The recycled clothes scene in Cardiff and why it is important
Last Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg showed his support for the recycling and re-using of textiles in Cardiff by visiting PreFab Clothing. Several businesses in Cardiff are encouraging people to recycle and customise their clothes to help prevent the wasteful culture that comes with high street fashion and the PreFab clothing store on Albany Road is a prime example of one such establishment.
All the proceeds from this trendy charity shop go to the YMCA and the company also have a strong environmental focus, recognising that textiles and clothing represent a large proportion of the waste sent to landfill. They believe the environment can be protected through the reconditioning of textiles, thus reducing the amount of wasted clothes.
In previous generations people were encouraged to customise and up-style old clothes
Several other companies in Cardiff are committed to the recycling and customisation of textiles. Zolibeau is another great example; this company offer lessons on how to customise and revamp your clothes so you can wear them time and time again instead of throwing them away when they are out of season.
Zolibeau have recently started a seven week ‘Re:Fash’, course teaching basic sewing techniques and suggesting inventive ways to modify and adapt old clothing. This course was fully booked very quickly but some more will be starting in the new year.
PreFab and Zolibeau are just two examples of the many businesses in Cardiff committed to sustainable fashion and they have both been a great success. It appears people are becoming increasingly aware of the transient nature of fashion and the possible damaging effects textile waste has on the environment.
Economic factors also appear to be playing a large role in why people are progressively turning to the customisation of clothing as in this current economic climate, people can no longer afford to buy new outfits regularly from the high street.
So, by supporting recycled and re-used clothes you will be saving both the environment and the money in your purse.
I did a quick vox pop asking people’s opinions on clothes made from recycled materials. I asked, “There are now numerous businesses in Cardiff focused on making clothes and jewellery from recycled materials, do you think this is good idea and why?” Here are some of the responses:
Sustainable fashion Cardiff 