Page 99 - Natural Health (February 2020)

LIVING

3 MAKE IT LAST
According to a study by Fashion Revolution, a non-government organisation campaigning for fair
working conditions in the fashion industry, 90 percent of our clothing is thrown away long before it
needs to be, thanks to our culture of 'fast fashion' and outdated laundry habits. Extending the life
of each item of clothing by just three months would result in 5-10 percent reduction in each of the
carbon, water and waste footprints, so caring for our clothing is super-important.
■ Follow the care instructions on only be laundered once a
the label but bear in mind that most month according to denim experts.
delicates don't need to be dry cleaned
■ Repairing is caring, so invest in pieces
and can simply be put on a wool wash
that come with repair built in. Check
in the machine, or washed by hand.
to see if aftercare is something that is
■ Wash clothing less often as this helps offered by a brand when buying new.
it last longer. Spot clean between wears Shoes are often easy to have repaired. If
if necessary. If you can, wash at a cooler you don't have the sewing skills, support
temperature as this maintains the fibres a local alterations service instead.
for longer. Fibres such as wool need Even things such as moth holes can be
washing far less often and jeans should repaired by an expert.

Things to consider

DURABILITY VERSATILITY
Select pieces that can be worn
Look for items that are well-
made and designed to last. more than one way or can be
Some brands even offer a carried through the seasons.
repair service or a lifetime SUSTAINABILITY
warranty. Think about how If you're unable to find
many wears you will get from something second-hand, buy
the item. If it's expensive you new from a brand that uses
could consider the cost per sustainable materials and
wear – the bare minimum ethical practices. There are
should be 30 wears, but try now lots of truly beautiful
to aim for 100 or more. sustainable brands that are

STYLE not only using better materials,
Trends fade, but style lasts. but also offer repair services.
With this in mind, look for
pieces that will still be stylish LIFESPAN
for years to come – Breton Renting outfits or borrowing
tops, classic T-shirts and good a special dress for an event
is a great idea. Ask friends
also saves on resources and gives a pre-loved jeans are useful staples. Stick or family, or search online for
to your personal style – you'll
piece a new lease of life by diverting it from clothing rentals.
be more likely to wear the
landfill or recycling.
item more often and for years
If charity shops aren't your vibe, try dress
to come.
agencies or consignment stores. They offer
a more upmarket selection of pre-owned PRACTICALITY
designer goodies at around half the original Choose pieces that fit your
price. If buying an item second-hand online, lifestyle. What we each need in
remember to request no plastic packaging from our wardrobes will differ from
the seller. Have an item altered if the fit isn't person to person depending
on our personal style and what
quite right. This can also be done for items you
we do – outdoor adventurer, Extract taken from Six Weeks
already own but you rarely wear. Sizes can be
office worker, landscape To Zero Waste, by Kate Arnell
misleading and vary between brands, so always
gardener, artist... (£14.99, Gaia publishing).
venture outside of your usual size and try
something on to see how it fits.
NATURAL HEALTH 99