Sustainable fashion is a concept we have only been hearing about in the past few years but it has gained a lot of prominence in climate action discussions.
A number of people now consider their carbon footprint when it comes to clothes shopping, opting to visit vintage and charity shops instead of high street stores.
Meanwhile, others find creative ways to incorporate sustainability into what they wear by reworking what is already in their wardrobe. Christine Tyndall is one of those people, putting together impressive outfits, garments and accessories made from upcycled materials.
The Cabinteely native, who is currently working towards a masters degree in Environmental Policy, used the first lockdown in 2020 to build up her skills in sewing and now encourages others to discover the second, third and even fourth life some of their clothes can have.
At first, she made scrunchies for her friends who lived within 5km of her, before moving onto other pieces such as a crop top made from an old Adidas t-shirt.
Discovering a new hobby in lockdown
She explained: "I was at home, bored off my rocker and did a wardrobe clear out.
"I'm not blessed in the height department so a lot of trousers need taking up. My mum showed me how to do some things. I had a bit of fabric, watched a YouTube video and made a scrunchie, and I thought it was kind of cool.
"My grandmother found out I had an interest in it and gave me a sewing machine that was gathering dust."
She added: "All of my friends were doing wardrobe clear outs so I had an influx of bags of clothes. All of a sudden I had all of this material to work with."
The importance of sustainability in fashion
Explaining the importance of being aware of the waste generated by fast fashion, Christine said: "The process of one item of clothing being created in the first place is so long and then for somebody to wear it once then throw it away is madness.
"I went to a talk that explained in Ireland generations ago, you had your mass clothes, your work/farm clothes and then your backup. That was all you needed.
"Now, the whole mindset is needing a new dress for a night out. Or there's such a thing with posting the same outfit on Instagram twice. It's absolute madness.
"I used to buy clothes for one off events when in reality I didn't need it. Especially with marketing nowadays, one thing is a trend then another thing is 'in'."
A hobby that is good for your mind
Mental health was a topic that became well talked about during the various lockdowns in Ireland. With a lot of time at home and not much to do, many struggled to stay positive and mentally fit.
Christine revealed that sewing was something that helped her during this time, giving her something to focus on.
She said: "I'm a person that can't be left alone to do nothing.
"Obviously being in lockdown with my mum who was working from home, my dad and my brother who didn't want to play with me, I was able to sew with something on in the background like a podcast or a true crime show.
"I do think that it helped with my mental health, being able to put energy into something."
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