Eco-Worrier’s Wardrobe Challenge

Inspired by a wardrobe pledge on this blog that encourages people to abstain from buying new clothes and to refashion, renovate and recycle old items, I have decided to launch my own version.
Please welcome, Eco-Worrier’s Wardrobe Challenge.
For one year, I am not going to buy any new clothes. This sounds more extreme than it is. Let me explain. Taking part in this does not prevent you from buying second hand clothes from charity shops, vintage shops and Ebay. Just nothing new. Why? No, not some kind of miserably puritanical hair-shirt instinct latent in all green-minded people. I would simple like to show some resistance to consumerism.

(Click below for why I'm taking the challenge; my worries, and how to join me)

-1/ We are constantly told that we need more stuff and that we must part with more money if we want to be truly satisfied. But this isn’t ‘choice’. We are manipulated to feel incomplete with each seasons must-haves. It’s not the consumer who is really in control here. My plan is to claw back some control; to show that I can take or leave this stuff. As a fan of jumble sales and second hand clothes anyway, I’m must admit that it won’t radically transform my spending decisions. It will, however, cut out cheeky dashes into Topshop and impulse buys from Zara.

2/ That I will also be avoiding clothes made in sweatshops in the developing world is as important. Since a report by Cambridge University's Institute for Manufacturing tracing the impact of garments (download it here), I have wanted to boycott the stores that were earmarked as having unethical suppliers. Anti-poverty campaigners at War on Want released a report about the conditions and pay of Bangladeshi workers supplying Asda, Primark and Tesco, so these were already off my shopping list. But is it really that simple? Can it be ok to shop at Hennes but unacceptable to pop into Primark? I want out from all of it. At least, for a while.

3/ Finally, looking sheepishly at my wardrobe the other day, it dawned on me that I have quite enough clothes to keep me going. Not just me, but I reckon I could dress most of Hackney with my cupboard’s overflow. Should I get bored of my current stock, I can return to my student habits of customising items to spice them up. Back then, I had time on tap, but it was immensely satisfying making clothes that I already had go further - a bit like my mum always does with food (a dash of vinegar in the ketchup bottle and some cooked rice in the homemade beef burgers).

With all this in mind, I made a last dash to M&S for underwear and American Apparel for leggings at the weekend. And so it begins. And already I'm worried about my sock drawer.

Here are more concerns, in no particular order…

• Swimwear this summer. Will my greying bikinis last the summer months?
• My sister’s wedding. Can the bridesmaid be clad in a recycled dress?
• Is it okay if someone gives me new clothes?
• Will I shift my consumer appetite straight onto other things? Having just moved house, I might end up dressing my house, rather than myself.
• Accessories. A grey area. Do handbags count as clothes?

Any assistance with such thorny issues would be appreciated. And if you would like to join me in part or all of this challenge, please get in touch. I’m going to draw up an official pledge letter to send out.
You don’t have to go the whole hog, you are permitted to choose a three or six month time interval, if you prefer. I promise not to call you a lightweight.

Comments

[Hannah Phillips]

I have coped quite well on second hand clothes for a couple of years. Every now and the the sewing gets started and we revamp what we have a bit. Then recycle what we don't want and buy some more from charity shops. This goes for the whole family. Not only have I saved money but got some very nice designer labels in the process. It is something I do in all areas most of the boys presents come from car boot or freecycle. It works do not be afraid.

[Bryan]

If you are concerned about your sock drawer now, imagine what it will look like in a year's time...
If I take up your challenge, can I get people to buy clothes on my behalf?

[Anna Shepard]

Hannah - thanks for the encouraging words. I'm impressed you manage it with kids. That most throw a whole new light on purchasing pressure.

Bryan - I suspect getting other people to buy you clothes rather defeats the point...

[Michael Garton]

As evidenced by the programme on BBC2 the other evening, the link between greenhouse gases and climate change is far from proved, and CO2 is but one MINOR greenhouse gas. Why then are all political parties behaving as though this was not the case? Can The Times at least not retain some balance with reality and not just report Labour and Tory policies as though they were based on hard evidence? Someone needs to challenge the modern accepted orthodoxy which is doing nothing to help the planet and is all about catching votes. The proposed new "environmental" policies will do nothing but make life more expensive for all, and hinder development, particular in third-world countries. Everyone is being panicked into useless precautions and no-one dares speak the truth. It is a real "Emperor's new suit of clothes" situation.

