THE IMPACT GUIDE
A guide that helps you make better choices when considering whether to purchase new clothes.
Are you considering a ‘new’ purchase
for your wardrobe?
If so, you should make sure that your impact on the world is as small as possible. But it can be difficult to know what to opt for. This is why we have made a guide to help you understand how low or high your current impact is, depending on your purchasing habits – and which factors to bear in mind when acquiring ‘new’ clothes in the future.
Follow the arrows to see your impact on the spectrum of green (lower) and red (higher).
Things you can do
Have a look in your wardrobe
Can you use or repair what you already have?
As a consumer, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact by using the clothes you already own. Go through your wardrobe – are there clothes you perhaps haven’t used because they were hidden at the back, which you can use now? If you have clothes that, for instance, have a button missing, or a tear, you can either try your hand at repairing them yourself or ask a friend or relative to help you with it.
Visit a flea market or download secondhand apps
Can you find something used?
If you don’t believe you cannot use or repair your existing garments, try finding something second hand. You might find what you are looking for on Trendsales or Tise – these are apps that function as second-hand clothing stores. You can also arrange a clothing swap with your friends – perhaps they have exactly what you are looking for. Do you find used clothes unappealing? If so, we recommend that you take a look at the next flea market or download the above-mentioned apps; you will see that lots of clothes are sold as second hand which have actually never been worn.
The reason you find yourself in the green end of the spectrum by buying secondhand, is that these clothes have already been produced, and the proceeds of their resale does not directly support the use of new resources. By using second-hand to meet your garments needs, you also postpone or erase your own need to make use of new resources. This is a key part of reducing our impact on the world; we have to show the market that it mustn’t overproduce.
Examine the quality
Consider whether you will use it for a long time, and how it was produced
If you have considered the first two steps, but still want something new, you should go for clothes of good quality, and consider whether you will use it until it is worn out. If you are certain that you will use the garment for a long time, try to find something that is produced with care and in consideration with people and nature’s resources.