We can't say we're huge Love Island fans (not sorry) but their decision to dump fast fashion in favour of preloved fashion is a step in the right direction.
The reality show is teaming up with eBay UK to kit out the contestants in preloved clothes, ending its relationship with their fast fashion sponsor.
Love Island to Use Second Hand Fashion from eBay
Will it Make an Impact?
By cutting out brand new fast fashion, the show may save around 6,280 tonnes of CO2 emissions and could help to divert 321 tonnes of clothing away from landfill (according to a calculation by Love the Sales).
Love Island draws a huge audience every year and no doubt influences people to buy more fast fashion.
But Love Island executive producer Mike Spencer says that they are striving to be a "more eco-friendly production, with more focus on ways in which we can visibly show this on screen."
Jemma Tadd, head of fashion at eBay UK said: “The impact of Love Island and its stars across the UK is undeniable and together we want to inspire the nation to choose preloved first when shopping."
Why is it Better to Buy Preloved?
There are so many great reasons to buy preloved. It is often better for your pocket and better for the planet.
You can avoid all the negatives of fast fashion such as poor working conditions, unfair pay, as well as excessive water use, air miles and air pollution.
And at the same time you reap all the benefits of buying second hand. Once you step out of the harsh lighting of the brand new shopping centre, you can begin to enjoy exploring independent second hand and vintage stores (who will appreciate your £'s much more!).
Who Else on TV and Film Uses Second Hand Clothes?
Aisling Bea
Not only is Aisling a fantastic comedian, actress and writer but she is also super conscious of the environmental impact of fashion. So she wears second hand clothes for her shows and events that get reused or passed on.
The Great British Sewing Bee
We love a bit of Patrick, Esme and Sara! The Great British Sewing Bee has some brilliant transformation challenges. The contestants take second hand clothes and make them into something totally different. For example, turning old hammocks into summer clothes!
Helen Mirren
Oscar-winning Helen Mirren has been vocal about her love for second hand clothes. "The whole thing of clothes is insane. You can spend a dollar on a jacket in a thrift store. And you can spend a thousand dollars on a jacket in a shop. And if you saw those two jackets walking down the street, you probably wouldn't know which was which."
The Sky Is the Limit for Second Hand Clothes on TV
Is there any reason not to use more preloved clothes for TV and film? Other reality TV shows should follow in Love Island's wake. But it doesn't have to stop there. What about soaps, blockbuster films, quiz shows!?
Comment below or get in touch on social media - what shows would you like to see switch to second hand?