I would much appreciate your comments.

Thank you.

[Ian Murdey]

Michael - this isn't just about CO2. It's also about things like landfill and waste. Surely you can understand that there is a finite area to keep burying stuff; that's not an 'Emperor's new suit of clothes situation'.
We are all being conned by a culture of consumerism that tells us that we need/want the newest things. This is rubbish (excuse the pun). Take kids clothes as an example: my two are 31/2 and 1, 99% of their clothes are second hand and will be passed on again. Children grow out of things so quickly and they hardly ever wear out. Passing things on makes economical and ecological sense regardless of whether you believe politicians or not.
Mind you, if you take a programme on BBC 2 as 'evidence' then I'm probably wasting my time. And P.S. Nothing is ever proved; you go with the weight of probability and risk.

[Ellen Reddie]

Hi
I work in a charity shop ones a week.
It is incredible how much nice and fashionable clothes people donate.
I buy everything I need ( except underwear) and a bit more there and in several other charity shops in my area.
If I look in my wardrobe I have high quality brands and even some designer labels and it is all second hand.
Not only can I feel good about recycling, but I also save lots of money and support charity.

[rosie w]

oh dear. The socks is an issue. Does nicking your boyfirneds count as acceptable?

[john]

Is this a mostly female issue? Apart from undies, ive not bought any clothes for about 3 years. Ive got a couple of suits, few shirts, tops, jumpers etc. How many clothes does one person need?

[john]

Is this a mostly female issue? Apart from undies, ive not bought any clothes for about 3 years. Ive got a couple of suits, few shirts, tops, jumpers etc. How many clothes does one person need?

[Anna Shepard]

Rosie - entirely acceptable. the sock rule is: once sock has hit foot, it belongs to foot's owner from then onwards...
Ellen - does working in a charity shop once a week give you first dibs at the stock that comes in? that must be great.
John - you'd be surprised... some people like to have - probably not 'need' - a lot of clothes. i would even go so far as to say that I think I'm in that trap. So the Wardrobe Challenge is just what I need. I don't thing this is a 'woman thing'. I would like to see more men using second hand resources for clothes. most I know, are a bit snooty about it, and would always go for new stuff everytime - whatever its environmental/social footprint.

[Tamsin]

hello, i'm researching a book about ethical fashion, and am intrigued to know how you are getting on with the wardrobe challenge! i think accessories are easy to find second hand (and vintage) - everything from sunglasses to handbags and jewellery. re recycled dress for your sister's wedding, i'm sure junky styling would be able to customise an old dress or come up with something great for you. www.junkystyling.co.uk. they are more pricey than oxfam but i guess you can splash out for a special occasion. how much money are you saving each month?

[Anna Shepard]

Tamsin, hi, yes I've heard great things about Junky Styling. A friend used them for her wedding outfit - both bride and groom.
I thought I'd treat myself to their services after six months of the challenge when I really am plummeting the depths of my wardrobe.
Money-wise, I'll let you know. I've only been on the challenge for about two weeks. Even before I started, I wasn't buying huge quantities of new clothes; I probably spent roughly £100 a month. Still, 12 months equals £1200 - not to be sneezed at...

[emma]

I am a big believer in ebay, both for shopping and for getting rid of my unwanted stuff - when I dropped a dress size recently I stuck all my too big stuff on ebay and made more than £400. And when I wanted new jeans at the weekend, I found a pair in the brand/style I wanted for £10 - a fifth of the cost of a new pair. And no I don't work for them!

[Mhairi]

On the subject of socks - could you learn to knit? I have been knitting for a while and gave knitting socks a go, please believe me when I say its addivitive. As its technically not clothes you are buying but yarn, and you could be taking up a new hobby its an all round winner. Have a go ? It will also add to your social life if you join a knitting club, whilst getting any help you need.
Just a wee thought.

[Fran]

I've managed more than a year without buying clothes (in the past) - it can easily be done but you don't particularly look stylish. Budget constraints tend to be easiest to stop you buying anything - when you always have more going out than coming in you soon realise that clothes aren't as important as they seem.

[Anna]

Mhairi - thanks for the suggestion. my granny taught my sister and i to knit when we were little things. my big sis picked it up pretty fast but i remember being uselss, which put me off trying again. learnt to crochet last year, though - but only made a beer mat so far :)
Fran - good on you, i'm impressed. it's funny how we having to relearn things we used to do for financial reasons and now do them for environmental reasons.

