Nothing New November

 By Lauren Wright 

This November, Sustainable Style have been following Nothing New November. But what does it mean?

 

Nothing New November is a challenge to not purchase any new clothing for the month of November, and this includes second hand clothing. It promotes wearing, styling, upcycling, and appreciating our clothing in a way that we can be less inclined to do when it is so easy to buy new items. 

 

It means we can take a closer look at our wardrobe, styling items with pieces we don’t normally. This is especially easier to do in the winter months where layering becomes key! Taking basic pieces and matching them with something you maybe never wear can create a new outfit without even buying anything. If it then comes to the point that even after this month there are items you aren’t wearing, Nothing New November becomes the perfect opportunity to do a spring clean, donate those pieces to a charity shop or earn some extra money on resell apps like Vinted and Depop! 

 

Why is it important?

 

With the influx of fast fashion and over consumption, purchasing items has never been easier. With a few clicks on a website, parcels of new clothing can be delivered to people’s homes the very next day. 

 

Whilst this convenience and advancement is great, it means that purchases aren’t often well considered leading to clothing that is only worn once for an event, or never worn. This is shown on resale apps where items are sold with tags and in the original packaging. This has a huge environmental cost because to make the product is water intensive, often uses unsustainable materials such as polyester, and also has a huge labour cost. The delivery and packaging also contribute to this. 

 

Black Friday 

 

A dreaded day for overconsumption occurs during Nothing New November which encourages a surge in demand fuelled by low prices and the fear that items will sell out if not purchased immediately. 

 

How to overcome:

 

Sort your wardrobe into categories and make outfits. 

Upcycle and mend clothing.

Sell or donate unwanted clothing.

Make a capsule wardrobe.

Say no to overconsumption!