Repair or Replace? New or Used? What's more Sustainable?

[@LesleyChristine]

I mostly shop second hand right now but totally agree on supporting sustainable brands. I think if you have the money to spend that’s really important 💗

[@Clariceability]

This is something I think about a lot. I really love and appreciate clothes and fashion history so although I've put the brakes on my consumption of new clothing (I follow the same "buyrarchy of needs" as you) I do acquire clothes. I love thrift and vintage hunting and when I've tried to put myself on a shopping fast it's been miserable or counter-productive for me personally, so I try to distinguish necessities from things I just want to have. I try to only buy the necessities new if they're not available second hand, and I've learned to tell good quality from bad so if I'm shopping from a less sustainable brand I have a good chance of finding something well-made and durable (which isn't always the more expensive option). Learning about fabric, good craftsmanship, etc really helps. I'm also an enthusiastic mender and over-dyer of faded but otherwise great second hand clothing! That puts clothes I'd otherwise overlook in a thrift shop back on the table and means I'm repurposing something that another shopper would overlook because the condition wasn't as good and might end up in landfill or in the second hand clothing market in a developing country. I have a collection of vintage buttons that I replace the buttons on second hand garments with. With all this, thrift and vintage shopping become a fun process of creative thinking and customisation. Long comment, sorry!

[@thisisfelicity]

Yes, I agree, such a great topic! For anyone who doesn't find joy in repairing of upcycling denim I'd like to recommend the German label "Bridge and Tunnel" from Hamburg. They upcycle all of their products from pre-used denim or excess production denim and they are an inclusive and very socially active brand. Everyone can donate denim to them. :)

[@karinafromdenmark4971]

I make skirts from my husbonds old pants ☺ love them so much. Also i made a bedcover/ blanket from old jeans 😊

[@HopeFilledPen]

I live paycheck to paycheck as a caregiver, but I live cheaply and have been able to get one of two pieces from ethical brands. However, my main source has been second hand and I've gotten some amazing pieces and I love putting outfits together. Thank you for your encouragement to go second hand. As someone who has very little money to spend on clothes, it's been a lifesaver.

[@Shelbizleee]

Such a great topic! I have been contemplating the same type of things. Also, love the green tea talk, so cute Erin (:

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks Shelbi! 💚

[@eldsflamma8286]

Thanks 2 you it was a looonnngg time since I bought clothes and I will not buy anything new until my old clothes are falling apart and then I will follow these tips! Thank you❤️

[@AlyssaBeltempo]

Loved this topic! I have a shopping list too - I find it's so helpful to keep what I really need in perspective. Thanks for another great video!

[@christinamariemoney]

Such a great video topic! Really enjoyed this 😊❤️ I’ve been trying so hard to cut my shopping habits and use what I have, rather than consuming extra items! I haven’t been shopping in months, so I think I’m doing pretty good!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's awesome! 💚

[@martinapetakova1835]

I love sewing so I actually try to do my best and make most of my clothes myself, using as eco-friendly fabrics as I can get my hands on. I also love shopping for vintage clothes, especially for pieces from animal fibers, as I feel the life of them should be stretched as much as humanly possible. The next step for me would be to make my own underwear. I am currently learning to use a traditional loom to make use of my fabric scraps. This way I feel really connected to my clothes and tend to wear them for years.

[@missrugbyaust]

Martina Petáková how are you using your loom with your fabric scraps. I’ve recently looked into sewing patterns for underwear and I thinking about using scraps of knit fabric to make some

[@TS-wj2mp]

I have had some good luck with Ebay. Having kids it’s not so easy for me to go thrift shopping. But I’ve found some nice second hand high end designer pieces on Ebay. I make sure there is a return option in case the item does not fit. As for basics such as undergarments I buy new from ethical brands. Nice video. Thanks

[@KurlyKy]

Thank you for the great response Erin! I really appreciate it. :) Like you said, everyone's situation/circumstances are unique, but it really does help to hear from other people and what their personal philosophies are for trying to balance all the options! :) I suppose its also a case of allowing priorities to change as life changes too. Sometimes you may have awesome thrift stores nearby, but sometimes you may not. Sometimes you may find yourself with some extra cash for investing, while other times you may be clamping down on the budget and repairing/thrifting more. Sometimes your focus may be reducing new resource consumption. Sometimes it may be supporting that new small, sustainable brand that is getting on its feet. :) Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! :) Side note: It's current the early morning here on the west coast of Canada, so I just so happened to be having a cup of tea as well when I was watching this! Haha. :) Felt like a little internet breakfast meeting! Love it. :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

So well said! It's good to be flexible and try to do your best where you can. Thanks for the great topic and I'm glad we could have an internet tea together 😊

[@Lisamol11]

Hooray for a Green Tea chat video! Great topic--thanks!

