Overconsumption and mass waste become most rife across Britain particularly over the Christmas period raising questions surrounding sustainability .
Dorset residents are the most wasteful in comparison to the average person across England according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
In December last year Britain was set to spend over two billion pounds on Christmas presents alone.
Predictions suggest that due to the pandemic preventing in-store shopping in previous years the public will now have an increased expenditure in major retail stores to seek out the total shopping experience.
Amelia Heard founder of the independent UK business Tyger By The Tail said: “Small businesses trail behind because larger companies and corporations have huge investment and room for big marketing campaigns.”
Fashion giants create 92 million tonnes of waste every year increasing global emissions that contribute to climate change, according to The UK Everyday Sustainability Market.
Buying and gifting from high street stores this festive season will encourage sustainability.
A greener Christmas will keep smaller brands in business.
Small businesses enable economic growth and create stable new jobs for local residents in Dorset.
The UK Everyday Sustainability Market found 28% of adults would say that the environment is of higher priority to them now than compared to before the pandemic.
Tyger By The Tail has a small team with four talented artisans that make every piece by hand in a safe working environment. Which some fashion giants cannot provide.
Fast fashion brand Shein has been under investigation for the maltreatment of workers and unethical working conditions, according to press reports.
Alexis Murphy, 28-year-old, found “help me” written on the label of her clothes.
Alexis said: “I was shocked because it was trending online but naturally I didn’t think it would be on my clothing or be so close to home. It was very upsetting.”
She added: “I definitely have made a conscious effort to shop more sustainably since however realistically, I do find it harder. There are less affordable options that are readily available in comparison.”
Shopping locally in independent stores in Dorset this Christmas will reduce the UK’s contribution to unethical working conditions and clothing landfills as well as preserving high streets in Dorset.
Spending five pounds a week in independent stores would generate a £13.5 billion re-investment back into Britain’s economy according to Visit Dorset.
Students struggle in the cost-of-living crisis at Bournemouth University