NEXT is a member of the Sustainable Clothing Action Plan (SCAP) and support the Love Your Clothes campaign. SCAP is collaboration between UK clothing retailers, charities and textile collectors that aims to reduce the carbon, water and waste footprints of clothing in the UK.
NEXT is taking action to raise awareness to its customers as clothing contributes around 5% of the UK's carbon footprint. Every year approx. 350,000 tonnes of clothing goes to landfill – that’s the equivalent to every household in the UK putting more than 20 pairs of jeans in the bin!
The Love Your Clothes Campaign helps consumers to be aware of the value of clothing, sharing tips and inspiration to help you make the most of the clothes you have. The website www.loveyourclothes.org.uk is full of quick and easy ways to help you:
LOVE TO CARE
Annually the UK spends an estimated £3.4 billion on laundry (including electricity, water, wastewater and detergent costs). So it pays to take care. Different types of fabric need different laundry methods to keep them at their best: wool doesn’t like being washed too often, and polyester can shrink in the tumble-dryer. Wash clothes at lower temperatures to keep colours sharp and hang out washing to air dry for maximum freshness.
Remove the pain from stains with our favourite fixes including soda water for red wine, white vinegar for perspiration marks, and a spell in the freezer for chewing gum.
Learn fast fixes to mend the basics and keep an eye out for loose buttons or threads on hems. A little TLC before you put clothes away saves time and money in the long run.
LOVE A FRESH LOOK
Try out new ways to wear old classics and restyle your look using the clothes you already have with a new accessory.
LOVE A SECOND LIFE
Unwanted clothes in a good condition can be sold, swapped, shared or donated so someone else can benefit from them.
Worn out and damaged clothing (even your old underwear!) can still have a use. Recycled clothing can be turned into padding for chairs and car seats, cleaning cloths and industrial blankets. Use the recycling locator to check if your council collects clothes and textiles to be recycled or donate to a local charity.
You can find more tips and simple “how to” guides at www.loveyourclothes.org.uk