Australians are grappling with a fast fashion crisis fueled by an unprecedented appetite for clothing. Recent research by the Australia Institute reveals that Australia has now outpaced the United States as the world’s largest consumer of textiles per capita. On average, Australians purchase 56 new clothing items annually, contributing to over 200,000 tonnes of discarded garments ending up in landfills each year.
In an exclusive interview with The Wire, Fashion Designer Fernanda Covarrubias emphasizes the need for conscious consumer choices and innovative design practices.
Vanessa Gatica: Australians are grappling with a fast fashion crisis fuelled by an unprecedented appetite for clothing. Recent research by the Australia Institute reveals that Australia has now outpaced the United States as the world’s largest consumer of textiles per capita. On average, Australian purchased 56 new clothing items annually, contributing to over 200,000 tonnes of discarded garments ending up in landfills each year. In an exclusive interview with The Wire, fashion designer Fernando Covarrubias emphasizes the need for conscious consumer choices and innovative design practices. How can individuals extend the lifespan of their garments and prevent them from ending up in landfills?
Fernanda Covarrubias: There are different approaches that we can do, but I will start probably, uh, with making more conscious purchases. Everything relies on the quality of the garments that we bring into our wardrobes. So probably buying less, better quality. Investing in garments that last longer is probably the key to stop all this fast fashion items ending into the landfill. So after that, uh, after, you know, wearing them for a while and everything, if they are good quality, you will be able to do some mending, uh, you know, take it to the tailor if they need to be to, to be repaired in any way. But everything relies on the, the better quality of the garment itself.
Vanessa Gatica: What approach should consumers take when selecting clothing items to reduce their environmental impact?
Fernanda Covarrubias: Well, in an ideal world, probably it would be like, you know, selecting, um, natural fibers over polyester or synthetic fabrics would be ideal that we know that that is not possible. You know, uh, that’s not going to happen. Polyester is been here for a while. And even though the polyester consumption, you know, the consumer is more aware of the damage of this microplastic and everything that comes with synthetic fabrics. Um, I don’t think it’s going anywhere. So ideally purchasing, um, as I said, natural fibers is ideal. But if you are bringing some, uh, synthetic fabrics, uh, know how to look after them, uh, if you, for example, a. Don’t want or don’t have the time to hand wash your A items a just purchase item that can be actually a wash in the washing machine to extend the lifespan. For example, if you cannot afford to pay for a dry cleaners, avoid to to purchase something that needs to be dry cleaned only because obviously this creates a lot of pollution as well. So it’s basically knowing your lifestyle, knowing what are your possibilities in terms of, you know, looking after your garments and then knowing your personal style is another super important thing. Because once you know your personal style, you stop buying things that you don’t wear.
Vanessa Gatica: How can consumers support ethical and eco friendly fashion labels?
Fernanda Covarrubias: That’s a very good question, actually, because, you know, obviously when you buy something that is ethically made, slowly made, and, you know, very limited edition or even a made to measure pieces, especially in countries like Australia, a it’s obviously going to be more expensive than buying something that is fast fashion, that is mass produced in developing countries. Um, what I suggest to people who are not like, really into, you know, buying things that they cannot afford for any reason, whatever. There is always the option to go to op shops. Uh, I have found out many, many of my favorite, uh, pieces, pieces that I’m still wearing every single day in the op shops. Uh, everything relies on your budget. If obviously you can start saving every week for a special piece that you love from a, you know, your favorite local designer, that’s amazing, because that’s how you support small businesses like myself. But if your budget doesn’t allow you to do that, go and look for a piece in the op shops. Go to the vintage shops. Go to all the consignment shops that are in the city, and I’m pretty sure you will find something amazing for your style as well.
Vanessa Gatica: How can citizens contribute to addressing the fast fashion waste crisis at a systemic level?
Fernanda Covarrubias: Well, um, I think the first thing is to be informed. Uh, look for the information. Look for what kind of, uh, what kind of laws the government is pushing, uh, you know, fighting towards the global the, the, the climate change and all that kind of stuff. And, you know, it’s a lot of, um, finding the right information. But the good thing is that all the information is in internet nowadays. You can find everything you want to know about our government. And obviously, if you are old enough, uh, make your vote count every time that, you know, there is a movement of something, get involved. Spread the word. Uh, talk to your friends. Talk to your family about the impact that our decisions and about the about the decisions that the government are making regarding to that. And also, you know, get involved in any movement that you, you know, that you can support.
Vanessa Gatica: I’m Vanessa Gatica for The Wire. Speaking with Fernanda Covarrubias, fashion designer.