Shopping ethically and sustainably has enjoyed a spike in popularity over the past few years, with many forgoing an expensive shopping trip to buy second-hand items instead. The need to save money whilst potentially wanting to save the planet, means many are getting aboard the green fashion train whilst basking in a feel-good factor of not wasting money on brand-new items.
The cost-of-living crisis is just one factor that has catapulted sustainable fashion into the spotlight. Sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Vinted and eBay all stock pre-loved items that have had previous owners looking to sell items with a view to reducing wastage whilst making a little bit of money.
Depop markets itself as 'the home of circular fashion that’s kinder to people and kinder to the planet'. The sustainable fashion giant say its research found that despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, 44 per cent of 18 to 35 year olds in the UK are buying more second-hand clothing now than they did last year – saving up to 25 per cent on each item, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Lucy Waldron is an ethically-minded shopper who decided to learn more about sustainable fashion in 2020. Whilst undertaking research about the fashion industry, she felt compelled to lower her carbon footprint.
She adapted her shopping habits and switched to buying second-hand items only, to help the environment whilst saving money in the process. The 27-year-old, who works at a digital marketing agency as a culture and talent executive, said: “Over the years, I've saved £200 to £300 by shopping sustainably.
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“The changes feel less dramatic but I definitely find I can get a lot more for my money and still be getting very good quality, or barely worn pre-loved clothing. I’ve never been under any impression that the way we shop is sustainable or ethical and for years I have really tried to avoid notoriously unethical companies such as Primark and Shein.”
Lucy, who lives in Leeds, says her first port of call when on the hunt for clothes, are Depop and Vinted. She also enjoys rummaging through charity shops.
Top tips on how to save money and be thrifty
Lucy is now keen to share her money saving tips through sustainable fashion. She prioiritises quality, ageless items and avoids trends, which are easier and quicker to fall out of fashion.
Speaking about society's consumption habits, Lucy said: “I think part of the problem is our need to consume, which is natural living in a capitalist society. I feel, especially as women, we are made to feel we have to have a lot of clothes and different outfits.
“So, I have tried generally to assess my need for certain clothing and whether it would benefit my wardrobe and life in the long run. I try to wear clothes I already have, or make alterations or recycle clothes I don’t wear, into something new.”
Depop say their research shows those who resell their clothes online could make anything from the average of £350, all the way up to £5,000 a year, simply by selling the items lurking in their wardrobe. Gen Z users are reportedly making an average of £437 per year selling pre-loved and second-hand clothes.
If you're keen on growing your green credentials but don't quite know where to start, Alex Econs, founder and CEO of clothing printing company ICON Printing and expert in sustainable garments has shared five tips for getting started on your green journey. He said: “Sustainability is top of the agenda in the fashion world right now.
"It’s more important than ever to understand the way your clothes are made, rather than just taking the brand's word for it. From t-shirt printing methods to the materials we wear, being mindful about where your clothes come from is an important first step to shopping sustainably.
"It’ll be kind to both your wallet and the planet in the long run, so what’s not to love? Just because you’re finished with your clothes doesn’t mean you can’t make a little extra money, whilst being kind to the environment."
Alex says Vinted and Depop have become wildly popular due to their 'easy and reliable' method to sell unwanted items. Acknowledging the renting trend - Carrie Johnson famously rented her wedding frock from My Wardrobe HQ - Alex said: "Renting your clothes on sites such as ByRotation or Hurr is a great option for high-quality or designer clothing items.
"Not only does this support circular fashion but it will allow you to make some money too. If you don’t think reselling is an option, be mindful of how you dispose of the garment.
"The Salvation Army is a great option if you want to donate your clothing and if you live in London, Traid will even pick up your clothes from your home. Before you decide to bin your favourite t-shirt or pair of jeans if they are looking a little tired, try and salvage the situation.
“Each year, more than 8 million Brits throw repairable clothes in the rubbish. Every seven minutes the equivalent of Mount Everest (in height) of clothing is sent to landfill.
"So before you ditch your clothes because of an annoying hole or a tough stain, consider putting the extra effort into trying to give them another lease of life."
