Kings Heath Celebrates World Sustainability Day 2024
We’ve heard it all a thousand times before. Rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, loss of species: these frightening realities have now become common knowledge, having dominated the headlines for almost half a century. But as we draw to the end of the hottest year on record, it’s vital that instead of losing hope, we continue to believe in our capacity to create real and lasting change.
What does sustainability look like?
Reliant upon cheap, disposable products that can be manufactured at speed and sold for a fraction of the cost, fast fashion represents one of the most significant threats to the future of our planet. In fact, according to research published by leading UK charity, Oxfam, fast fashion produces more carbon emissions per minute than driving a car around the planet six times.
Sustainability works to address these environmental concerns, whilst also meeting the demands of humans now, and in the future. For instance, with the average consumer buying 60% more clothing than they did just 15 years ago, providers are being forced to reconcile clients’ growing expectations with their duty to the environment (UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion). The ways in which this might be achieved are manifold and under mounting pressure from the international community, global retailers are finally moving towards a manufacturing process that prioritises both people and planet.
But what can I do?
The severity of our situation should not be underestimated; systemic reform is needed, and urgently. That said, change often begins at home and there are still plenty of things that we can be doing to help ensure the sustainability of our own little corner of the world…
Reuse
Be kind to the planet, and to your pockets, by shopping second hand. Here are some of our favourite spots for thrifting here in Kings Heath:
- Acorns Children’s Hospice
- Age UK
- Barnado’s
- British Heart Foundation
- British Red Cross
- Children’s Air Ambulance
- Oxfam Books & Music
- PDSA
- Sue Ryder
- Top Banana
- unearthed.object.
For those looking to venture a little further afield, the UK’s biggest vintage kilo sale will be returning to the Custard Factory on Saturday the 16th of November: secure your spot here.
Repair
Wear and tear might be impossible to avoid but it is easy to fix. Whether it’s a hole in your favourite pair of jeans or a slow computer, get it sorted with a trip to Kings Heath High Street:
- AA Jewellers and Repairs
- AK Phone Shop
- Enki: Jewellery Repairs
- H & J Stitch: Tailor, Alterations and Repairs
- Kings Heath Computers
- Repairology
- Skill Electronics
- Timpson
Recycle
It might seem obvious but knowing what to recycle and where can make a real difference. Here in Birmingham, waste collectors are able to recycle the following:
- glass bottles and jars;
- plastic bottles;
- food and drink cans;
- plastic food pots, tubs and trays;
- any paper and cardboard.
Looking to recycle something bulkier? Kings Heath’s closest recycling centre is the Veolia Household Recycling Centre in Kings Norton.