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Extending the Lifetime of Clothing through Repair and Repurpose: An Investigation of Barriers and Enablers in UK Citizens

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  • Lisa Zhang

    (UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Jo Hale

    (UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

Abstract

Repairing and repurposing clothes can extend their lifetime, helping reduce the environmental impacts of the fashion industry. We aimed to investigate influences on clothing repair and repurpose using the Theoretical Domains Framework. A survey was conducted with a representative sample of 300 UK citizens. The frequency of, and influences on, clothing repair and repurpose behaviour were measured with self-report scales and a free-text item. Quantitative (logistic regression) and qualitative (thematic) analyses were used to identify barriers and enablers of behaviour. Findings showed that participants typically engaged in the behaviour every six months. The main barriers concerned a lack of skills, poor product design, unaffordability of repair services, and incongruence with identity. Key enablers concerned the ability to focus during DIY tasks, dynamic social norms, beliefs about benefits of repairing, emotional attachment to clothing, and having routines and habits of repairing. This study is the first to apply the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify intervention types and behaviour change techniques that can modify these influences, such as training workshops and the provision of free repair and repurpose services. Policy options were suggested to support implementation, such as extended producer responsibility. Awareness and skill-building campaigns, while important, are not enough to support behaviour change; structural and policy changes are needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Zhang & Jo Hale, 2022. "Extending the Lifetime of Clothing through Repair and Repurpose: An Investigation of Barriers and Enablers in UK Citizens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:17:p:10821-:d:902060
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sonali Diddi & Ruoh-Nan Yan, 2019. "Consumer Perceptions Related to Clothing Repair and Community Mending Events: A Circular Economy Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Kirsi Laitala & Ingun Grimstad Klepp, 2018. "Care and Production of Clothing in Norwegian Homes: Environmental Implications of Mending and Making Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Marium Durrani, 2018. "“People Gather for Stranger Things, So Why Not This?” Learning Sustainable Sensibilities through Communal Garment-Mending Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Siti Hasnah Hassan & Jasmine A. L. Yeap & Nabil Hasan Al-Kumaim, 2022. "Sustainable Fashion Consumption: Advocating Philanthropic and Economic Motives in Clothing Disposal Behaviour," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Ingun Grimstad Klepp & Kirsi Laitala & Stephen Wiedemann, 2020. "Clothing Lifespans: What Should Be Measured and How," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, August.
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    Cited by:

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    5. Wenjun Guo & Eunyoung Kim, 2023. "Identifying Factors Influencing Consumers’ Choice of Disposal Channels Regarding Children’s Clothing in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-17, August.

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