International Zero Waste Day is a UN initiative that encourages society and businesses to eliminate environmentally damaging waste and adopt zero-waste policies and processes that make a real difference.
Here at TWOTHIRDS we already have a “no thread goes to waste” policy. It’s backed up by our slow fashion PRE-ORDER system that reduces overproduction waste to zero. Here’s how it works and how other businesses and societal groups can learn from our slow and conscious approach.
“x1 garbage truck of textile waste is sent to landfill every second"
Waste in the Fast Fashion Industry
Got a minute to spare? Give this video from the UN a watch. It explains perfectly how fast fashion trends have led to increases in waste, as quick profits and fleeting trends are prioritised over costs to the environment.
One of the industry’s biggest problems is that waste is often built into business models. Many brands will purposefully produce more clothing than they need. This helps them reduce costs by placing oversized, discounted, orders from their suppliers and ensures they always have items in stock that they can ship instantly to their customers. The result of such irresponsible business practices and overconsumption: x1 garbage truck of textile waste is sent to landfill every second!
PRE-ORDER - Worth the Wait
For almost a decade, TWOTHIRDS has operated a true slow fashion PRE-ORDER system. Most new collection items are available to PRE-ORDER for a period of two weeks. Our eco-conscious customers accept that they will have to wait longer for their orders to arrive, but rest easy at night knowing that their patience allows us to reduce overproduction waste to zero.
“PRE-ORDER - Reducing overproduction waste is always worth the wait"
Aside from our PRE-ORDER service, our designers are experts at salvaging luxury-grade deadstock fabrics and yarns. These spools and rolls, thrown away by other more wasteful brands, are turned into extra special Deadstock Limited Editions. We even salvage fabric offcuts from our suppliers and turn them into accessories like bucket hats and tote bags!
That’s how we’re reducing waste, but what can you do? The answer is plenty!
Is Your Workplace Doing Everything It Can?
Ever feel a little helpless? Unsure of how to change the world around you? Give yourself a break! Most people spend 40+ hours a week at work, meaning it takes superhuman efforts outside of work to enact real change.
But what if your workplace itself became a catalyst for change? If the company you work for has a sustainability manager, reach out to them and ask if you can start an internal waste reduction initiative. What do you have to lose?
Some ideas to get you started could include:
- A NO BUY month - challenge all colleagues to buy zero consumer goods for a month (food and drink not included).
- Encourage your company to source products from conscious local suppliers instead of wasteful conglomerates like Amazon.
- Build connections and partnerships with local repair/2nd hand shops. Encourage your colleagues to use them.
Building Community Reduces Waste
Once you have your colleagues excited about reducing waste at work, you might be energised enough to reach out to your local community to see what waste reduction initiatives already exist. This map provided by the UN lists some you can join.
Some other ideas to get you started include:
- Encourage your child’s local school to adopt zero-waste policies.
- Pressure local shops and businesses you frequent to adopt zero-waste policies.
- Start a community WhatsApp (other messaging services exist ;)) which encourages people to share and reuse products instead of buying new ones.
Personal Consumption Habits
One of the big lies spread by big business is that individual actions alone will be enough to turn the tide against systemic waste and pollution. That said, taking action to reduce waste in your day-to-day can have an impact, especially if you inspire others to do the same. Some of the best ways to reduce waste at home include:
- Repair and reuse products whenever possible. If you buy a new product, ensure it’s crafted locally, long-lasting and responsibly produced.
- Grow your own food. Start small and build up!
- Shop at your local market. Shun packaging-obsessed supermarkets.
UN Zero Waste Day 2025 is this Sunday, March 30th. Why not use it as the catalyst you need to reduce waste at home and in your local community?!
