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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