This is our second article on reducing the environmental impact of textiles. In case you missed it, the first was a guide to the best ways to dispose of a wide range of textiles in Geelong, from socks to cushions to wetsuits. Now we are focusing on how we can reduce our need for more textile products in the future.

Reducing your need for new textiles:

Reduce by reusing: Probably the easiest way to reduce your clothing textile impact is by simply reusing what you have, or, in plain terms, wear the same outfits again and again.

This is sometimes easier said than done though. Society has set many of us up to not want to be seen wearing the same outfit repeatedly, or to more than one special occasion.  Be brave and break this norm, and if anyone comments, be proud, not embarrassed, and use the opportunity to be an advocate for sustainable living and explain why.

Borrow or hire: Aside from asking friends and family, there is now a wide range of online clothing hire services for every type of event, from birthday parties to important meetings.

Rotate cushions and mattresses: Turning and rotating cushions and mattresses or swapping them around so that those in the most used places (such as the prime tv viewing position) can make a big difference to the lifespan of these products.

Caring for what you have:

Make it your mission to spot clean: The way you clean your textiles has a significant impact on how long they last. This is particularly true for clothing. Each time clothes are washed and dried they lose tiny pieces, called microfibres. Wipe off spills and mark as soon as possible after they occur, you may be surprised what a damp face washer can achieve. Doing this can be the difference between being able to wear clothing again or having to put the whole item through the wash.

Keep your wash cool and short: If you have to wash your clothes, scientific studies have proven washing your clothes on a shorter, cooler cycle reduces colour fade and the amount of microfibres shed each wash.

Don’t over-dry: While line drying in the sun is an environmentally sound choice, be careful not to leave your clothes out too long, or on days when the UV index is high, as this can lead to fading.  Instead aim to bring them in as soon as they are dry, or even dry in the shade.

Fix instead of replacing: You can take items to a clothing alteration/repair business, ask a friend or family member, or even enrol in a sewing repair class.

If you have internet access, you could also search for videos and tutorials on how to mend clothes. There is a movement gathering pace called ‘mindful mending’ or ‘visible mending’, where participants don’t seek to hide wear and tear when mending, but instead aim to beautify and highlight the mend. You can find some inspiration, and if you are inspired but not confident in your mending skills, you could check out H & M'ssimple clothes mending products, or ask for help at your local haberdashery store.