King Charles advocates mending skills to reduce waste

In the United Kingdom, King Charles has emphasized the importance of two essential skills for promoting sustainability: sewing and hemming. During a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the King’s Foundation’s textile program, he highlighted how these skills can significantly reduce clothing waste. The foundation, established in 2014 at Dumfries House, aims to address a skills gap in the UK textile industry and has engaged over 7,000 participants across various locations. Jacqueline Farrell, the director of education at the foundation, noted that the King is dedicated to teaching practical skills that extend the life of clothing, such as sewing on buttons and altering garments. This initiative aligns with the King’s broader commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Furthermore, a recent YouGov poll revealed that 20% of respondents cannot sew a button, underscoring the need for such educational programs. The King’s advocacy for mending rather than discarding clothing reflects his personal habits, as he is known to frequently re-wear garments from his long-standing wardrobe. Additionally, the King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, has also been rebranded to continue its mission of supporting young people in developing skills for a sustainable future. This change highlights the King’s ongoing dedication to environmentalism and youth empowerment.