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Monday, 25 February 2019

Fashion and the War on Waste


Image result for pile of rubbish in pacific ocean


In an attempt to reduce our extensive waste habits, many of us have adopted a waste routine. We have a bin for recycling goods, we’re encouraged to take our soft plastics to the grocery store, we have become acquainted with our reusable coffee cups and we take our own re-usable bags on our shopping trips. As with any change, we initially encountered some uproar, but as time has gone by, we have become accustomed to this change and gracefully adapted.

Many of us are ignorant on this issue, but we only need to ask ourselves one question - where does my rubbish go after I have thrown it away? There is no magic hole nor a magician performing a disappearing act. Technically, we never really throw anything away. My wise 9 year old son informed me today that there is a large pile of rubbish sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean equivalent to the size of Queensland!

While statistics have shown that the amount of waste contributed by Australia has reduced since the implementation of many initiatives, we still have a long way to go.

Fast fashion is inexpensive, on-trend and has a speedy turnaround. On the flip side, it is often designed and manufactured overseas in poor working conditions, the quality may be compromised and the pieces are so on-trend that it’s “in today – out tomorrow”. These are necessary steps to be able to bring you that “bargain” price. However, what happens when your new “bargain” quickly gets tired or reaches the “out tomorrow” faze? It’s added to your pile of waste that has to go somewhere. There’s the cost!  

My mum is partial to a heart attack every time I disclose how much my latest purchase was, but just like I have made it a habit to cart my reusable bags to the grocery store with me, I am making conscious fashion choices. I prefer quality over quantity and so my wardrobe is slowly becoming smaller yet timeless and one that will outlast a brood of boys – my three sons!

My message…

If you invest in your wardrobe choices and only buy high quality pieces that you know you will treasure for many years to come, not only will you capitalise on your cost-per-wear, you will be less likely to part with it, hence reduce your waste.  As a result, generations to follow can enjoy the same luxuries we enjoy today…like swimming in a non-toxic ocean. It's that easy!


MM

Image via https://phys.org/news/2018-03-pacific-plastic-dump-larger.html

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