Shopping with a conscience has become an increasing trend in fashion, we use websites like Depop to sell old clothes or during lockdown many have turned to ‘flipping’ their clothes into something new. However, with a decreased demand for new clothes from high street retailers, companies have cancelled $2 billion worth of clothes orders which equates to around 982 million garments which can no longer be sold. Workers in East Asia, especially those in Bangladesh have been extremely impacted by these cancellations through losing out on wages and employment. This has been heightened due to Cyclone Amphan which hit Bangladesh only last week meaning millions have had to evacuate their homes in extreme weather conditions.
Muhymin Chowdhury, Head of Challenge Fund & Fundraising at not for profit health organisation Sajida, states that “Cancelled orders have affected over 1000 factories. A recent study found that 47% of these workers now have no income.”
Image from the Lost Stock company.
To combat the piles of unused stock which would have otherwise been sent to landfill, the retailer app, MallZee have set up Lost Stock which means we can ‘do our bit’ for the fast fashion industry whilst helping vulnerable workers from our sofa. They have produced boxes of clothes which were meant to fill stores for the Summer season from Topshop to Gap. The box costs just £35 despite the customer receiving approximately £70 worth of garments. Their goal is to support 10,000 workers and their families in the coming weeks and 50,000 by the end of the year. Already the company has sold over 62,000 boxes in just one week.
“Covid-19 is a health and economic crisis in the UK but it’s going to be a humanitarian crisis in countries like Bangladesh unless support is provided. With the Lost Stock approach consumers get a great deal and are also helping at the same time.” – Muhymin Chowdhury.
If these clothes don’t sell they will leave a footprint of 135,516 tonnes of waste for landfill, which is a huge waste of resources and an issue which is on many people’s minds as pressing for the 21st century. In the UK alone over 300,000 tonnes of clothes are sent to landfill each year , just over £12.5 billion pounds worth.
Online shopping has been used as emotional support for those in lockdown, it feels normal and can make you happy or fulfilled when an order arrives however despite this fuelling the fashion industry, many people, especially students may be strapped for cash during the lockdown and choosing companies which make cheaper items. If this box is going to be another addition to an already mounting pile of clothes then perhaps you could support the movement in the form of a gift to ensure you aren’t adding to an already worrying pile of unworn clothes!
If you’re tempted to buy one of these boxes but are unsure what to expect, have no fear! The website allows for users to input their size, style, colours of choice and even preferred patterns to ensure you receive clothes to your taste and if not, you could always customise the items when they arrive or have clothes swap with friends?
The Prime Minister announced that non-essential shops will be opening from the 15th June, which includes high street retail stores. I think it is very important to remember that Coronavirus has been an issue that has affected everyone. Perhaps before filling a basket full of new clothes, see what you can do with your older garments or try shopping locally or thorough second hand websites… you never know what deals you may find!
If you are interested in supporting vulnerable Bangladeshi workers – you can purchase a Lost Stock box here.
Jess Walmsley
Featured image courtesy of the solidarity charity on Flickr.
Jess Walmsley
I'm an undergraduate at UoM studying International Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response. A brand ambassador for the charity Shelterbox. Co-founder of the Empoword project and a lifestyle writer for The Manc.