What’s Going On Here?
The single-use Christmas jumper is the festive season’s fast fashion flop.
In the build up to Christmas Jumper Day (Dec 13th), Save the Children is urging us to think twice before buying a new Christmas jumper.
What Does This Mean?
Amid rising concerns over fast fashion and its impact on our planet, Save the Children is calling for us to reuse and upcycle our festive wear this December. From clothes swaps, hand-me-downs to make your owns, the charity isn’t just saving the children this Christmas.
Research suggests that just two out of five Christmas jumpers are only worn once over the festive period, and one in three adults under 35 buys a new Christmas jumper every year.
The environmental charity Hubbub found that 12m jumpers will be bought this year, producing huge amounts of plastic waste. In fact, a recent study of 108 garments currently on sale from 11 high street and online retailers – including Primark and George at Asda – found that 95% were made wholly or partly out of plastic materials.
Christmas, Consumerism & Climate Change
It’s no secret that consumerism and our throwaway culture is contributing to climate change. The fashion industry—clothes and shoes—accounts for more than 8% of the global climate impact.
More stuff = More resources = More fossil fuels
Having our basic needs met is important, but having a new Christmas jumper every year leaves us red in the face.
Be Curious!
A jumper is for life, not just for Christmas.
- Check what you already own – Bring last year’s jumper out for another wear or pass it on if you’re not planning on wearing it again.
- Go second hand – Charity shops, hand-me-downs or swap with a pal. Pre-loved items come with extra love!
- Make your own – Turn an old jumper into a festive feast by cutting 3 circles out of an old t-shirt to create a snowman, use buttons for eyes and a ribbon for its scarf!
And of course, whatever woollies you wear this winter, remember to donate to Save the Children here ????.
