Earth-Friendly Alternatives to Black Friday
In our Trove Fashion 2023 Fashion Resolutions, we shared our goal of being gentler on the environment. Our action plan included buying secondhand, letting go of fast fashion, and supporting local businesses whenever possible.
With Black Friday around the corner, we’re doubling down on our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. If you’re in the same boat, the Trove Fashion team has you covered! Today, we’re sharing a few earth-friendly alternative ways to spend Black Friday, with a focus on the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Reduce
We recently shared a scary stat: there’s enough clothing on the planet to dress the next six generations. The best way to reduce textile waste is to lower the creation of new items of clothing. To do this, you could host a clothing swap or check out a local consignment store.
Hosting a clothing swap with friends is a fun way to spend an evening. Here are some tips to host a successful swap:
Create a swap theme to ensure that the items are useful (for example, a swap in November could focus on outerwear or sweaters)
Ask each person to bring a set number of pieces (we recommend a maximum of pieces per person to keep it manageable)
Create a designated changing area for your guests, ideally with a full-length mirror
Come up with a plan for the leftover swap items, such as donating to a local charity or saving them for a future swap
Have some snacks on hand to keep everyone fuelled up!
If you want to support local businesses, check out your nearest consignment shop, like Trove Fashion in Ottawa! With consignment, you bring in your gently-used clothing and accessories, the store sells the items on your behalf, and you split the profits. It’s a great way to rehome clothing that no longer suits your style and make space in your closet for new-to-you finds. Read more about consignment here: How to Consign Like a Pro.
Reuse
If you have some free time, why not have a mending day? Just gather up all your pieces that need minor fixes, put on an episode of your favourite TV series, and fix those missing buttons, undone hems, and unraveling seams. It’s easier than you think, and it’s so satisfying to do it yourself! If you’re a beginner and need some mending tips, check out this great post by Sustainably Chic.
For trickier fixes or fit adjustments, consider your local tailor your secret weapon! A quick Google search will probably show you lots of tailors in your area. To find the best one for you, read through their reviews and check their website to see if they specialize in certain types of alterations. Tailoring services are often very affordable, especially for smaller alterations. Read more on the Trove blog: The Magic of Tailoring.
Recycle
It’s easy to drop off a bag of clothing at your local for-profit thrift store, but if you have the time, take a moment to research donation options that help your community. Some shelters accept donations for their clients who are experiencing homelessness or escaping from domestic violence. Local clothing donation drives are another great way to pass on your gently-used items to those in need.
If your clothes have reached the end of their lifespan, take a moment to research local recycling options. For example, many cities have textile recycling bins or designated drop-off days. Just Google “textile recycling” + your city or town name to find all the information you need.
