Estimates suggest over 21 million pairs of socks are made each year (21,239 in 20219) and in the UK 206,456 tonnes of 'fashion waste' is produced. That equates to 7kg of fashion waste per person per year* goes to landfill, and our socks make up part of this problem.
Many of our socks contain unsustainable plastic based fabrics such as polyester which can take more than 200 years to decompose yet often they are merely surplus to requirement, have a slight scuff or small hole, or have lost their pair but are perfectly good otherwise. Our socks are truly considered 'throw away' items.
But what if our foot comforters and companions were cared for differently. Mindful mending or creative reuse would make a difference to our global textile waste crisis, save money, and encourage all the good vibes that come with making and mending.
*Fashion Waste Statistics from www.businesswaste.co.uk
This year, Making Place is launching Save Our Socks: a creative campaign to save our socks from landfill. Come and join in: - Save Our Socks darning workshop and Sock-story sharing with New Brewery Arts Craftival (booking details soon) - Have a go at weaving and darning at The Big Lunch 22nd June 25 with Cirencester Town Council - Come Darn With Me - darning workshops (dates coming soon) - Monthly Makers & Menders sessions for crafting in company. Bring your surplus socks to reimagine - sock rugs, sock monkeys, sock puppets, sock curtains, sock draft excluders and more. - Follow us on Instagram @itsmakingday for making & mending, and SOCKSPIRATION.
