Scots domestic abuse survivor recycling old clothes for women fleeing violence

A Scottish domestic abuse survivor has taken innovative steps to support women in crisis by setting up a charity to recycle old clothes for them. Rachael Bews, hailing from Ross-shire, established the ALICAS project, which has already provided 100 clothing parcels and saved over 2000 garments from ending up in landfills in a successful pilot program. Having escaped an abusive relationship herself as a teenager and receiving assistance from a women’s aid group in the Highlands, Rachael is dedicated to aiding more survivors in need with dignity.

In the UK, 300,000 tons of clothing are disposed of annually, while wardrobes hold an estimated 1.6 million unworn items. Rachael seeks to eliminate the shame associated with a clothing crisis for individuals fleeing domestic violence through her charity. She encourages other clothing brands to contribute their surplus stock not only to assist those in need but also to promote sustainability in fashion industry practices. Rachael shared, “It’s not thought or care that’s lacking in these cases – it’s the time and resources to do it differently, and that’s where ALICAS comes in.”

The genesis of the ALICAS initiative stemmed from Rachael’s own experiences, including witnessing bin bags of clothes at a local women’s refuge. Recognizing the poor quality of donations, Rachael aims to improve the situation by providing bespoke clothing parcels tailored to each woman’s size, style, and cultural requirements. This approach not only offers direct help but also promotes sustainable practices by repurposing clothing that would otherwise go to waste.

With support from designers like Martin Rose and other fashion brands, ALICAS aims to address the growing market for sustainable apparel while preventing usable clothing from ending up in landfills. By advocating for a more environmentally friendly approach, the charity hopes to make a positive impact on both individuals in crisis and the planet. The ALICAS project integrates a “garment repurposing service,” with revenue generated from the sale of sustainably produced wardrobe staples also being used to support the clothing parcels.

Fashion, alongside fuel and farming, ranks as one of the most polluting industries globally, contributing around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Shockingly, approximately 30% of manufactured clothes remain unsold, resulting in a staggering 26 billion items ending up in landfills annually. ALICAS invites clothing brands to collaborate in giving surplus stock a new purpose, aligning with the charity’s mission to provide sustainable solutions and essential services to those in need.

For more information on ALICAS and to show support, visit www.alicas.love. In a world where fast fashion has led to significant clothing wastage, initiatives like ALICAS offer hope for a more sustainable and compassionate future for survivors of domestic abuse.