Launching: Restyler
Did you know that Brits throw away an estimated 3.1kg of textiles every year? The UK is the fourth largest contributor to textile waste in Europe. An estimated 30% of unwanted clothing is sent straight to landfills.
Discarding our clothing has a major impact on the environment. A lot of this is due to materials. Polyester, a synthetic material derived from oil, can take up to 200 years to break down, releasing dyes and microplastics that are harmful to the environment.
Natural materials can be just as damaging. Take leather, for example. Depending on how it is treated, leather is not always biodegradable, and most tanning processes require chromium, which is carcinogenic. You can learn more about different kinds of fibres and the pros and cons of each in the booklet published by the SHRUB Coop: Fabric Awareness Information Booklet
At Remode, we want to not only spread awareness on textile waste but also offer concrete ways in which we can reduce our footprint. Extending the life of our clothes is one of the best ways to do this!
That’s why we are launching ReStyler, a drop-in or postal Garment Styling Alteration and Mending service. Simply bring us an item of clothing that either needs to be mended or restyled and we will propose a solution. Once you approve of our proposal, we will alter or mend your garment in a timely fashion. It is a personalised, fun and creative process that extends the life of your clothing, allowing your most loved pieces to remain in your closet for longer instead of piling up in landfills.
But we can’t offer this service without your support. We have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to provide the necessary equipment and training. Our goal is to raise £2500 by the 19th of April.
Together, we can make a difference in reducing our textile waste footprint. Feel free to share this with friends and family members. The more we get the word out, the closer we will reach our goal and be able to provide you with this unique and exciting service.
What do you plan on bringing us to restyle or mend? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below.