[tressie]

I just stumbled here...What fun...to Just Say No....and I posted today about: Why Buy Vintage....and my husband and I were on the original Organizing Board of Take Back Your Time Day.....so we have a deep interest in recycling and living thrifty....

[Agata]

We-hey! Well done! I buy half and half - half in the charity shops and half in normal ones (leather shoes mainly).
Spending £40 on a t-shirt that you will forget about in few weeks/months is such a waste...

[Janet Ward]

Yes I have bought some new clothes (bras) recently, but I offset this with the decades old shirts, years old jerseys, the patched trousers.....

Not being a follower of fashion, there is no need to replace clothes unless they are worn out.

I even have the schools scarf of my mother's boyfriend which will soon be 100 years old.

[Andy Hamilton]

I am surprised that no one has mentioned darning socks yet - it shows that it is a lost talent. I have not bought a pair of socks this century and just keep mending my old ones. Not so much darning more sowing up the holes. - I plan to teach myself how to darn socks properally at some point. I must add that I do get one pair of socks every year for Christmas and that does help. I am also happy to wear odd socks, I mean no one ever sees them anyway.

Not sure if this is totally a woman thing I have friends male who are always buying clothes. I had a right go at one who chucks away stuff that he had not even worn.

What about swapping clothes? My girlfriend and her sister are always swapping stuff. She gets quite excited when her sister comes to visit with a whole 'new' wardrobe.

[margot]

Have any of you read Not Buying It, by Judith Levine? It explores much of this ground ...

[Anna]

Thanks Margot - you have prompted me to get hold of a copy of this book. I have not read it, but I would like to.

[Dawn]

I think that this is a brilliant idea as we all have too much stuff anyway and it just makes it more difficult to keep up with the washing and ironing. Apparently we only wear about 20 percent of the clothes we own so what a waste of money and space. I have been concerned how some shops manage to sell their clothes at such cheap prices -I now understand a bit more. Thankyou

[annie]

i think it's great that you're raising awareness re this issue.

that said, there are many of us who tend to only (or v nearly only) buy 2nd hand clothes... it's not that unusual...!!

all the best with your challenge... hope it becomes a way of life!

[Nicki]

I made a resolution to only buy second hand or fair trade about two years ago, and have bought almost nothing (not even much FT) since then. I don't want to support sweatshops and want to leave a lighter footprint - less STUFF! I've also had a wardrobe clear out, you probably don't even need what you've got Anna! However, it's easier for me as I don't have to be smart for work.
I've found that I now think about where everything I buy comes from. You probably won't switch your consumerism in another direction. I still find myself occasionally falling for a special offer, and having to give myself a stern talking to! But eco-thinking slowly becomes the way you think about everything. Second hand things can be great for the house as well! Good luck, and well done!

[Rosalyn]

This is really interesting. I don't buy very much, chiefly because I hate the whole experience and cannot imagine spending £100 a month on clothes and accessories (which do count!) I try to buy classics which will last rather than throwaway fashion.
I like the idea of the challenge. I suspect it would mean me just wearing out everything in my wardrobe as I just hate rummaging in 2nd hand shops even more than buying new ones. If you don't mind the effort, I would have thought the challenge was not too hard, especially allowing for vintage and ebay - just changing where you shop?

[Esther]

As much as I love browsing through fashion publications like Vogue, one thing that always strikes me as ludirous is the adiction to trends. Tee-shirt dresses currently hang in every single clothes shop in town, yet we all know that come next summer, the only thing they'll be good for is as a nightdress.

I've found that it's more than possible to be well dressed without copy-catting the catwalk every year with knockoffs from Zara or TopShop.

My recommendations:

- wear classic pieces combined with vintage. This isn't only fashionable, but also rather 'ethical', for lack of a better word. A trench coat or black top will never go out of style. You'll wear them over and over again.

- Don't buy 'disposable clothes' that you'll wear for one season and then throw out or send to Oxfam. Instead, stick to a relatively small wardrobe of timeless pieces that you'll want to wear again and again.

- Avoid impulse buys. In my experience most of these spend their lives on the hanger, only to be discarded when you are brave enough to muck out the back of your wardrobe.

