Amsterdam’s “fashion library” is changing the way people access clothing, offering a unique solution to prevent clothing waste and environmental pollution.

The concept of Elisa Jansen, “LENA, the fashion library,” is a physical haven in central Amsterdam where customers can rent both used and new garments. The collection includes vibrant trousers, coats, and overalls, each tagged with rental prices ranging from approximately 50 euro cents to a few euros, depending on customer loyalty.

With over 6,000 members, the library promotes sustainability by discouraging fast fashion trends and focusing quality over quantity.

LENA offers a tangible solution to a world where a truckload of clothes are discarded and buried every second. The concept encourages individuals, including NGO campaign manager Ikram Cakir, to adopt a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

The library, established in 2014, has not only become a popular hub for women aged 25 to 45 but has also inspired similar initiatives globally. With an online presence and drop-off points in other Dutch cities, LENA pushes a shift in the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of trying before buying and fostering a culture of conscious, planet-friendly choices.