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There's a growing chatter about the imminent collapse of fast fashion, and we are here for it. In recent news, France has taken a bold step by proposing a tax on fast fashion producers. They’re taking it to the next level by banning the marketing of new fast fashion products. How amazing is that? It's like the universe is finally listening to our eco-friendly pleas.

Even more striking, there was a recent fashion show in Chile that was quite literally out of this world. A runway show in the heart of a massive clothing dump, featuring garments made from the very items people discarded. This show, orchestrated by the Chilean Foundation Diserto Vestido (which translates to "desert dress" in English), aimed to shine a spotlight on the sheer volume of waste humanity generates—39,000 tonnes of clothing are illegally dumped there every year...

The mission behind this eye-opening event was to underscore the importance of curbing fast fashion and to promote the wealth of recycled clothing already available. We don’t need new clothes when we have so much untapped potential in what’s already been made.

The Rise of Circular Fashion: A Stylish Revolution

The circular fashion movement is growing, and it’s taking over in big, beautiful ways. Vintage stores are popping up everywhere, upcycled workshops are becoming the norm, and the ethos of reusing and recycling is spreading like wildfire.

Take, the amazing start-up Thrifter, a Queensland-based Pre-Loved Warehouse & Market, offering "rent a rack" spaces within their stores where everything needs to be under $30 to keep it affordable. It's a treasure trove for anyone looking to shop sustainably and support the circular fashion revolution.

Top 5 Tips for Shopping Sustainably

1. Thrift and Vintage Shops: Make second-hand your first choice. You’ll find unique pieces, often of better quality than fast fashion, and you’re giving clothes a second life. Try Depop, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, Yordrobe and Ebay, or places like Swop - they buy your second hand items from you or give you a store credit in exchange for your old goodies!
2. Upcycled and Recycled Fashion: Look for brands that specialize in upcycling old garments or using recycled materials. They’re turning trash into treasure!
3. Rent Instead of Buy: For special occasions, consider renting outfits instead of buying something you'll only wear once. Check out The Volte, Glam Corner and Dress Hire AU.  And what about a clothes swap with your friends?
4. Support Local Artisans: Buy from local designers and small businesses. They often have more sustainable practices and create high-quality, unique pieces.
5. DIY and Repair: Get crafty and learn to mend or alter your clothes. A little TLC can make old pieces feel new again. We like to follow a bunch of creatives on instagram that teach things like this! So good for our brains and feeds!

Disposing of Old Clothes Responsibly

When it's time to say goodbye to some of your wardrobe items, do it responsibly:

• Donate: If your clothes are still in good condition, donate them to local charities or shelters.
• Sell: Consider selling used items online through platforms like Depop or Etsy, or through consignment shops. It’s a great way to extend the life of your clothes and make a little cash.
• Recycle: For items that are beyond repair, look into textile recycling programs. RecycleSmart and Upparell are fantastic options. They recycle textiles and turn them into new products, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

The winds of change are blowing through the fashion industry, and it’s about time. Together, we can keep pushing for a future where fashion is sustainable, circular, and mindful of our planet’s resources. So, here’s to a more eco-friendly wardrobe and a greener world. 

If you are keen to learn more about reselling your clothes, we have some tips here. 

Thanks for tuning in again GFZ's, until next week we think you'll love another feel good story of our about Concerts That Help The Planet, it's a goodie! 

Much love 

GFZ Team xx