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As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with messages to buy more, upgrade, and keep up with the latest trends. For this month's edition of the Alumni newsletter, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Zoe Mellick - a QUT alumnus and passionate advocate for sustainable fashion.
It is with great excitement that I step into the role of guest editor for this edition of the QUT alumni newsletter. As a fellow alumnus and staunch advocate for a sustainable and circular fashion system, I am truly honoured to share my insights with you. In this edition, I will be focusing on the significant impact that a mindful and intentional approach to consumption can have on our fast-paced and disposable culture.
Let's start by acknowledging a significant truth: Australians have an undeniable love affair with clothes. We purchase around 56 new items of clothing each year, and stand as the second highest textile consuming country globally, surpassed only by the United States. However, this enthusiasm for fashion comes at a steep price. We discard a staggering 15 kilograms of clothing per person annually and the majority of this goes straight to landfill. This system of production, consumption and waste is not sustainable – but how did we get here?
Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production more than doubled, but the average lifespan of our garments has been cut in half. This alarming trend exposes a fundamental flaw in our current approach to fashion. As the cost of clothing decreases, it is essential to recognise that this apparent affordability often conceals the true expenses incurred by someone or something along the supply chain.
Moreover, it is important to note that more than 60% of the world's fibre consumption comes from non-renewable petrochemical sources. In the realm of fast fashion, polyester is particularly prevalent due to its lower cost compared to natural fibres like cotton and wool. However, despite its lower cost, fast fashion items suffer from quality issues and tend to be discarded after only a few wears. This unsustainable pattern of resource consumption and waste generation places a significant burden on our planet. In fact, in a broader context, we are currently utilising resources equivalent to approximately 1.8 Earths every year, surpassing the threshold of sustainability.
QUT's TextileR research group, of which I am a proud member, has delved into the waste hierarchy and its implications for a more sustainable future. Together, we advocate for rethinking and refusing to buy new – we can do this by prioritising secondhand over new or consider renting garments for one-off occasions. We can also host a clothes swap with friends to freshen up our wardrobe without buying new clothes. Restyling your existing clothing is another great option - you could even participate in a clothing challenge, such as ‘No Buy Month’ or ‘30-day Capsule Wardrobe’. If new purchases are necessary, let's prioritise quality and versatility, opting for garments made from natural fibres. It is equally important to avoid mixed fibre clothing, as recycling such materials becomes challenging.
BlockTexx, in collaboration with QUT researchers, have made significant strides in developing a proprietary process that transforms blended textile waste into a valuable resource. However, it is important to recognise that recycling in the fashion industry is still in its nascent stages, accounting for a mere 1% of textiles recycled back into garments and we cannot solely rely on this solution to pave the path to sustainability. Fortunately, there are many things that we can do to keep clothing in use, including learning the basics of clothing care and repair, which can significantly extend the lifespan of our garments.
The QUT Sustainability Plan has made progress in promoting sustainability across the university. The plan encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing the university's environmental impact and fostering a culture of sustainability. This includes dedicated QUT research centres that together address all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Just a few months ago in March, QUT and a consortium of members led by the Australian Fashion Council proposed a National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme. This initiative puts a strong focus on reducing textile waste and aims to achieve clothing circularity by 2030.
The slow fashion movement invites us to approach our clothing choices with intentionality. By slowing down and conscientiously examining the implications of our choices, we engage in a radical act within a world that thrives on instant gratification.
Let us embrace this opportunity to shift our mindset, champion mindful consumption, and work towards a future where fashion and our planet co-exist harmoniously.
With regards,
Dr Zoe Mellick, QUT Lecturer, Alumnus and Sustainable Fashion Advocate
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Fashion, Journalism, Media and Communication) QUT, Doctor of Philosophy QUT