Tena

My name is Tena and I am an ethical and sustainable fashion advocate, events organiser, public speaker and communication specialist.

I am also a member of Fashion Revolution Belgium. We are the Belgian branch of the biggest fashion activism movement in the world - Fashion Revolution.

Fashion Revolution advocates for a clean, safe, fair, transparent and accountable fashion industry. We believe in a global fashion industry that conserves and restores the environment and values people over growth and profit.

Founded in the wake of the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, we mobilise citizens, brands and policymakers through research, education and advocacy. We also strive to be action-oriented and solution focused. Rather than making people feel guilty, we help them recognise that they have the power to do something to make positive change.

In Belgium, we organise events throughout the year, from fashion shows with sustainable brands and designers, to discussions, gatherings, clothing swaps, and much more. Everyone is welcome to our events, regardless of their style or shopping habits.

Top 7 Tips to embrace Sustainable and Circular Fashion

In a nutshell - the goal is to extend the life of the garment as much as we can. After that, it is all about choosing to buy less but better.

1. Buy less - simple as that! Learn to buy only what you actually need and love. Resist trends and the need to constantly buy new things.
2. Stop following influencers promoting fast fashion and overconsumption on social media - if a person is posting new outfits every day, weekly or monthly hauls and is often telling you to buy something, it might be time to unfollow them. Your wallet and wardrobe will thank you.
3. Learn to properly take care of your clothes - learn to wash and clean clothes carefully. Generally, washing in colder water, washing less often and using gentle (and more eco-friendly) detergents will help extend the life of your garments. If in doubt, Google how to take care of the particular clothing item you have!
4. Learn how to mend and repair or find someone to do it for you - in most cases, mending a small hole or sewing back a button will be enough to extend the life of the garment. But if you lack the time or cannot fix it yourself, find a local repair shop or a tailor who can do it for you.
5. Give second hand a try - when looking for new pieces, try second hand first. You can find some unique styles, will avoid participating in the fast fashion cycle, and will help reduce the amount of clothes ending up in landfills.
6. Invest in high quality pieces from small, local, and ethical brands - do this only when you actually need a new garment. Even though it might cost more, buying locally from ethical brands will usually mean getting a piece that will last. Your purchase will also support the local economy and help finance more sustainable and circular fashion businesses.
7. Get rid of clothes responsibly - if you have something in good condition but don’t feel like wearing it anymore, try gifting it to a friend or selling it first. This way, you can be sure that someone will continue to wear the piece. Donating, while well-intended, should be a secondary option, as most second hand shops are overwhelmed with the amount of clothing donated. Another way could be finding a local small brand or designer that is looking for used textiles or asking the local homeless shelter if they need the particular garments that you have. Remember, don’t just dump it and make it someone else’s problem!

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#ForOurPlanet campaign