The environmental impact of the fashion industry has grown significantly over the last 20 years. While clothing production has doubled since 2000, from 100 to 200 billion units a year, a 'throwaway' mindset has developed in relation to our wardrobes: the average number of times an item is worn has decreased by 36%. LifeHouse. LifeHouse can go through 60 items of footwear a week, so every item that is donated to us really is helping make a difference. We are also actively looking to work with groups that support families in need to help children with sports footwear.
You mentioned that 300 million pairs of unwanted shoes are sent to landfill each year. Why do you think this number is so high, and how can this figure be brought down?
So many trainers are just thrown away due to fast fashion and quick changing trends. People want to keep up with the current trends. This may mean that they are just throwing away trainers they no longer wear and buying a new pair to stay in fashion. Or even just keeping them at the back of their cupboards, and throwing them out when they have no space left.
"People need to be shown the harm and damage that fast fashion causes to the environment. We are trying to educate locally within schools, but the huge cogs of large corporate brands will take a lot of effort to slow down."
If we can make second-hand more fashionable, and if we can make vintage and retro more acceptable, then it will help. If you do wish to get rid of your old trainers, choose to donate or sell them to us rather than throw away to landfill. This way they can go on to a new home rather than being part of the problem.
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What's in the pipeline for Vintage Trainers?
For our second year we have many events booked in! Mainly music festivals, to be honest. We will be at our local music festival ‘Victorious’ for the second time this year. We will also be attending the Isle Of Wight Festival, Camp Bestival, and Latitude. Later on in the year we will also be attending the Arnold Sports Festival at the NEC.
"We would love to hear from any trainer customisers that we could collaborate with. We have the ability to showcase and sell some great work in our showroom and online."
Locally we are supporting various initiatives. There is a Creatful family crafternoon to support families during half-term. We are also attending a Go Eco: Fashion event in Romsey in March.
To find out more about Vintage Trainers, visit their website here.
