We’ve all about Quality Vs. Quantity but have you ever thought about the quality and quantity of your clothes? It’s become so cheap and easy to get the most up-to-date, fashionable clothes that no-one really cares about the quality of them anymore. These days it’s all about quantity and being on trend 24/7. Because there are new styles and trends happening almost every week, shops are making sure we don’t want to keep the stuff we bought last month, let alone last year! This means that we’re throwing clothes away because they just aren’t cool anymore, not because they’re old and unwearable. The fashionistas and those in-the-know call this ‘Fast Fashion’; because to keep with the latest in fashion you have to be fast!
But what’s so wrong with any of that?
The problem is the quality of the cheap, fashionable clothes you’re buying. You might think, ‘Wow! That top is really cheap!’, but have you ever stopped to think why it’s so cheap? You probably haven’t and it’s not your fault; the top will be advertised in such an attractive way you won’t think of anything apart from snapping it up! Start by looking what it’s made from. Most synthetic, mass produced fabrics are really cheap which is why companies opt for them over more expensive fabrics. Then ask how the fabrics are made. Fabrics like cotton are natural and sourced from the ground, whereas fabrics like Polyester and Nylon are formed from chemicals.
And it’s not only the type of fabric your clothes are made of that you have to worry about either: it’s where they’re being made and whose making them. Poor countries such as
How You Can Help To Make A Difference...
Touching your Face – Every time you touch your face, you’re transferring dirt and grime from your fingertips onto your skin, and it’s that that causes spots, so stop!
Playing with your hair – This is a fast track to split ends and greasy hair which no-one wants, so next time you want to twiddle your hair, try tapping or clicking your fingers instead.
Licking your lips – Licking your lips actually makes them drier, so keep a lip-balm handy and apply whenever you need.
Rubber bands as hair ties – Using rubber bands as hair ties isn’t good for your hair, it snags it and causes it to break, so only use fabric covered hair ties.
Rubbing your Eyes – The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate so stop rubbing them, it only makes them red and sore!
Picking spots – When you pick a spot, you risk spreading infection and scarring your skin! Try dabbing on a bit of toothpaste before bed as this will help dry the spot out.
Using heated hair appliances – Think of the damage you’re doing to your hair every time you blow-dry, straighten or curl it. Lots! For gorgeous hair, wash it and plait it before bed and then when you wake up you’ll have stylish, wavy hair: no curling tongs needed!
Sharing cosmetics – Although sharing things like nail polish and hair products is alright, things like lipsticks and eye make-up isn’t. Infections can be passed from person to person, and sharing make-up brushes can do the same.
Late Nights – Not getting enough sleep leaves you looking, and feeling tired, so start having a few more early nights. Lavender is calming, so try popping a few sprigs under your pillow- you’ll be in the land of nod before you know it!
Turn your old jeans into shorts or crops by chopping the ends off. The length is up to you!
Grab an old vest or t-shirt and get some iron-on transfer paper. Go on the net and find a design you like, or, if you’re feeling creative make your own. Cut out and iron onto the t-shirt, and there you have it, your own cool Graphic print top which is totally unique!
Jazz up some old bangles by covering them in fabric or ribbon. No-one will ever know that they’re not new!
Using all your old, odd buttons, arrange them into a design on a plain t-shirt. They look really cool grouped in a corner! Sew on or stick with fabric glue for a retro, embellished look.
For an over-sized, rocky t-shirt take one of your Dad or Brothers old tops. Cut off the neck, sleeve and bottom seams to create a frayed effect. You can take this one step further by cutting into the arm holes to make them bigger. Always wear a vest underneath – the rock look is all about layers and texture.
Got a belt that’s too small? Simple! Instead of wearing it round your jeans, wear as a waist-belt instead.
If you want to take your tights from winter to spring, chop off the feet and wear as leggings.
Next time your Mum is having a clear out, have a look through her old jumpers and cardigans. Oversized woollies are great for cold weather and look amazing teamed with leggings! And when people ask where you got it, just say ‘it’s vintage, darling!’
Scarves as Pashminas are really versatile. They can be worn round the neck, shoulders, as a skirt…the list goes on! Try out different looks and see how many new ways you can come up with!
Nail It!
Most Nail Polishes contain harsh chemicals that get into the atmosphere and damage the air, but not water-based polishes! They use less chemicals and dry in 3 minutes. What a result!
Play Squash
When you get rid of rubbish, try and compress it down and make it as small as possible. By squashing all packaging and waste, you are making room for more, which means less bin-bags to go to land fill.
Both 
Sides To Every Story
When using paper, try and use every available bit of space. Write on both sides and avoid starting new pages if you can help it. Draw a straight or wiggly line across the page before starting something new to separate different subjects and pieces. After all saving paper = saving trees!
Stop Running Away
Leaving the tap running whilst you brush your teeth is the biggest (and easiest!) way to waste water without realising. Turn the tap on for a brief moment to wet your tooth brush and again when you want to rinse your mouth of toothpaste. To see how much water you are wasting, put the plug in and leave the tap running like you normally would. Only do this once though - you’ll never want to waste water like this again!
Ladies Who Lunch
Instead of buying lunch out all the time, save your purse and the planet and make your own. At the beginning of the week, buy a few staple items and then have fun mixing and matching them for the rest of the week. That new exotic fruit you’ve been wanting to try? Now’s the perfect time! Excessive food packaging is needless and causes litter, plus, food always tastes better when you’ve made it yourself!
Money Talks
Be loud and proud and make your cash statement heard…by not spending any for a whole day! Pick a day and vow not to spend even a penny; you’ll find yourself trying new things and the earth will be very grateful. No bus journey to the shops, and no carrier bags at the checkout – imagine the results if everyone did this!
Re-cycle Your Friends
Not literally, but next time it’s someone’s birthday, use re-cycled gift wrap! Save gift wrap from your own presents, as well as bows and strings, and use them instead of sticky tape. For even more fun, why not try and make your own? Save newspapers and magazines and decorate them for a totally unique finish!Switch Off
Turn your computer monitor/screen off next time you aren’t using it. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes while you have a quick break, it will save on energy.
Pet Rescue
Is your family thinking of getting a new pet? Before you head to the pet shop, check out local Animal charities and rescue centres – all animals deserve a good home and you could be just the person to give it!
Data Transfer Complete
Does your friend want a copy of all the photos you took together on your day out last week? Instead of copying them onto a CD or disk, try emailing them or save them to a USB flash drive. These little sticks are portable and fit into every computer, so spending hours burning disks is now a thing of the past.
To Buy, or not To Buy?
Next time you’re out shopping and have a basketful of goodies, ask yourself if you really need them. Whilst new shoes for school might be essential, that funky pencil case might not be. Even if you’re only putting one thing back, you’re doing the environment (and your purse!) a huge favour.
Litter Picking
Try and pick up at least 1 piece of litter every day. Lots of plastic bags and packaging aren’t bio-degradable, which is bad news when left littered around in the great outdoors. Although 1 piece may not seem like much, it’s 1 less piece harming planet earth.
Tlk 2 U L8r Babez!
Everyone wants to have the latest and greatest mobile phone, and with so many to choose from it’s no wonder you forget what you did with your old one
