Clothes

We spend over £20 billion on clothes every year – so it seems shopping is a national hobby.

Make the most from your current wardrobe without needing to buy lots and lots of new clothes.

Reduce

• Only buy clothes you love and know you will wear.
• Follow the washing instructions to help clothes last longer.
• If you spill something on your clothes rinse it immediately to stop permanent staining.
• Rotate your clothes to stop them wearing out quickly.
• Hire for special occasions.  If you’ll only wear something once see if you can hire it.  Hats, suits and dresses can all be rented.
• Borrow clothes from your friends.

Reuse

• Donate clothing that can be worn again to a charity shop for re-sale.
• Organise a swap party with your friends and family.
• Buy clothes from charity shops.

Repair

• Make basic repairs.  Sew buttons back on and repair hems that have come undone.
• Find a sewing course.  Use the hot courses website to find a course near you or ask at your local school or college.  Courses are also advertised in your local council magazine.

Recycle

• If your clothes can’t be reused then put them in a textile bank so they are recycled.