- Because you're spending less on impulse buys and short-lived trend items, you can spend a little more on those items of clothing that you know will stand the test of time. In my experience, some of those expensive jeans that cost £120 genuinely last four times longer than cheap denim. With TopShop jeans now selling for £40 and over, it's actually false economy. Plus, who needs six pairs of jeans anyway?

- Ebay and flee markets are the best places to buy handbags and accessories.

- Repair items. Shoes can be resoled. Handbags and trousers can be restitched.

- If you're in need of some retail therapy, browse the charity shops in Notting Hill and Richmond. They have some of the most fantastic clothes there, and the prices are all very reasonable.

- When you do get bored of an item of clothing, try to avoid binning it. First, ask around your friends if any of them want it (you may find yourself regularly exchanging clothes if you have similar tastes and clothes sizes). Otherwise, it's off to the charity shop of e-bay with them. Clothes that are too full of holes to be sold can either be cut up and used as rags for cleaning shoes, or turned into something else, such as draw string bags for storing things in.

[Marilyn]

I'm all for rebelling against the advertisers who beat us with a cudgel on every possible occasion! This goes for "celebrations" as well as fashions. Next time you see the stores filling up with paraphernalia for the next BIG sale or holiday promotion, just turn a blind eye to it. How many times are we made to feel like losers if we don't have a stupendous New Year's Day, or a wonderful Christmas season, or a really, really REALLY Happy Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day, or whatEVER! I'm writing from the USA, and I have to laugh at how early the stores, papers, magazines, etc. start nudging us to spend--often generating a subtle guilt that makes no sense at all. Rebel against their manipulations! Just don't buy into it! If you must celebrate, think a little about what it's all about, really.

[coco]

Two minutes on this blog and I am buzzing with top tips to go green. How to get the message across to the lovely Turkish guys who run my nearest shop? Dressed in a nightie desperate for kitchen roll or lightbulbs, I'm met with a blank stare when I ask for eco friendly products. Are there organisations, or government incentives to help them change considering that tight margins make it tough to take the leap?

[Julie]

Anna, I'm wondering how, almost 4 months on, you are getting on? I am going to buy a few bits of undies today and joining you on your challenge tomorrow! Have to admit it is a bit scary but as I live in Amsterdam I am only tempted by Topshop and Primark when I am visiting the UK and that's easy to avoid - just don't go shopping! I can imagine, though, that vintage shopping takes more time as the 2nd hand shops here are only open on saturdays (sunday will remain more or a rest day from now on then!) and you need to hunt more for what you want. All the more exciting I say! I don't spend anywhere near your 100 pounds a month on clothes but it will be interesting to see what I buy and don't buy and how much a better a 2nd hand shopper I become. I already buy some pieces 2nd hand - mostly dresses and bags - as I love the feeling that no-one else has what I have so no worries when it comes to 2 girls in the same dress at weddings. Plus I get to spend more time away from the high street as - at the moment - it is rather stressful and busy with people just buying for the sake of buying!

[dlfbelgium]

What a great challenge! I came across your article because I'm researching fair trade and second-hand consumer choices. You can do it! It is a challenge, but that's part of the fun.
After deciding to reduce my own buying habits, I eventually found the best way is to not enter shops. Seriously. That's the first temptation, and once you're in, you're going to be tempted again (especially by sales)! At first I had problems finding decent looking second hand clothes, but once your not "allowed" to go in the other shops, I find myself looking in second hand stores more frequently and with much better luck over time. Then, with the savings you've made from not buying clothes all the time, you can afford an occasional organic fair trade splurge. It's expensive, but if you only buy second-hand, you can afford this occasional reward. (Maybe after your year challenge? ;-) Good luck

[Julie]

Dear DLF Belgium

I am doing well with my challenge and can totally resist shopping. You are so right - i just do not enter 'normal' shops anymore! Just today i bought a fabulous top and some purple heels (circa 70's) which look cool with jeans. I am finding 2nd hand shopping so much fun - especially as i have always had a problem with wearing the same thing as someone else...especially at a wedding! I have already considered fair trade shopping espeically for shoes. So much more ethical i think. I hate to think who is making all these cheap clothes...and how little they are earning.
Thanks!

[Julie]

anna - I wore a cream lace dress that cost 2 pounds to a wedding once. Although i told my grandmother who thought it was so amazing as it was so nice that she told almost all our family...

