From Wardrobe to Waste? Rethinking Our Relationship with Textiles  

With the UK consuming 1.4 million tonnes of new textile products in 2022 alone, we need to start to rethink our relationship with textiles. CAG Somerset has a network of 51 Grassroots members taking action on reuse, repair, waste reduction, sharing, surplus food, composting, tackling climate change or encouraging sustainable behaviours within communities as part of their wider ambitions and 22 of those members are working on repair and reuse across Somerset.  

Repair 

58% of people in the UK say they are likely to use a repair service, highlighting a growing appetite for fixing rather than replacing. Knowing what repair options are available in your local community can be invaluable, especially if textile repair isn’t one of your skills. Can you replace a zip, sew on a button, or mend a rip in your favourite jeans? If not, you’re not alone and help is closer than you might think. 

Repair cafés are a great place to connect with people who can support you, and textile repair is gaining momentum within the fashion world more broadly. The old “make do and mend” message is being reimagined: repair is no longer about necessity alone, but an intentional and stylish choice. 

This shift is being championed by Sustainable Fashion Week through their #MendItMay campaign, which encourages people to mend an item from their wardrobe this May, share it on social media, tag a friend, and challenge them to join the mending movement. It’s feels like a modern day take on old chain letters; only with positive action, creativity, and no stamps required.  

Care  

One of the most effective ways to reduce waste in your wardrobe is to care for your clothes before they need repairing. Reading care labels carefully – washing items at too high a temperature can easily shrink woollens or damage delicate fabrics. Choose gentle yet effective cleaning products that clean thoroughly without weakening fibres or damaging threads. 

Simple preventative habits can also make a big difference. For example, wearing an apron while cooking can significantly reduce the risk of stubborn oil stains or tomato splashes that might otherwise ruin a garment. 

With the textiles industry responsible for between 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is vital that we look after our clothing and consider where it comes from to reduce our environmental impact. 

Share  

Clothes swap events and clothing hire options are a great way to refresh your wardrobe and manage seasonal changes without buying new. If there isn’t already an event in your area, consider teaming up with a local community group or venue to organise one yourselves. Seasonal or themed swaps, such as events focused on school uniforms or specific clothing items, can be particularly effective. 

In April, CAG Somerset and CAG Devon partnered with local projects to host an inspiring online Collaborate session, exploring 4 very different ways communities are successfully running clothes swish events. The session offered a balance of practical ideas and creative inspiration, leaving attendees with clear actions and renewed enthusiasm.  

Spare  

In 2021, around 711,000 tonnes of used textiles were thrown away in household bins and general waste containers at Household Waste Recycling Centres. When your clothing reaches the end of its usable life, do you know what to do with it? While there are many responsible disposal options available, they can vary depending on where you live. 

At Household Waste Recycling Centres in Somerset, you can bag up and recycle the following items: 

• Clean, dry clothing 
• Paired shoes 
• Handbags and belts 
• Accessories 
• Bedding (sheets only) 
• Curtains 
• Towels and tea towels 

Kerbside collections are another convenient option. These services accept clean, wearable clothing and shoes, simply bag them up and leave them out with your next recycling collection. 

Where? 

Repair is thriving across Somerset, and we’re proud to champion communities taking action to grow this inspiring movement. Green Ilminster is now looking for new volunteers to help expand their textile repair service at the Share and Repair shop. If you enjoy sewing and can spare just a few hours each month, we’d love to hear from you. Join the growing repair movement and help make a real difference. 

Find out more and get involved: https://greenilminster.org.uk/ilminster-share-and-repair-sewing-volunteers/ 

Further links  

Visible mending is trending- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/oct/11/repair-is-the-new-cool-how-amsterdam-started-a-fashion-revolution 

Sustainable fashion week – https://www.sustainablefashionweek.uk/ 

Stitch inspiration and techniques- https://www.beljacobs.com/old-content/the-art-of-visible-mending-a4x5k