[@emiliakirner3833]

I really like buying things second hand! Another tip: Have you heard from parties where you can swap your clothes? These events are really cool, free and sustainable.

[@thefictionkitten]

If I’m being honest, I bought a LOT of new clothes before I was conscious about what I was consuming. So I still have some fast fashion pieces that I bought, but I have enough to keep me happy. At least I figured out that much, I suppose. I do have some second hand pieces, and I love them. I feel great that I’m making better choices, even when I’m being a consumer.

[@tomomiminamotoban3996]

Hi there! I am glad that your thoughts are very similar to what I have been thinking. It all makes sense.

[@kitssewingkit]

This is something I struggle with. I'm fat/plus size (about US 18-20) so most sustainable brands don't carry my size, and it is a little difficult to find clothing secondhand. My balance is buying secondhand when I can, making clothing myself, and buying new only things I know will get a lot of use. I want to eventually transition into only buying secondhand/ethical and making my own, but I have to work on my knit-sewing skills.

[@lilliput112]

check out notperfectlinen on etsy, they can adjust any of their style to fit your measurements :)

[@girlwiththeglass]

Great video! Love that you acknowledged good quality as well. My budget is pretty small, so I mostly buy used. As I've been learning more about the impact of synthetic fabric on the environment, I've been looking for better quality clothes at the thrift store. I would love a video about which fabrics are the best quality and most durable.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Thanks Ginny! I have a video about quality clothing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZu6moh_bLKXmLM and also a video about fabrics here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4LQhaF-g8drqNE Hope that's helpful :)

[@AJW2004]

I buy alot of 2nd hand but I buy shoes new. Vivo barefoot are a great company that I would recommend. Great customer service and a good range

[@meamela9820]

For a long time, my only sustainable alternative has been second hand shopping. I repair clothes all the time and if I can't find an item second hand I usually sew it myself or search for good quality. I have searched for eco brands in my area, but whitout success. But a week ago a shop with clothes made from reused polyester and organic cotton opened in my town and that makes me really happy, even if the shop's prices are far too expensive for my student budget. A question that I really want an answer to, but haven't found yet, is how sustainable or not sustainable it is to buy fabric and make your own clothes? By making clothes myself I can assure that the garment is made in fair working conditions (because I'm making it myself), but I can seldom know how the workong conditions for the people that made the fabric was. I can't always be sure where and how the fabric was made, but I can make it a quality piece that I want to wear for many years. Sometimes I try to find fabrics second hand, but it's not always easy or possible where I live. And the fabric shop can seldom tell me where the fabric was made. What do you think about sustainability and making your own clothes?

[@meamela9820]

Thank you for the tips! Where do you find deadstock fabrics? I have heard about it before, but as I live in the middle of nowhere I usually just asume that it's an option that is not available for me. But who knows... I have thought of making clothes out of second hand finds, but I have not really put much effort in doing so (because it's so much easier to go to the fabric store) but a month ago I made a promise to myself to not buy new fabrics for (at least) a year, so I think I will visit the second hand shop more often this year.

[@JK88M]

I sew my own underpants from old t-shirt with a stain or a hole in it.

[@michelletulumello661]

I found a great use for 100% cotton shirts and sheets after they have holes or otherwise have reached the end of their life. You can turn them into beeswax food wraps. Just cut them into squares and iron beeswax into them.

[@rachel642]

99% of my clothes are from when I was still in high school like 4-7 years ago or even from when my sister was in high school like 13+ years ago😂. Otherwise when I look through the thrift stores often or use thred up. I had to get a business-y outfit for a career fair and I was able to get a $600 blazer that fit me perfectly from a thrift shop for $19, unworn Nine West heels for $20 and some options of blouses from thred up. Unfortunately I had to get the pants from H&M which I normally wouldn’t shop from them but they were the only store near me that had pants that fit me

[@missmatti]

I have a really funny book about repairing clothes that my grandmother had from 1951. It's funny because it's such a 'document of it's time' however it talks about the time vs. the end result. Is the end result gonna be good enough for the time you put in repairing? For example I tried to repair a pair of woollen tights but the repair ripped straight away and in the end I was like.. it's not worth repairing because the hole is back there within a day of wearing the tights.

