Thrift's Impact: A Conversation with WWF

Thrift's Impact: A Conversation with WWF

This week we spoke to WWF about what they’ve been up to and the impact  your Thrift+ donations have made. We recently partnered on the launch of our 1 Million Shoppers campaign and the Thrift+ community have raised an amazing £5000+ for WWF so far. We chatted about up coming events, the importance of tackling the climate crisis now, and how each pound raised can be used to protect the environment. 
Just in case you didn't know, WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation. Their mission is to create a world where people and wildlife can thrive together. They're working to protect the world’s wildlife, rivers, forests and seas; pushing for a reduction in carbon emissions that will avoid catastrophic climate change; and pressing for measures to help people live sustainably, within the means of our one planet. 
So, here's what they had to tell us. 
 
Thrift+: What have you been up to in the last year?
WWF: We’ve spent the last year creating and testing new and exciting ways for our supporters to fundraise in aid of WWF. The Covid-19 pandemic meant that many of our traditional fundraising avenues were not possible, so we designed a series of virtual events and fundraising opportunities which our supporters could do in a Covid-safe manner, including donating their unwanted clothes to Thrift+.
 
Thrift+: Tell us about something you’re working on that you’re excited about?
WWF: We’re just about to launch our new and exciting fundraising challenge, 5k A Day in July which looks to be a lot of fun! Complete each 5k however you like - walk, run, cycle, swim, dance, hop or skip - you choose! We’re hoping to build a great community feeling as the event is through a Facebook group, which means we’ll be able to talk to all our lovely supporters and see how they’re getting on with their challenge. 
 
Thrift+: What are you hoping to achieve in the next year?
WWF: We know 2021 must be a turning point with regards to keeping global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees. In November, the UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) for the first time. Representatives from 196 countries will arrive in Glasgow to discuss climate change and WWF UK is calling on the UK Government to show global leadership before and during COP26. This is a huge opportunity for WWF UK to help showcase that nature is our greatest ally in the fight against climate breakdown. 
 
Thrift+: You say in your Annual Report that “Consumption is the driving force behind the unprecedented planetary change we are witnessing...We can no longer ignore the impact of current unsustainable production models and wasteful lifestyles.” Tell us a bit more about how this relates to fashion. 
WWF: The fashion industry is the second biggest contributing industry to carbon emissions in the world. Shopping second hand is one of the most sustainable ways to buy fashion due to the lack of new resources used. Why is it so important that we lower our carbon footprint?
Earth is our planet, our home and we’re the first generation that knows we’re destroying it. We need to reduce our global carbon emissions so that we limit global warming to 1.5 °C. The Earth's atmosphere is warming, faster than it probably ever has. In some cases, weather patterns, climates and natural environments are changing quicker than wildlife or people can adapt.
Many of the world's biggest challenges, from poverty to wildlife extinction, are made more difficult by climate change. And things will get worse if we do nothing. But the good news is that we can do something about it, and buying second-hand clothes is just one way to help.
 
Thrift+: We can see that you have amazing initiatives such as the carbon calculator and the tracker app to help do this - what are the top three things you think people can do to help the environment?
WWF: Firstly, start off by calculating your carbon footprint, using the WWF footprint calculator. This will highlight areas where you can make changes to help reduce your carbon footprint. 
Then, focus on one of the areas where there is room to improve. It could be buying less clothing, increasing the amount of plant-based meals you eat in a week or trying to walk and cycle instead of driving. 
Lastly, I’d recommend downloading the My Footprint app. There are loads of fun challenges designed to help you reduce your carbon footprint, including donating your clothing, and it’s a great way to keep motivated.
The most important thing to remember is every small change you make is a positive step.
 
Thrift+: Why do you think Thrift+ is a great way to donate?
WWF: Donating clothes to Thrift+ is a win-win situation, plus it’s so easy to do. Our supporters get to clear out their cupboards, stop clothes from heading to landfill and raise money for charity. Also, supporters get the chance to buy preloved clothes too which is one of the most sustainable ways to buy fashion. 
It’s fantastic to see how much has been raised for WWF through Thrift+ - £5200 and counting!  
 
We're so proud of our community for enabling change in charities such as WWF who are fighting to tackle the climate crisis. 
If you want to help us spread the word, know that each new person is a step in the right direction on the way to creating a circular fashion economy. 
#1millionshoppers
If you have any questions about our charities, or fashion's impact on the planet please do email us at hello@thrift.plus - we will be happy to help. You can also connect with us on Instagram at @we_are_thrift where we share slow fashion knowledge, outfit inspiration and exciting updates!