Method soap brand wants to clean waste in fashion

New York – Largely believed to be the third largest contributor to the global
waste problem, the fashion industry has been rebuked heavily for its
wasteful tendencies, now referred to as a “throwaway culture.” Many
designers and brands have taken initiatives to be more frugal with
materials and production, however in the U.K., MPs have called on
British retailers to take action, blaming social media for waste on a
consumer level.

Eco-friendly soap brand Method has commissioned a survey conducted
by Censuswide to determine just how many consumers contribute to
fashion’s waste, and the results were surprising. Censuswide surveyed
over 2,000 British consumers and learned that nearly a fifth of
consumers throw clothes into the trash. Seventeen percent of consumers
who throw out clothes admitted that they forgot that charities will
take clothing, and 15 percent claim to not have time to bring items to
a drop-off location.

And even though there are many consumers who donate unwanted
clothing items to consignment or thrift shops believing that to be a
responsible measure, the truth that Method discovered is that only one
out of five shoppers are purchasing second-hand clothing. Millennials
have proven to be the largest demographic to throw away clothing; 25
percent clear out their wardrobes every month, with 22 percent
trashing items. According to Method’s survey, 22 percent of
millennials, aged 16 to 24, say they discard clothing after being
pictured in it between one and three times on social media, thus the
claim that social media contributes to “throwaway culture” in
fashion.

There are over 300,000 pieces of clothing ending up in U.K.
landfills each year, and Method hopes its research will encourage
consumers to be more conscious when discarding fashion items.

The soap brand turns to fashion to clean up waste

Method is set to launch a fashion retail pop-up in East London next
week as a way to give clothes longer life. The brand is working with
Clothes Aid for its Method Slow Fashion Store to offer the “antidote
to fast fashion,” which aims to reinvigorate consumers’ interest in
second-hand clothing. The items sold in the store are gifted by
influencers and celebrities. Shoppers will also be encouraged to
donate items and help customize unwanted products to reinvent them
into new looks.

“The Method Slow Fashion Store is about making conscious decisions
to decrease our carbon footprint, whilst still loving fashion and
looking stylish. We’re all about looking good while doing better, and
if you are too, come down and get involved,” said Sarah Tuke, Head of
European Communications at Method. “All of our cleaning products,
including our laundry detergent, are planet-friendly and non-toxic, so
it’s down to companies like us to lead the change in making an impact
on toxic behaviours.”

The pop-up store will be open from October 16-17 at 189 Shoreditch
High Street.

Image: Courtesy of Method