[@girlwithgrit7459]

The thrift shops in my area don't do well at all with my size so I rarely am able to buy secondhand. I wear my clothes until they are worn out (literally) so I typically prefer investing in new clothes that will last me ages. Here in the US, there's a brand called Pact and they make sustainable, organic cotton, fair trade clothing for men, women, and kids at affordable prices. Other times, I'll shop at an ethical company during a sale. I love to make a difference wherever I am able!

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's awesome! Have you also tried shopping secondhand online? It's much easier to find the sizes you need and you can even search for brands you know fit you well. :)

[@ana3cristina4]

Loved it💚

[@brunaw]

Love the video! I agree with your opinion

[@mariebbgon]

Hi Verena, thank you for your useful videos! Do you have any thoughts on recycling shoes & bags, especially leather?

[@Kelbel5995]

For me, I tend to mostly buy nothing and repair what I have, or buy new (edit: from sustainable brands). There are a few things that I think are unhygienic or impractical to buy new--underwear (for obvious reasons) and shoes (because everyone's feet are different and good shoes will have molded to the original wearer's feet, making them less comfortable for you). The few thrift stores around me are not very good, and I can never seem to find what I'm looking for in online thrift/secondhand markets. I'm not sure if this is just rationalizing or not, but I think it works better for me to buy fewer things, mostly new, that I know I will absolutely love and wear, than more things secondhand, which may only sort of work and which I'll want to discard as soon as something better comes along. So that's my thought process! I'd like to continue to search thrift stores, though. I appreciate your thoughts and your very practical, non-judgmental approach. I like that you mentioned the importance of buying things you know you'll actually wear--most people will keep going up the "sustainable ladder" if they start with small steps, and beginning this way helps prevent people from feeling put off or overwhelmed.

[@Lilix-nm1xh]

I love my ripped which I bought 3 years ago from Uniqlo but since it is ripped the ripped become bigger and bigger each year and become so stretch out which lost the shaped at the hip and the ankle and I want to wear it again but I am not sure how to fix my old favorite jean !please help.

[@fienl.6493]

Hi Erin, lovely topic. Since you mentioned it in this video, I would be really interested to learn some tips for dyeing clothes (as natural as possible). Maybe you could do a topic about that? :) I remember that you had a red skirt that you made darker in color, but I couldn't find again how you did that :). And I have another question: when you made the transition to only buy fair fashion brands, did you ever feel like you had to change/changed your clothing style because of what fair brands offer?

[@MyGreenCloset]

I'll try to do a video about it. :) I never really felt like I had to change my style, but transitioning to a capsule wardrobe I wanted things to work well together, so I stopped buying pieces that weren't very versatile which I think did impact my style (I used to have some pieces that could only really be worn with one outfit and a lot of fancy dresses I rarely wore) but any styles that I can't find from fair fashion brands I can usually find secondhand.

[@fienl.6493]

My Green Closet That would be great! :) and yes I understand. What I love about second hand/vintage is that you can find such vibrant colors and patterns, and that retro style, which I really like to wear :). And when searching for ethical brands, in my experience I often find it to be more minimalistic in style, which of course is more versatile. It makes me a bit conflicted sometimes, because I understand your calling to support fair brands, and to look for versatile pieces. It makes me think of my style to tone it down. For now I made sure that I had those staple basics to pair with the more special items.

[@n.blaess9304]

Great video! Very inspiring.

[@missrugbyaust]

For me I’ve been making a lot of my own clothes. That way I can have a longer length top etc. there is a 2nd hand craft store nearby that I’ve been buying my fabric from. I’ve also been looking into patterns for making underwear and I guess I could use the leftover fabric to make underwear for my daughter who will start toilet training in the next year.

