I was recently asked to contribute to a blog post for the Sydney Environment Institute about some tips for a (stylish!) sustainable Christmas - here's what I wrote:
What's your one fashion suggestion for people this Christmas?
With the silly season upon us, there are countless gatherings with co-workers, friends and loved ones, and it can be tempting to buy something new to wear. But whether it’s a gorgeous dress for that special event, or the Santa hat for the family barbie, before you reach for something new, take a pause. Consider what you already have in your wardrobe, what you may be able to borrow from a friend or pick up at an Op Shop. If you’re heading to a really fabulous event, try one of the designer dress rental shops and add the ‘Wow’ factor for a fraction of the price (and a fraction of the eco-footprint!).
What fashion-related environmental issue should people reflect on this Christmas?
Waste is a huge fashion concern, in Australia we send an average of 30kg of textile waste per person to the landfill every year. The increase of ‘fast fashion’ businesses in our country raise many environmental and labour concerns, and waste is at the top of the list. Many of these fast fashion items are designed to last less than 10 wears and end up in the landfill sooner than well-made fashion pieces. So although that $10 singlet or $20 pair of boardies may be looking like a great, affordable gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for nephew of yours, you may want to reconsider.
What's something (fashionably) sustainable you will be doing this Christmas?
I actually have few ‘fashionable’ activities planned this Christmas! My biggest ambitions are to reconnect with nature by camping, bushwalking, paddle boarding and surfing (well, continuing my surf lessons, anyway), and to spend time with my dear friends and family.
What else would you have added to the list?
You can read the entire blog post on the SEI website to gain tips from other sustainability experts. Or check out my post from a few years ago on DIY Christmas decorations and gifts.
Now, let the silly season continue. I'm sure there are some organic Christmas cookies somewhere around here. . .
Season's Greetings!
xxLisa
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