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Fashion buying is estimated to comprise 10% of total global carbon emissions, and I’m guilty of participating as much as anyone.
So I set myself a challenge last year: a whole 12 months without buying new clothes, with – full disclosure – a couple of minor exceptions: underwear, swimwear and shoes (of which I bought two very necessary pairs). Secondhand would be allowed.
Once I’d declared to family and friends, with a smug air of eco-consciousness, of my plans, of course there was no backing out.
Here’s what my year of vintage shopping and avoiding the high street taught me.
I bought less secondhand than I thought
Initially I thought I might replace buying new with simply buying the same amount from online marketplaces like Vinted. Sure, I picked up a couple of charity shop jumpers in my first month (only one of which I…