[RosieB]

This is a great challenge! I'd like to join you for a 12-month no new clothes - with the proviso that as I lose weight I will allow myself new undies, just knicks and bras! I dont work outside the home and spend most of my time in comfy clothes - will alter to fit as I drop weight but if its baggy that suits me fine! Just bought some lovely summer tops and shooe from ebay and have invested in 'yeah I made it myself' which made my head spin with possibilities. i'm not a great seamstress but I would enjoy revamping secondhand stuff I think.
So, no new clothes/shoes/bags or accessories of any kind for 12 months from now. Watch this space!!

[Eco Worrier]

Happy to see so many comments here. Welcome, welcome to the challenge. RosieB - glad you are with us! "Yeah I made it myself" is a great book, let me know how you get on with your revamping. Seriously, I'd love to hear back from people who have joined the challenge. I'm thinking about organizing a drinks party for wardrobe challengers, somewhere in London.
Julie - re: lace dress. good bargain!
DLFBEelgium - you're right, not entering shops is the way to go. i love that I just waltz on by.

[JULIE]

I am in the middle of the book 'Not Buying it' and it's very interesting. It is quite easy not to go into shops actually although I find that if I see something I like I have to buy it there and then as, being one of a kind, it probably won't be there next week!
I think a drinks evening is a good idea and I would love to join you. I live in Amsterdam so can you let us know in advance then I can try and plan it!

[Wendy]

Wow. This is a fantastic idea. I think I'm going to take on the challenge, too (although I think I'll start with just three months, to see how it goes).

One suggestion that I have for children's clothing is to buy new stuff REALLY BIG. I've been doing this ever since my son was small; there were things I bought him when he was two that he could still wear at age 6. And I don't mean so huge that they look ridiculous. But t-shirts, for example. It's fine for them to be baggy for a while, and then he can wear them until he outgrows them. One thing I have also been able to get away with is buying "long" shorts, and letting him wear them after he's grown tall enough that they're just "regular" length shorts on him. (This might not work for all children, though; my son gets away with this because he is REALLY skinny, so he almost always outgrows things length-wise before he does in the waist). It really does save on clothes, though. I don't buy him a new wardrobe every six months; I just buy a few things here and there.

[Julie]

How's it going Rosie B?
Wendy - 3 months will be easy. I have done it for 2 months already and am having a lot of fun buying 2nd hand stuff! If i wasn't doing this i think i would've spent a bit in accessorize already as i normally do when at the airpot so that's good. I am findning all sorts of things i forgot about in my wardrobe and jewellery box! Plus might start selling somethings on ebay...

[EcoWorrier]

Julie, can I ask you something?
My mum keeps sending me packages with pants and socks and vests in them. She claims she has worn them for a day to get around my rules, but there's no question they were bought for anyone but me. I feel guilty accepting them, but my underwear drawer is grateful. What should I do?

[JULIE]

Dear Eco warrior,

I would be pleased to answer your question. By accepting your mothers gifts you are CHEATING! I understand your mother wants you to have new undies, etc, and only yesterday did I realise I may not have enough socks for the winter...but still I thought 'I have decided to do this and I won't have my boyfriend or anyone else gloat when I buy more socks'. So do as I do and stick to your guns! It will be hard but you chose to do it, and you can't let your fellow bloggers down! Plus as you say she obviously had bought them for you in the first place, even though she has worn them once.

If your mother wants you to have new socks and pants could you not suggest she knits you some socks or makes you some silk bras and knickers herself, 20's style? I think buying fabric may be ok. What do you think? Or your mother could darn your worn-out socks? I think you are doing very well so far though - what did you wear to your sisters wedding?

xx

[WARDROBEEXCHANGE]

I love this topic and this blog! You make a lot of good points.

We have been developing a web based eco-friendly clothing exchange community on a global scale. Think of it as myspace and ebay put together but completely free!

The idea is that you could still change and update your wardrobe whenever you feel like it without the need for manufacturing or purchasing new clothing. Many people have wardrobes full of clothing they no longer wear, with wardrobeexchange.com you will be able to get rid of your unwanted clothes and receive items you actually want to wear in return.

We are still working out the final details before the official launch but if you are interested, visit the site and sign up for a free membership. You can also read more info on the project at our blog: http://www.wardrobeexchange.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you all there.