8th July The 7 R’s of Sustainable Fashion

We have all heard of the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but are they still relevant for fashion? If so, how else can we still look fashionable while reducing our impact environmentally and ethically? The 7 R’s are a revised and needed set of points we should all strive to consider when consuming fashion in all forms.

The 7 R’s are:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Research, Repurpose, Repair  and Rent. 

Our society and culture do not view clothes the way we used to. Instead of having two fashion seasons a year; Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, we are now living in a society where it is expected to have a new trend to follow almost every week. So why is it important to add these four extra R’s to the list?

Repurpose

Repurposing items gives them a new life! That may be repurposing an item for yourself, or giving it to someone else who needs it and can use it. Clothes swapping can fall under this category as giving others your pre-loved clothes is giving them a new purpose! We love this option, so many things can be repurposed – flower petals dried into confetti, really worn out clothes cut into cleaning cloths and trousers turned into a top, skirt and scrunchie! See the picture below of what Izzie did to a pair of trousers that were too big for her!

Research

Research is probably the most important point on this list. Educating yourself gives you the ability to make an informed choice and also allows you to consider all options when investing in fashion. Fortunately, education is easily accessible through the internet, social media and conversations you have with your friends! One of Dopplle’s core values is to educate as many people as possible (students and non-students) about the environment and how everyone can make small changes to have a more sustainable lifestyle.

Repair

Dopplle loves repairing clothes! A simple button being resewn back on, a pair of trousers being hemmed or a faded t-shirt being dyed a new colour can give anything a new life. Repairing items can help them have a longer lifespan without them being thrown away and contributing to landfill. Have you seen any of our previous repair workshops? Keep an eye out on our social media for some more tips and tricks videos or if we have any online workshops coming up!

Rent

Out of all of these options, renting is potentially the least sustainable, but that is not to say it isn’t a great option for those with a specific lifestyle! Renting items for one off occasions is a great way to look good without leaving an item in the back of your wardrobe, but currently renting companies do not have enough customers. This means that so many of their items are left in a warehouse, waiting to be rented out. The more people get involved, the more sustainable the renting business model!

Take away message…

Overall, the most important thing to takeaway from this is to consider all options when buying clothes. The more educated you are, the more sustainable we can all be!