Threads of Sustainability: Give Your Wardrobe an Eco-friendly Makeover 

Rotherham Campus’s Fashion Department launched some free clothing rails three years ago in the University Centre Rotherham reception, Wentworth, and the Eastwood buildings to help try to combat fast fashion and encourage sustainable practices. These rails give garments a second life and promote a more circular approach to fashion.  

Looking to declutter after the holidays?

These clothing rails provide a convenient and sustainable way to give your unwanted items a second life. Students and staff can donate clothing of any size or age, accessories including shoes, scarves, gloves, and their hangers! Whether you are looking for a new-to-you piece or simply need to clear some space in your closet, the rails are open to everyone in the campus community. 

With the colder weather upon us, your donations can be especially impactful, providing warmth and comfort to those in need. So, consider donating to the free rail on your campus – your contribution can truly make a difference.  

Advantages to the clothing rail

Upcycling clothing provides a remarkable creative outlet, empowering individuals to craft utterly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This transformative process allows you to completely reimagine existing materials and textiles, extending their lifespan and breathing new life into older garments. It is a way to express personal style while contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Think of the rails as a mini, free thrift shop – a treasure trove of unexpected finds! Unlike retail stores, which curate set seasonal collections, these rails offer a thrilling hunt for unique, one-of-a-kind items you will not find anywhere else. 

By repurposing and redesigning pre-existing clothes, upcycling actively combats textile waste and promotes a circular fashion approach, minimizing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Considering nearly 300,000 tonnes of clothing are thrown away in household bins each year within the UK. Of this vast amount, around 20% is buried in landfills, and a devastating 80% is burned, releasing harmful pollutants.

This colossal waste contributes to the textile industry’s substantial impact on climate change, accounting for approximately 10% of global CO2 emissions. This highlights the urgent need for change, and every action we take, no matter how small, to reduce clothing waste is a positive contribution towards a more sustainable future.