The living planet on which our species lives, among many other species, is not infinite nor are its resources eternally renewable.

Preserving one's habitat is a matter of common sense. It is not, however, an idea taken seriously enough and the consequences are immense, with a real, scientifically calculated probability that future generations will not be able to inhabit the planet as we know it (or at all).

reCloset (www.recloset.net) is a comprehensive project aiming at raising awareness on environmental sustainability through the dissemination of relevant information, projects and conscious practices regarding human life and its environmental footprint, with the reuse of clothing at its core.

It is, therefore, a way of giving a new life to the many items of clothing that, for one reason or another, are discarded over time. More than just an online second-hand clothes store, reCloset represents a philosophy — that of conscious sustainability.

The project was created by Ana Lopes and Telma Santos, attentive women who practice informed and conscious consumption not only with regard to clothing, but also food or the means of transportation used. The founders say that at reCloset there are no old clothes, only clothes with stories. And so it is, the story of each piece of fabric that covers our bodies can have many nuances and, knowing that a tale never loses in the telling, it only gets richer with time.

Although the practice of buying second-hand clothes is not widespread in Portugal, reCloset is here to show us that not only is it not taboo, it is even desirable and a sign of intelligence. Buying used clothing doesn't have to (but can) be the result of a tight budget, however, it is and should be, above all, a choice.

So let us remember the “R's” that rule reCloset's action and adopt them in all aspects of life:

Reduce: we don't need much, do we? Let us focus on what is truly important.

Reuse: clothes can have a longer life, the planet will appreciate it. Let us give it a second chance.

Recycle: there is no need to throw clothes away just because we no longer wear them, we can think of alternatives (donate, transform).

Recognize: let us look for credible information, learn and inspire people by spreading the word about other projects advocating for a greater environmental awareness.

The living planet on which we live as part of a vast natural world (mineral, vegetable and animal) is made up of endless interconnections between all these life forms. Yes, we are all connected.

reCloset is, thus, a project that aims to educate in order to change habits and mindsets regarding consumption. We can start doing this right now — for ourselves, for future generations of humans and for the planet that gives us life.

More information:

recloset.net

Cláudia Gomes Oliveira

1 June 2024