Estimates suggest over 21 million pairs of socks are made each year (21,239 in 2019) 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: - Come Darn with Me darning workshop - Book below, or register your interest - Have a go at weaving and darning - look out for Save Our Socks popping up at local events in Cirencester: The Big Lunch, The History Festival, New Brewery Arts and more - 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 @saveoursocksciren for making & mending, and SOCKSPIRATION. - Send us your reimagined socks to inspire others and we'll share it @saveoursocksciren. Send your pics to [email protected] and don't forget to tell us your Insta handle so we can tag you.
