How to Save Money and the Environment
Want to be More Eco-Friendly? Shop Smart
When it takes 10,000 litres of water to grow enough cotton to make just one outfit, you know something is wrong. Every year, 225,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill in Ireland – a complete waste of water and energy. Throwaway fashion is putting increasing pressure on our planet and its people – it’s simply unsustainable.
The Global Footprint Network reports that as of 2016, it would take roughly 3.14 Earths to support the world’s population if everyone had the consumption habits of Ireland. Considering that we don’t have 3.14 Earths to exploit, our lifestyles are unsustainable and we need to change our habits – urgently.
Ireland need to reconsider its priorities, but so too does the fashion industry which stubbornly refuses to pick up the pace in its move to a more circular economy. Inaction only adds to our increasing landfill waste and skyrocketing carbon dioxide emissions. The truth is that we don’t have to live by the fashion industry’s rules. In the words of actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson: “As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” To shake up the fashion industry and help reduce Ireland’s carbon footprint, we must come together to purchase with purpose and shop responsibly.
Hunting for Discounts? So Are We
Not only does second-hand shopping help reduce your carbon footprint, it also helps save your hard-earned cash. Second-hand shops are well-known for offering unbelievable deals on a wide variety of items. Most have bargains for everyone in the family – from children’s toys to men’s suits. If you’re a student on a budget, you can create your autumn style and wardrobe by grabbing the latest, heavily discounted second-hand skirts, tops, and coats. Be sure to take advantage of special deals in the shops as they won’t last long! And Oxfam shops offer an amazing collection of accessories, so any outfit can be completed in style. So, ask yourself, why shop new when you can shop pre-loved?
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