Have you ever heard of the concept of 'buy nothing new'? It's a movement that encourages people to reduce their consumption of new products, especially in the fashion industry, and instead reuse, repair, swap, or borrow what they already have.
In this blog post, I'll explain why this concept is so important for the environment and our well-being and give you some sustainable tips on how to minimize fashion waste and buy nothing new.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It produces about 10% of global carbon emissions, consumes huge amounts of water and energy, and generates tons of textile waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 85% of textiles go to waste each year. Not to mention the social and ethical issues that plague the industry, such as low wages, poor working conditions, child labor, and human rights violations.
But first, I would like to share with you this outfit that I recently wore. The look is inspired by 1800 fashion combined with contemporary pieces for my version of cottagecore aesthetic and romanticizing my rural lifestyle. The top dress was one of my previous upcycled creations using my husband’s polo shirt, adding lots of frills and ruffles. Then I used my second-hand floral-print textile that I bought two years ago from the charity shop to make a ball skirt and make it puffier by wearing this crinoline skirt that I also bought from the charity shop.
This fan was a gift many years ago from the Ayala Museum in the Philippines, and the cottagecore wicker bag was my little purchase years ago.
Buying nothing new is a way to challenge the fast fashion culture that promotes overconsumption, and low quality. By buying nothing new, we can save money, reduce our environmental impact, support ethical and local businesses, and express our creativity and individuality. Buying nothing new does not mean that we have to stop enjoying fashion or dressing well. It just means that we have to be more mindful and intentional about what we wear and how we acquire it.
So how can we minimize fashion waste and buy nothing new? Here are some tips:
Shop your closet.
Before you buy anything new, take a look at what you already have in your wardrobe. You might be surprised by how many clothes you own that you haven't worn in a long time or that you can mix and match in different ways. Try to create new outfits with what you have, or accessorize them with jewelry, scarves, hats, or belts.
Repair or alter your clothes.
If you have clothes that are damaged, stained or don't fit well, don't throw them away. Instead, try to fix them yourself or take them to a tailor or a seamstress. You can also transform your clothes by dyeing them, adding patches embroidery, or buttons, or cutting them into new shapes.
Swap or borrow clothes.
If you want to refresh your wardrobe without buying anything new, you can swap or borrow clothes with your friends, family, or neighbors. You can also join online platforms or local events that facilitate clothing swaps. This way, you can exchange clothes that you don't wear anymore for something new to you and make new connections with like-minded people.
Buy second-hand or vintage.
If you really need to buy something new, consider buying second-hand or vintage clothes instead of new ones. You can find amazing deals and unique pieces at thrift stores, consignment shops, flea markets, or online platforms. Buying second-hand or vintage clothes is not only cheaper and more sustainable but also more fun and creative.
Buy less but better.
If you decide to buy something new, make sure that it is something that you really love, need, and will wear for a long time. Choose quality over quantity, and opt for clothes that are made from natural, organic, or recycled materials, and that are produced ethically and locally. Invest in timeless and versatile pieces that can match different outfits and occasions.
Buying nothing new is not only good for the planet and our wallets, but also for our souls. It helps us break free from the pressure of keeping up with trends and the cycle of dissatisfaction and guilt that comes with overconsumption. It also helps us appreciate what we have more, express our personality more authentically, and enjoy fashion more creatively.
@blair.villanueva How to romanticizing my ordinary life in regional Warragul Victoria. 🥰 #warragul #gippsland #wheninaustralia #refashion #upcycledfashion #aesthetics #sustainablemaximalism #tiktokindia #tiktokaustralia #tiktokph #fypã‚·゚viral ♬ Relaxing Japanese-style piano song inviting nostalgia - Akiko Akiyama
Are you ready to join the buy nothing new movement? Let me know in the comments below!
I think your approach to upcycling clothing is genius! I wish I had the ability to design such gorgeous creations. We do purchase clothing often at Goodwill!
ReplyDeleteI heard so much awesome stories about Goodwill! Maybe when I visit America, I should pay a visit to one of their shops.
DeleteWhat a great concept - "buy nothing new"! I'm feeling encouraged to spend some time at the second hand shops near me and do a some holiday shopping (will also shop my own closet!). Stephanie
ReplyDeleteYou can organize a monthly closet-shopping afternoon with your friends and shop from each other's closet. A great way to build a community as well.
DeleteI am continually amazed by your creativity! I feel like every day is buy nothing new ay with your style.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth!
DeleteYou have the coolest style! I love the way you take things and transform them into completely different, completely cool looks.
ReplyDeletejust enjoying the passion for sustainable fashion!
DeleteI love that you're highlighting this day and how to minimize fashion waste. We don't often think about clothing when we think about waste, but it's a major source of it!
ReplyDeleteI'm all for buy nothing new concept. My friend is a firm believer of this, and that girl gets a lot of awesome clothing for her kids at resale stores.
ReplyDeleteWow, love your fashion and how you turn them into amazing designs. You are a very talented person.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fransic!
DeleteIt's so smart to work with what you already have in your closet. Coming up with new combos is fun and sustainable!
ReplyDeleteII have been practicing this concept for so long. Goodwillis where I usually shop.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great article! I like the idea of "buying nothing new," I already try to follow it. I'll bring some good clothes to Goodwill soon, and I also accept good used clothes from my friends.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that there is a day for this now. We don't really need new stuff all the time. It's just that we have been convinced that we need to.
ReplyDeleteI always love how you design, upcycle and reuse clothes. This one is beautiful too, you look pretty too!
ReplyDeletethank you, Monidipa!
DeleteThis is a great idea! How I wish I am as talented as you to know how to upcycle my existing pieces. Thank you for sharing these tips. I try to swap clothes with friends.
ReplyDelete