Buy Re-made?
What am I talking about?
Well, for the last few weeks, my fellow creators have been promoting the idea of consumers buying items, be it clothing, accessories or home wares, that are hand made from 'reclaimed' resources.
Most of us work with textiles, but others may make things like jewellery from other media.
We are all craft people or artisans, and want to do what we love (being creative), and help the planet at the same time.
Sounds good?
Yes, its a win win situation. You buy our products, and you are supporting a small business, we are often 'one woman' businesses and you can feel good that you have been eco-friendly. Also, the majority of the time, you will be getting something that is one of a kind. Remember, we work with off cuts, remnants, whatever, and therefore, often have a limited supply so can only make one of a kind.
Why is this important?
Well, I'm sure many of you will now have heard of Extinction Rebellion, or the Schools Climate Strikes, Greta Thundberg and watched the David Attenborough programmes (UK). So you are aware of the catastrophe, the planet is heading towards with climate change.
If you weren't aware, the fashion industry is one of the biggest polluting industries in the world, its an embarrassing disgrace. The word fast fashion is commonly used these days, and here in lies our problem. Large clothing brands, churn out new 'ranges' every few months these days, with as many as 6 a year in some cases. You will see end of season sales constantly, not just at the end of summer and winter. in fact, you go into any department store and their will be a sale rail at any time of the year because they just can't keep up.
For further reading on this subject please see a previous blog of mine
Foxy Lady Talks Slow Fashion
For a shocking insight into the industry we recommend watching this documentary
Fashions Dirty Secret - Stacey Dooley BBC
The clothes are made cheaply, from synthetics, with harsh chemicals and massive water requirements, never mind the production and shipping processes, that cause CO2 gases. Their are just so many things wrong with the fashion industry, and massive changes need to happen, NOW.
One change that could make a big impact, is the behaviour of the consumers. The more knowledge people have about this dirty industry, the less people will favour it. The more options available to buy affordable sustainable clothing should benefit the consumer and the planet. this is where re-made comes into play.
So what are your options to avoid buying fast fashion?
1. Choose well and shop less
Buy quality garments made from natural fibres, ones that are made well, look classic, and will last in your wardrobe
2. Buy second hand
You can easily obtain used clothing from Charity or thrift shops, jumble sales, or swap shops.
You can get some great bargains, if you just take time out to browse
3. Buy Re-Made
Our re-makers make some fantastic products, by hand that are well made and unique.
We source our fabrics from a variety of places from charity shops, to remnant bins, passed on by the previous generation and one of my favourites is the upholstery sample books (they make great bags)
4. Repair / Reinvent
Find a dressmaker and get your clothes repaired or altered, or even learn how to do it yourself!
Please check out our group on the following social media links
Join in discussions on our Facebook group
The ReMakers Facebook Group
or just browse in our shop for some sustainable goodies
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRemakersShopFront/
The Re-Makers collective was an idea by Sharron Barton a bag maker from Nottingham, UK
Sharrons business website
Very insightful and informative. People are not aware enough of the damage to the climate and our pocket buying new all the time does. It is important to educate to buy less and if one must buy then to buy remade.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon
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