Is your t-shirt bad for the planet? The answer is likely yes. Most of what we wear in fast fashion is made in ways which don't support the environment or community. Clothing is shipped long distances, resulting in high energy use and emissions. It is often made in low-income countries in sweatshops, resulting in exploitation. And then, at the end of its life, it usually ends up in a landfill. Sometimes, before then, if somebody ends up with something that doesn't fit.
There are things you can do, including recycling clothing, but upcycling and thrifting can make a huge difference. Not only that, but it can help you achieve a more unique look, rather than feeling as if you are wearing what a fashion marketer decided you wanted.
What is Upcycling and Why Does it Matter?
First, upcycling is not the same thing as recycling. Recycling is reducing textiles into parts and then reusing those materials. Upcycling is using parts of an item of clothing in different ways.
Waste is a significant issue. 6% of the discarded plastics in Canada are textiles or apparel. And that is only the plastic; it doesn't count natural fibres that may also have been discarded. With new apparel production having a high carbon footprint about 10% of global carbon emissions it's imperative to reuse more textiles.
Upcycling is a creative and fun way to do that. You can upcycle clothes into art or for all kinds of other purposes. Textiles that can't be used for anything else are good as cleaning rags. Having a rag basket for completely worn-out clothing is old-fashioned, but valuable, and can save paper.
The Magic of Thrifting - Treasure Hunting for Style
Older clothes are often better made than current fast fashion. Shopping second hand not only helps the environment but also allows you to buy better clothes for less money. Some thrift stores are non-profits and can help the community. Others encourage people to sell their unwanted clothes rather than throwing them away.
You do need to be smart when thrifting. Many donated clothes are not in good condition. Here are some tips for smart thrifting:
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If you find a fantastic item that doesn't quite fit, consider upcycling, getting it tailored, or even learning to make simple alterations yourself.
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Know what materials last the longest. Ballistic nylon lasts the longest, but it is not typically what you will find. Polyester and nylon are the most durable, as are cotton polyester blends. Don't dismiss that lovely wool but know that it might not last as long (wool should also be washed less frequently). Denim is also durable because of its twill weave.
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Know where to shop. Local thrift stores are often the best option because you can try things on and examine them closely. Online marketplaces are a little riskier but can provide good deals.
Thrifting supports your community and reduces demand for new production, so it's great for the environment. It's also fantastic for your style, giving you access to pieces that aren't "in style this week" but "in style for you."
Upcycling Ideas to Transform Your Wardrobe
Think about the t-shirt we mentioned at the start. T-shirts often wear out in the armpits or around the collar, and many are discarded while still having their screen-printed art intact. You can collect a bunch of old t-shirts, cut the art, and sew them together into a quilt. If you have something sentimental, such as an old band shirt, you can even frame it.
Another way to upcycle is to repair things in ways that look cool. A torn pair of jeans can be mended. Or it can be patched with cloth cut from another worn-out item of clothing, with intentional contrast.
Have a shirt that is no longer well-fitting let's say your size went up, but it didn't. Cut complementary fabric, open the side seams, and expand it. This is also a way to turn your favourite shirt into a maternity shirt.
Worn-out knit sweaters can be turned into scarves, cowls, or even mittens. Old t-shirts can also be knotted into headbands or bracelets. There are all kinds of ways to change the size of clothing, repair it, or use it to make other things.
You can also swap out buttons. A new shirt with plain buttons might pop better if you switch them for the sparkly ones on a worn-out shirt. Jeans that are now more worn than is fashionable? Crop them into shorts. Denim also makes great bags, especially if you add some pretty embroidery.
Faded clothing can be revived with dye, which is easy to do yourself. You can also consider dyeing that gift from someone who knew your size, but not one you would never wear in that shade of pink. Dyeing is also a good way to turn a thrifted item into something you will genuinely love.
And don't forget that you can combine upcycling and thrifting. Thrift an item that's too small and then use upcycled fabric to enlarge it. Or combine a vintage dress with modern accessories for a unique look.
Sustainable Style on Any Budget
Eco-fashion can seem expensive, but it really isn't. Fast fashion is cheaper in the long run because flimsy clothing wears out quickly, not to mention the cost of buying something. After all, it's the closest you can find, and then you never actually wear it because it wasn't what you wanted. Fast fashion is one-size-fits-all, and that is not how people work.
If you aren't sure where to start, set yourself a sustainable style challenge and get some accountability from your friends. Say, put together one thrifted outfit per month. Or pull one piece of worn clothing and do something with it.
Second hand clothing is of higher quality for the same price, and upcycling can reduce the amount of clothing you buy, and in the long term, you might even save money.
How GreenBirdi Supports Conscious Living
Our mission at GreenBirdi is to promote sustainability, equality, and empowerment. Upcycling and thrifting support our mission by protecting the environment and reducing demand for fast fashion, which is often produced in sweatshops. This all goes hand in hand with our fantastic range of curated beauty products that will help you shine.
Small items make huge differences. Thrift clothing, supporting women-led brands, and choosing eco-conscious products are more effective than you think. Join the flock to create collective change.
Fashion that Feeds the Soul (and Saves the Planet)
Fashion doesn't have to be cookie-cutter. It can be expressive and ethical, and entirely you, while still being affordable on any budget. Do you have neat looks that are thrifted, upcycled, or both? Share them on social media with the hashtag #GreenBirdiStyle to show off your look and inspire others.
Style shines brighter when it's kind to the planet and it's better for you, too. Make simple changes and look good today and tomorrow and check out GreenBirdi's range of beauty products to complete your ethical, eco-conscious look.
