Activity One - Information

You are clearly here as you either like fashion, purchase a lot of clothes or are a geographer. Possibly all three. As someone who owns way more clothes (and shoes) than I need to, am I unusual? A quick AI search would put me firmly in the 'normal' for someone in a high income country. In Switzerland on average 210CHF is spent per household per month but the high amount is often to do with the fact that our clothes cost approximately 25% more than the surrounding countries. The USA, France and the UK spend around 2.5% of their annual salary is spent on clothes (taken from Bundesamt fur Statistik). On average this translates into between 30-60 items of clothing. This is also a gender issue as women spend 40% more on clothing than men. Just take a look at the high street to see how many shops are dedicated to men over women along with the huge increase in floor space that is dedicated to women's fashion over men. 

But despite all of the data and facts given about fashion multiple sources suggest that our shopping habit will continue to increase rather than decrease. Therefore do we really consider the impact that our shopping choices are having on people and the environment?

Watch the YouTube clip and mind map the following:

• What is the issue?

• What examples are given about the value of clothing?

• What can clothes give us?

• Who is causing the problem of clothing waste?

• Why is valuing the things that we own a climate solution?

Useful Resources

Activity Two - Impact

One the main aspects of the YouTube clip was how we view and value the items we own. Yet we throw away 92 million tonnes of textile waste a year and 85% of that often ends up in a landfill. In Europe that translates to 12kg of clothing being thrown away every year. In fact, between 10-40% (80-150 billion garments) of clothing produced is never sold (The Guardian). Only 8% of old clothing is reused or recycled. Where does it end up? 

1. Complete the visible thinking process of 'See, Think, Wonder' for the two images in the 'Useful Resources' box. 

Useful Resources

Activity Three - Solutions

So the impact we are having on our planet due to the choices we make doesn't look good. But that doesn't mean we can't change the way that we view, buy and 'own' our clothing. There has been an increase in the amount of clothing that we hire, especially when it comes to the big ticket items of wedding dresses, wedding guest dresses, prom dresses, etc. Could this idea of hiring or borrowing clothing translate into the staple item of a pair of jeans?

1. Watch the YouTube clip about the Dutch company - MUD Jeans.

2. Discuss in small groups if you would rent your jeans. Be prepared to share your ideas with the group. You can use the 'to read' link below to find out more about MUD Jeans and the types of products that they sell. 

Useful Resources