We have been talking about clothing repair and reuse in the past several months, because it is an important part of reducing the negative impacts of fashion. Now, just in time for Earth Day, we can quantify just how good it is.
Earlier this year, a EURiC study showed reusing clothing has an environmental impact that is 70 times less than producing new stuff. Researchers even took into account global reuse markets, which transport used clothing significant distances for resale. That is huge. The fashion industry pumps out an estimated 100-150 billion new clothing items every year, and the vast majority of these items eventually go to waste.
In Europe, less than 20% of new textiles put on the market get reused, and most of the reuse happens outside of Europe. Making reuse a part of our everyday lives is an important step reducing our impact on the world. If everyone in Europe chose reuse instead of new just 5 times per year, we would save as much CO2 emissions as driving around the world 1.6 million times.
Little choices do make a big difference.
For a little inspiration, we asked our friends to share their favorite reuse spots in the Netherlands and Estonia.
Happy Earth Day.
Upcoming events
Spring flea markets in Saku
Garage sales to check out in Viimsi on 06 May
Ij Hallen in Amsterdam on 13-14 May
Why here? This is the biggest flea market in Europe with tons of clothes and loads of other interesting and weird stuff, too. Definitely something to experience.
Saku has almost 30 free events and workshops in May
Drop off clothing with Uuskasutuskeskus in Lääne-Harju on 21 April (collection only)
Kloogaranna tee 20, Laulasmaa, 76702
Rae 17, Paldiski, 76805
Shops
Het Goed - Rotterdam
Why here? This organization provides jobs for people with distance to the labor market, and they are active in the textile to textile recycling chain in the Netherlands.
Kotzebue Humana - Tallinn
Why here? Great stuff, nice vibe, cool neighborhood. This is a popular place to find vintage stuff in the Teleskivi neighborhood.
Liivalaia Uuskasutuskeskus - Tallinn
Why here? This place has a good selection of items in a store that is set up well and fun to shop in.
Why here? This is a big place with lots of things to look through, and the clothing is in good condition.
Pika Pika - Tallinn
Why here? Easy to find high quality brands, especially for outdoor clothing.
Punane Ristik (Red Cross) - Tallinn
Why here? Good tableware finds!
Riideäri - Kiisa
Why here? A friendly place for Kiisa locals to find interesting new (to them) items.
RiiSaikel EluStiilipood Tatari - Tallinn
Why here? The in-store team is very friendly, the atmosphere is great and the selection is stylish and interesting.
Why here? It is easy to find something nice, the store is arranged well and the price is good.
Swap Shop - Pop-up Events, store in Amsterdam
Why here? They give store credit for dropping off items, and better quality = more credit! The events are fun, and they actively measure their environmental impact.
Teine Võimalus - Lääne-Harju
Why here? They bring goods from across Europe into their shop in Paldiski.
WEAR - Rotterdam
Why here? They source their product from Dutch sorters and also provides circular jobs for local people with distance to the labor market.