More and more people are becoming aware and concerned about the social and environmental consequences of ‘fast fashion’. Working conditions, pesticide use in cotton, and textiles ending up in landfill – they’re just some of the issues that give high street shoppers pangs of guilt when they buy new clothes.

Much of the way that these issues have been communicated to consumers has been flawed. People are unlikely to change their behaviour or buying habits by being guilt-tripped. We need to be aspirational and present an appealing alternative if the tide is going to turn in favour of socially and environmentally sustainable fashion.

Hubbub is a new organisation which aims to revolutionise the way environmental issues are communicated to mainstream consumers. We focus on people’s passion points such as fashion, food, homes and sport to engage them on important sustainability issues. No more doom and gloom and lecturing about carbon footprints; we’re going to give that wagging finger a rest. Our communications and events will be positive, sociable, collaborative and open to all.

When it comes to fashion, our aim is to find creative ways to make clothes last longer. Look great, save money and do good. The past few years have seen a definite trend towards upcycling, making and crafts; being resourceful and creative with what you have rather than taking the easy option of buying the latest trend from the high street. It’s the antithesis of fast fashion and we want to celebrate it.

We’ll help people make their clothes last longer through organising events and activities that are enjoyable and fit easily into people’s everyday lives. In the UK we throw out almost one million tonnes of textiles every year; extending the average life of clothes by just three months can reduce carbon, water and waste footprints by up to 10%. OK, I said we wouldn’t mention carbon footprints and I just went and did it…but it just shows the difference it can make if you give your clothes a second chance.

On 26th November Hubbub is delighted to be hosting a Refashion Day at Makerversity, Somerset House, curated by The Good Wardrobe. The day will kick off at midday with a drop in Sew It Forward session, the frock-friendly, style-hungry initiative from The Good Wardrobe which encourages people to share sewing, knitting and mending skills. Guests are invited to bring a garment in need of some TLC and learn how to keep it looking good for longer.

Whether you’re a novice, expert or somewhere in between, come along between 12pm and 4pm to learn a new skill or share your wisdom. There’ll be Sew It Forward gift vouchers available too so you’ll get the chance to pass on your newfound skills by pledging to Sew It Forward this Christmas.

At 1pm there will be a break in the session for a short talk from Orsola de Castro, the ‘Queen of Upcycling’ and founder of From Somewhere. Orsola will take us on a whistle-stop tour of the aesthetics of upcycling in fashion and design, through her personal experience and through history, contextualising the art of reusing as an innate and innovative solution.

In the evening we’ll be hosting two simultaneous workshops, the first from fashion reuse charity TRAID who have a focus on reducing the negative impacts of textiles. They’ll show you how to turn unwanted and damaged jumpers into fantastic bobble hats, to equip you for the long cold winter ahead. As well as learning valuable sewing skills you’ll go away with a new hat made by your own fair hands, and inspiration to create a more sustainable wardrobe.

The final workshop will be led by renegade jeweller A Alicia, who creates, designs and hand-makes quirky, stylish and colourful jewellery with ethically-sourced materials. She promises a relaxed evening of making stylish necklaces using organic, Fairtrade wool and chunky, eco-friendly wooden beads. All materials and equipment will be provided and you’ll end up with something beautiful and completely unique to take home or to give as a Christmas gift.

This day of workshops is sponsored by Northbank BID and is a precursor to Refashion Week in April 2015 when Hubbub will be partnering with Fashion Revolution for a week of sustainable fashion activities across London.

We’re planning high profile events, talks, screenings and interactive exhibitions held at iconic London buildings such as Somerset House. We’ll celebrate the style and creativity that exists in London, encouraging as many people as possible to refashion and mend old clothes, recycle and swap clothes, and visit second-hand stores. If this sounds up your street then get in touch via www.hubbub.org.uk!

In the meantime, we hope you can join us on 26th November for a day of being hands-on, creative and sociable. For more information and to register visit www.hubbub.org.uk / @hubbubuk / #refashion.

About the author

Gavin is one of the Founders of Hubbub. Previously Gavin was Senior Client Manager at Global Action Plan, one of the UK’s leading environmental charities. He also set up the UK’s first online carbon calculator and the UK’s first environmental lifestyle magazine Ergo.