Under the cost-of-living crisis, affordability has become more important than ever for consumers. Barraged by endless targeted advertisements, it’s easy to feel the pressure, and buy cheap, fashionable clothes that aren’t made to last.
The rise of ultra-fast fashion and homeware brands such as Temu and Shein has even further transformed the way many of us shop. With next day delivery, thousands of products to choose from based on internet micro-trends, and super low prices, it can be tempting to ignore the true cost of shopping with these outlets.
Behind many ultra-fast fashion products are significant environmental and social impacts, including concerns around labour conditions, and the use of synthetic material blends which are challenging or almost impossible to recycle. These items are produced at an unprecedented pace, designed to be worn only a few times, and often end up in landfill after a short lifespan.
There are other ways to access affordable clothing, that doesn’t cost the planet.
Buy from community reuse organisations near you
Across Scotland, Circular Communities Scotland members are proving that affordable shopping doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet. Our network of community reuse organisations give thousands of items a second life every day, including clothing and textiles.
From your classic charity shops, to more curated second-hand outlets, there are lots of ways to shop sustainably, affordably and fashionably near you.
Reimagine and repair your existing clothes
We often have more clothes than we realise, and might not consider wearing a certain item because it’s gone out of fashion. Lots of textile charities can help teach you how to lower or take up a hemline, make a skirt from a dress, or reinvent an old top into something new.
Need a simpler upgrade? Check out your local repair café to sew on some new buttons, fix a rip, or patch up a tear on a beloved pair of jeans.
Learn you make your own clothes
Want to take it one step further? There are amazing community reuse charities that specialise in teaching others to sew. From beginner to expert classes, including insights into sewing machine maintenance, make whatever you dream of from quality materials at a fraction of the price of buying new.
Donate or swap items you don’t wear anymore
Clothes swaps are hosted across the country, often by local charities looking to create fun events that help save waste. Borrowing or swapping items of clothing is a great way to keep your wardrobe fresh without buying anything new, whilst socialising with others interested in vintage and sustainable fashion.
The benefits of buying not so new
Unlike many online retailers, money spent with community reuse organisations stays in Scotland. It supports local jobs, volunteering opportunities, training programmes and social enterprises that reinvest their income back into their communities.
Community reuse organisations also work towards social justice, supporting all kinds of social causes, supporting people into employment, tackling loneliness, helping families in poverty and building vital community spaces.
When we have the opportunity to choose a community reuse organisation instead of buying new, that decision has benefits that extend far beyond our own homes. Before clicking “Buy Now”, why not see what’s available closer to home?
How national policy can make it easier to make sustainable choices
Pre-loved items should be as accessible as new and high street brands, with limited barriers for consumers.
We are calling for the Scottish Government to put in place national policies to help further establish reuse as the local, affordable, easy choice. This could be done through requiring local authorities to divert more good quality items for reuse, better support for and promotion of local reuse and repair services, and putting restrictions on how businesses dispose of unsold goods.
Increasing levels of reuse would not only reduce waste, save people money, and create new jobs, but also help deliver the government’s priorities to tackle the climate crisis and keep wealth within communities.
Stay tuned for upcoming policy news and campaign work where you can support our policy asks.
Some fashionable Scottish charities we love!
Check out our MEMBERS MAP and search ‘clothes’ or ‘textiles’ to see charities near you, search your local area to see all your local reuse charities, or use Google or social media to find other groups and projects for affordable, sustainable clothing alternatives to fast-fashion.