We’re doing it and we must continue to do it. What, you ask? Reusing and repurposing our clothing. Each year, billions (yes billions) of pounds of clothing end up in landfills. Much of it is not biodegradable. To state the obvious, that is not good for our environment.
Possible solutions have focused on “the three R’s”:
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
I’d like to focus on Reuse which, to me, also includes repurpose. Some studies predict that the reuse, re-wear and resale economy will be worth $33 billion by 2021. In fact, there are some projections that show used fashion overtaking fast fashion by 2028.
It’s a good sign that reuse and repurposing is happening everywhere. In New Mexico, Stephen Cuomo, executive director of the Santa Fe Fashion Week, brings reuse to that organization’s eBay shop. In addition to being a good business opportunity, it also keeps these pieces out of landfills. Designers such as Bernadette Vallejos-Michaels are repurposing clothing, giving tired pieces a new, exciting life.
Cuyana, a San Francisco based purveyor of long-lasting women’s leather bags, clothing and accessories, has it’s Lean Closet movement which facilitates customer donations of things they no longer use. The donations benefit women in need through its partnership with H.E.A.R.T.
Yerdle Recommerce is a company whose technology helps brands such as Levi’s, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher buy back and resell their pre-used clothing.
Thrift stores have long been an important part of reusing clothing and will continue to be so in the future.
Reuse is a trend that is both good for business and good for the economy. Everyone can participate – individuals, small, medium and large businesses, and nonprofits. We can all do our part to keep this trend alive and growing.
© Copyright 2019 David Biagini, All rights reserved.