[@abbyabell1251]

Hi Erin, You mentioned dying clothes to get rid of stains, but what would you suggest for sweat stains around the armpits? I have a few shirts that I consider classic stables for my wardrobe but they've have gotten stained and even a little crusty in the pits and I'm not sure that even dyeing would be much help 😬

[@annarehbinder7540]

Abby Abell make vests of them and cut away the Pity parts they are not salvagable and if its shirt material you can always save the arms to do jean repairs if you like sewing ...or indeed use to frame the armholes

[@n.blaess9304]

I buy all my clothes either second hand or grom sustainable brands like Armed Angels. Of course I still wear my clothes that I bought more than a year ago from other shops but I wouldn't buy new non-sustaonanle pieces anymore I'm from Germany.

[@DemonicVampyr]

Thank you for putting this out there! I'm wondering if anyone else feels this way but: 30 wears seems like very few wears to me for any basic item. Do you know where this idea of "30 wears" comes from? If I just think of my jeans, I'll easily wear the same pair at least twice a week, through most of the year. I'll wear my trusty white t-shirt every week as soon as it's out of the wash. Even my jumpers are worn at least every other week during winter, and over multiple years. When did fashion become such a throw-away thing? Where did 30 wears come from? How can we get people to aim for more than 30 wears? I'd love to discuss this with any like-minded people out there!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Unfortunately according to Fashion Revolution people only wear an item of clothing on average about 4 times ☹️ #30Wears was a campaign created by EcoAge to combat disposable fashion and encourage people to only buy clothes they could commit to wearing at least 30 times. Fashion became a throwaway thing with fast fashion - since people can buy clothing so cheap they don't care if it's worn once or twice. Some people even buy clothing just for a night out and throw it away the next day. It's really terrible but when things are so cheap and potentially poor quality it doesn't really make people want to keep and care for them. The idea of having a massive closet and always new outfit is also very glamorized and idealized.

[@DemonicVampyr]

Thanks for answering! This seems unfathomable to me... I still wear my old H&M t-shirts from nearly 10 years ago and while I knew trends were a thing and created waste, I had no idea that people actually created THIS much waste and wore their clothes so little! It makes me really sad to read this, but at the same time it renews my drive to try and educate people daily and do my part to reduce waste. Thank you for doing it with your videos and please keep going!

[@celineludewig987]

Exactly, where I live, there are close to no sustainable brands. All I could do so far was trying to maximise the amount of things I buy second hand..

[@MyGreenCloset]

What about shopping online? There are lots of amazing brands!

[@celineludewig987]

My Green Closet I don’t really feel comfortable doing that, the import taxes are totally unpredictable.. it only depends on your luck..

[@SS-zi6tc]

Great topic. Recently had this issue. Should I dye my worn out garment and continue to use it? What about the environmental costs of dyeing? Or buy new/thrift?

[@MyGreenCloset]

This is how I look at it - Do you love it? Is it something you'll keep for years longer? If so dye it, if not I would replace it.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

If you're thinking about sustainably you also have to take transportation into account. Yes, it's great to support a company that produces sustainable fashion but keep in mind that, if you're not shopping locally, their products had to be shipped (sometimes from overseas) to a warehouse in your country then shipped to you. That's a lot of energy consumed compared to going to a local thrift shop. Just my 2 cents :)

[@MyGreenCloset]

I understand where you're coming from, but unless the garment was also made locally it likely was shipped through multiple countries and was shipped to the store anyway. The extra shipping getting the package to you isn't much difference when you look at how far most garments travel. Also if you shop at larger chain secondhand stores, they usually ship clothes around to distribute product to different stores. You can try only shopping at local independent thrift/consignment stores but even these will sometimes buy at large secondhand sales and have them shipped across the country. Personally I think it's better to focus on finding the right piece that you'll have and wear a long time than worry about transportation because it's relatively a small part of the impact.

[@randomizationme]

Please share some of the conscious brands for classics with us please

[@MyGreenCloset]

You can check out my brand directory here mygreencloset.com/directory :)

[@Annietheapple]

What do you think about the brand Everlane? I notice they are not on your directory

[@MyGreenCloset]

My biggest issue with them is the lack of sustainable practices and policies. Also for being so into transparency it bothers me that more information isn't publicly available, specifically their ethical policies and what they audit for. I do think they are better than a lot of other companies but I don't like recommending brands who don't have at least some kind of environmental focus/values.

[@ritalynb7070]

I would love to hear advice on repair of knits. I spent some $$ on a good quality merino wool sweater (first time buying too!) And snagged it first wear. I know have a 1 inch hole! It can not be darned. HELP!

