Forever taking photos of my jewellery🌞 @mejuri

Forever taking photos of my jewellery🌞

@mejuri #mejuripartner {Item has been previously gifted}

Can’t beat a bit of winter sun🌞 November fle

Can’t beat a bit of winter sun🌞

November flew by out of nowhere. I’ve never felt like a year has gone so quickly, but has dragged on so much all at once? However very excited to kick off the festive season🎄

Sustainable statement details from @artisanandfox

Sustainable statement details from @artisanandfox 🤍 {PR Sample}

BLACK FRIDAY — As it’s Black Friday tomorrow t

BLACK FRIDAY —
As it’s Black Friday tomorrow this is just a reminder to be conscious when shopping the sales. I should say, I’m not telling anyone to not shop, I realise it’s a good time to buy that special item that you’ve had your eye on for a while which was just out of your price range, or to start your Christmas shopping. However it’s easy to fall into the impulse of buying things you might not necessarily need. We also need to be protecting those making these products, who are underpaid and overworked. So, some food for thought:

Is it a bargain if you don’t actually need it? In 2018, 21% of Brits purchased something on Black Friday/Cyber Monday that they later regretted, spending an estimated average of £83 on each of these items. Items returned are most likely going straight into landfill, and adds to our ever growing waste problem. Only buy if you’re 100% sure it will be long standing in your wardrobe. This also goes to buying from more sustainable brands, it might be a good opportunity to buy from sustainable brands which have a higher price point. But is it sustainable if you don’t really need it?

Will you wear it at least 30 times? Fashion needs to become more circular & seasonless, not disposable. On average women only wore an item 7 times, and 1/3 believed the item to be ‘old’ after fewer than 3 wears. If it won’t stand the test of time, don’t buy it.

I also feel like we need to question question brands such as @urbanoutfitters and @topshop why they can host such large sales when they STILL can’t pay their garment workers for cancelled (already made) orders during the pandemic. We need to be asking these questions and making sure those brands take responsibility for their actions (if you’d like to take a bit more action I’d recommend checking out resources from @fash_rev ). Our clothes should never come at the price of someone else.

Happy conscious shopping🤍

Sources: Finder & Ecoage
Ph: @byellecrane

[ Image Description - Photo of Emily in a winter coat in black and white. ]

Bedroom details🤍

Bedroom details🤍

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Emily is a 22 year old part-time blogger and photographer currently situated in Oxfordshire.

Writing about sustainable fashion & living.

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