Did you know that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world?
Our clothes accumulate waste from water to greenhouse gases emissions. It can take over 15,000 litres of water to grow the cotton for a pair of jeans.
The awareness around the topic is growing, and the theme of sustainable fashion is hot. We’ve seen so during London Fashion Week earlier this month, when BBC Earth, in collaboration with London-based brand Mother Of Pearl, launched a fashion collection created using innovative sustainable production methods and materials. For instance, they use a dyeing process that uses ten times less water than the conventional processes and traceable organic silk.
But there are also a few steps that we as (fashion) individuals can take to tackle the problem.
“The joy of dressing is an art,” John Galliano said. And he knows what he’s talking about.
So if we want to keep changing clothes and creating new outfits without destroying our planet we certainly can. And the key is not to throw away clothes, but recycle them. Or rather, re-sell them.
Here are the best 7 apps to sell and buy your clothes. Your bin will be emptier, your wallet – and heart – fuller.
1. Depop
It looks like Instagram with a ‘buy’ button! The half social media half shopping platform founded in 2011 now has over 11 million users who – between the VIP sellers, model Emily Ratajkowski and influencer Chiara Ferragni – can easily buy and sell second-hand clothes of any kind with just a click.
2. Vinted
Similar to Depop, but with an older audience and more focused on high street brands such as Mango, Zara and Topshop.
3. Vestiaire Collective
It has a very well curated website. People mostly re-sell and buy second-hand designer items. The authenticity is checked and certified by the experts working at VC.
4. The RealReal
Very similar to Vestiaire Collective, so focusing on designer clothes and accessories. You might find that Chanel flap bag for a quasi-affordable price.
5. Rebelle
Again, for the pre-loved luxury fashion addicted.
6. eBay
Not much to say about it, old is gold! Ah, also, every user is allowed to sell 20 items for free each month.
7. Facebook Marketplace
Good for selling locally – could do the Gumtree job.