[@MyGreenCloset]

Oh no!! :( Did it coming with extra yarn for repairing? If not can you find matching yarn or maybe is there a way to patch it?

[@ritalynb7070]

My Green Closet sadly no eXtra yarn. The knit is very delicate and tiny. I may have to sew it (picking up the stitches as I go) and just accept that it is damaged. Sadly it was for my office wear and it tore in the chest area.....

[@annarehbinder7540]

ritalyn b darn around the hole and either do a boro thing or make a backning of embroidery cloth and embroider something or buy a beautiful applique and Apply but first in all cases darn around the hole so it doesnt continue out spreading and if the hole is in a weird place consider making a second thing somewhere for symetric value

[@adelynne]

It's so difficult to find sustainable brands in Malaysia... That's my biggest struggle here

[@AndiLynn]

Have you done a video on dying clothing or tips to remove stains? I'm experimenting with more oils in my skincare routine and unfortunately have acquired some new stains 😧

[@MyGreenCloset]

I haven't done a video specifically about it, but I've been thinking of it! I have talked about the Buncha Farmer's stain stick though, and would recommend trying it. It's been pretty great at getting stains out :)

[@raraavis7782]

Andi Lynn Oxgall soap is great for oil stains. A bar will last forever and it‘ll remove most stains if you rub it in with warm water and let sit for a while. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, simple soda is worth a try.

[@valdezd625]

Are clothing libraries really a thing??

[@MyGreenCloset]

Yup, I even have a video about borrowing clothes from one kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqKappVqr5yMgrM

[@randomizationme]

Where do you buy soles and how do you replace them

[@MyGreenCloset]

You have to take them to a shoemaker, they can put a new sole on for you.

[@cavenaga383]

What's borrow mending? How do you spell it?

[@MyGreenCloset]

Boro, it's a Japanese technique. Here's a bunch of examples www.pinterest.ca/search/pins/?q=Boro :)

[@megan2176]

I love finding ways to mend, especially my kids' clothes because they can get away with wearing fun colored patches, etc. I found a video the other day on how to mend a hole using fusible webbing/ iron-on tape! Looks really easy, and it's like patching from behind, so you can't notice it. Great for those little holes in shirts... never sure if they're from moths, or maybe thrift store tags. here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWKwdoqHjJWBZqM

[@alessazoe]

Wow, only 30 wears? This seems so little in my eyes. Even the cheap basics from H&M last like 300 wears for me before they start to look worn and even then I can get more from them by repairing.

[@MyGreenCloset]

That's awesome! Unfortunately according to Fashion Revolution people only wear clothing on average about 4 times ☹️

[@alessazoe]

Sad, indeed! I ended up wearing a capsule wardrobe completely unintentional, just because of pure laziness. I have a set of like four identical short pants and thin sweaters which I combine with a t-shirt and warm underpants or warm high socks during winter. That’s it and it lasts for yeeears before I need to replace them. Next time, I’m trying to get those basics from a conscious brand instead of H&M, of course.

[@icingcake]

@@MyGreenCloset 😮😮😮

[@funkymunky]

"Shopping sustainably". Bit of a contradiction, I'd say.

[@gittevandevelde2208]

I like fur. So... fake fur (which doesn't kill young cute animals) or Real fur (which isn't fake and full of chemicals and made from bad fabrics and lasts longer) real dilemma here.

[@MyGreenCloset]

Why not buy the fur vintage or secondhand? That way you're making use of a product that already exists.

[@gittevandevelde2208]

I want to, but we haven't got many second-hand or vintage shops where I live (Belgium) and the ones there are, are very cluttered and in small hidden streets in big cities. I won't buy furry thingsnow anyway, now the temperatures are finally high enough a few weeks in a row to just walk around in a blouse. But for winter, which varies between not-so-cold-but-rainy and freezing-but-sunny here, I definitely like something cozy, warm & fluffy. I still have a (faux) fur now, from H&M (yey) which I bought last winter. But this is just for future reference.

[@MyGreenCloset]

There are lots of places you can order secondhand and vintage clothes from online!

[@annarehbinder7540]

Gitte Van de velde myself I buy old fur so that the animals didnt die for nothing and its way kinder to the planet

[@TheSassyscribe]

Where you spend your money is your vote, if you spend on Conscious brands the industry will listen to the consumer. Just sayin'