France offers bonus to those who repair their old clothes

This is according to WRAP, the Waste and Resources Action Programme in the UK.

Many people want to participate in the circular economy but don’t know where to start. The French government is helping with this, by launching a bonus scheme to encourage people to mend their clothes and shoes. Those who decide to repair items, instead of throwing them away or buying new ones, will receive a discount on the repairs.

Initiatives like this encourage people to move away from fast fashion. Our network of shops across the island of Ireland also plays a key role in making the fashion and textile industries more sustainable- diverting from landfill and reducing waste.

We too want to contribute to a more circular economy, one that prioritises reuse, repair and recycle and protects our planet. By buying and donating second-hand clothes with Oxfam, people are not only shopping more sustainably but also raising money to support people facing the worst effects of the climate crisis.

There are some stark facts that show the importance of keeping our pre-loved clothes.

• It would take 13 years to drink the water needed to make one t-shirt and pair of jeans.

• More positively, Charity Retail Ireland found that in 2022, charity members- which includes us at Oxfam Ireland- diverted 17,300 tonnes (1,440 double-decker buses) away from landfill or waste of energy.