In 2019 we have finally realised we humans are responsible for the health of the world.
Governments have gotten on board by banning single use plastics, individuals have followed suit by investing in reusable coffee cups.
Reducing waste in the kitchen, has become almost second nature to us. We instinctively avoid the plastic wrapped fruit and veg, shop locally and remember our reusable bags.
But how can we further reduce our contribution to waste outside of the kitchen?
Ditch Fast Fashion
In Australia, on average, we buy about 27kg of textiles per year. This includes those new cushion covers that were cute and on sale, the new bath mat and hand towel because their colour is just so hot right now.
Retailers are awesome at convincing us to throw away our perfectly good, but old and out of fashion things, in favour of the latest and greatest.
By creating cheap clothes and products retailers have us trapped. You expect your $4 shirt to only last a few wears. You don't care that the dog slobbered on the cushions, they were only $12. You can easily replace them next time you are at the shops.
Have you ever considered how this cycle contributes to the destruction of the world?
Never fear, we can learn something from the ever fashionable French, who shop for longevity.
The French spend less money on clothes annually than their British counterparts. But the French spend more on individual items, investing in quality pieces, that stand up to multiple wears. This also means a smaller wardrobe, but honestly, how many pairs of pants do you really need?
Fast fashion is frequently made from cheaper, synthetic materials which contain plastics. These plastics, inevitably, end up down the drain when garments are washed. The synthetic materials also make it difficult to dispose of the item when we tire of it.
Additionally, garment manufacturers are renowned for cheap labour and questionable safety standards in developing countries. By divorcing ourselves from our addiction to fast fashion, we can shop more ethically, reduce our waste, thus saving the world!
Just like our habits in the kitchen, our fashion habits can change too. We can easily reduce our waste and support ethical practices in just a few steps.
* Use what you have
Last season's bikini still does the same job by the pool.
* Invest in quality, natural fibre pieces
In the long run, this will save you money as you don't need to replace your clothes as frequently and you won't be adding plastics to our waterways
* Shop at op shops
Find vintage pieces, near new clothes and support a charity all at the same.
* Investigate hiring an outfit for your next formal gathering
You don't always need to buy something new, plus it is a way you can afford to wear an exclusive designer on a budget.