In the UK, about £140 million (350,000 tonnes) worth of clothing is thrown into landfill every year according to the Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP).
The disposal of clothing has a high carbon footprint because the resources used to produce the garments are waste and landfill sites create pollution. It is important to consider the impact of our clothes, shopping habits and improving circularity.
Repair and upcycle
Extend the life of your clothing by repairing minor damages like loose seams, missing buttons, or small tears. Get creative with upcycling projects to give old garments a fresh look.
You can borrow upcycling equipment such as sewing machines from the Library of Things at the Glades shopping centre.
Greener and Cleaner Bromley organise workshops to learn how to mend clothing and sew.
Buy and sell second hand clothing
Charity shops, consignment shops, and online platforms like Vinted, Poshmark, and Depop offer a wide range of pre-loved fashion. Buying second hand reduces demand for new production and keeps clothing out of landfills. These same avenues can be used to resell clothing items and pass them on to a new owner.
Clothing swaps
Organise or participate in clothing swaps with friends or community groups. It's a fun and cost-effective way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new items.
Greener and Cleaner Bromley organise clothes swaps in the Hub at Glades Shopping centre.
Declutter responsibly
When decluttering, donate clothes to charities, give them to friends, or sell them online. Ensure they are in good condition and truly useful to the next owner. Bromley has a good number of charity shops that accept clothing donations.
See how you can responsibly donate or dispose your clothing items:
Donating goods (bromley.gov.uk)
Clothes and textiles - Household waste and recycling collections (bromley.gov.uk)
Wash less, wash cold
Washing clothes less frequently and using cold water can reduce wear and tear and save energy. Air drying instead of using a dryer also helps maintain the fabric's integrity.
Recycling programs
Some brands and retailers offer take-back programs to recycle old clothing. These programs ensure that textiles are reused or recycled responsibly instead of ending up in landfills. You may wish to check individual brand recycling credentials to ensure they are recycling items responsibly.