The St Minver SeaGirls WI’s February meeting saw a spotlight on ‘fast fashion’: too many clothes produced at too great a cost to the environment.
Kato of Wadebridge’s Syrup and SALT clothing outlined the issues caused by fast fashion, including child labour, landfill and the huge amount of water needed to produce clothes. Kato then went on to discuss what is truly sustainable, and recommended what we can do to help. She advised to avoid buying new, to mend and alter our existing clothes to give them a new lease of life, as well as buying pre-loved second-hand items to keep clothes out of landfill.
Look for natural fibres, classic cuts and solid shades which will work for a variety of looks and occasions, or go all out with bold statement pieces.
After Kato’s informative and fantastic contribution, the women browsed the racks of pre-loved clothes, shoes and accessories donated by members ahead of the meeting. Most people found a bargain or two. Anyone wishing to purchase items were asked to make donations in aid of the Cornwall Refuge Trust. To help everyone continue with the good work, members were treated to a small sewing kit, patch set or card to use for clothes repairs at home.
£110 was raised for the Trust, and the members expressed a huge thanks to everyone who donated their time, expertise and creative input to the evening.
The St Minver section of the Cornwall coast has been hit as hard as everyone else by plastic pollution washing up on the beaches after the recent storms, so the SeaGirls have organised a beach clean for Sunday 23 February. Everyone is welcome to the Quarry car park at Rock for a 9.30am start. The WI will provide bags and buckets from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), but please bring your own gloves if you wish. Stay as long as you like – all that is needed is enthusiasm!