That Marie Kondo itch. Thanks to 2020 her show and the Netflix documentary Minimalism were on the most watched list of 2020. Although her method has helped many people in learning how to get organized, the act of decluttering has caused an influx of unwanted belongings to be sent to Goodwill. 5% of donations end up going to landfills, which I will talk about in the next newsletter.
But what about the things we do keep?
But what about the things we do keep?
What would our closet look like if we bought every item with the respect and the intention of longevity?
The throwaway culture needs to be stopped.
But how?
Below I list 4 ways we can sustain the love for our clothes and to reinstate the value they once had. It takes time to acquire awareness in terms of how we consume and to be honest, we weren’t really taught how to maintain.
Below I list 4 ways we can sustain the love for our clothes and to reinstate the value they once had. It takes time to acquire awareness in terms of how we consume and to be honest, we weren’t really taught how to maintain.
1st
Ask the question: Where do clothes come from & why are they priced as such?
Ask the question: Where do clothes come from & why are they priced as such?
Gather inspiration
Grow the plants
Twist into yarn
Weave into fabric
Dye and apply finishes
Draft the pattern
Cut the pattern
Sew
Fit the sample
Make alterations
Manufacture
Market and merchandise
Sell to customer
Grow the plants
Twist into yarn
Weave into fabric
Dye and apply finishes
Draft the pattern
Cut the pattern
Sew
Fit the sample
Make alterations
Manufacture
Market and merchandise
Sell to customer
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I suggest to shop small to really understand
where, who, and how the garment is made.
where, who, and how the garment is made.
With a knowing of the transparent design process we will be able to treasure the items that we have. Also, be sure to invest in quality pieces over quantity.
2nd
Maintanence (How To)
Maintanence (How To)
- Read the clothing labels before washing
The language of labels can play a significant roll for longevity - Sort your clothes
Blacks, whites, pastels, and blues - Wash inside out to prevent wear and tear
- Wash only when needed
Save water and detergent and make your clothes last longer.
Also washing with cold water is gentler on fabric “switching from hot water to cold or warm every four or five loads can save 864 pounds of CO2 per year². That’s the same as driving 1,000 miles!” - Use spot cleaner
Or a DIY concoction of vinegar and baking soda. The longer you leave any stain the harder it is to remove. - Use vinegar in place of natural bleach
- Don’t overload the washing machine
- Skip the dryer or use low heat
“Normal tumble dryers emit 40 million tons of CO2e in the US each year”
3rd
Repair
Repair
Extending a garment’s wearable life can save costly greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere while providing you with satisfaction of creative expression.
Below is an infographic on simple hand sewing stitches so you can fix your clothes or embroider where there was a tough stain!
If you aren’t interested in learning how to mend your clothes, you can go to your local seamstress or tailor to help you fix your worn in items.
4th
Swap
Swap
There is a sustainable way to shop without spending a dime. You can simply do this by trading clothes with your friends!
I recently just hosted a clothing swap and it was a huge success.
There are ways to restore the love for your clothes!
Feel free to reach out with any comments or questions.