WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? WHY SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING BRANDS ARE THE WAY TO GO.
I’ve recently been reading about the effects of the apparel industry on our environment and it’s staggering. The fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, following the oil industry. I had no idea! But it confirmed the importance for us to all do our part to make a change. And awareness is the first step!
Here’s a few of the things I learned about ways the environment is impacted and what we can do differently, both as brands and consumers.
CLOTHING PRODUCTION HAS NEARLY DOUBLED SINCE 2000.
Fast fashion makes shopping for clothes more affordable, but it comes at a cost. Some brands produce up to 24 collections per year! But the quality is lower and the clothes don’t last as long. This adds to more waste, pollution, carbon emissions and dried up water resources.
What can we do about it?
As brands, limit the number of collections we produce and produce smaller quantities.
As consumers, buy from brands with this as a key focus!
85% OF TEXTILES GO INTO LANDFILLS EACH YEAR.
This is a ton of waste each year. People are buying 60% more clothing, but they only keep them half as long. A lot of this ends up in the dump. Buying lower quality clothing means it doesn’t last as long and is then going to landfills. The equivalent of one garbage truck of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second.
What can we do about it?
As brands, make quality, eco friendly clothing that lasts longer, so less is going to landfills.
As consumers, buy clothing that is a higher quality. It may mean we spend a little more up front, but it lasts longer, saving us money in the long run, and will reduce how much is getting thrown out. Recycling old clothing is another great way to protect the environment. Do this by donating, selling clothes to thrift stores, or participating in recycling programs.
THE EQUIVALENT OF 50 BILLION PLASTIC BOTTLES ARE RELEASED INTO THE OCEAN EACH YEAR FROM WASHING CLOTHES.
60% of garments are made with plastic fibers like polyester. Producing polyester releases two to three times more carbon emissions than cotton. Then washing these clothes, releases micro fibers into the ocean that do not break down.
What can we do about it?
As brands, use more fabrics made with sustainable fibers.
As consumers, pay attention to the fabric content when purchasing clothes and try to limit clothing with plastic fibers.
Learning more about how our clothing impacts the environment has confirmed, for me, how important it is that brands lead this effort; producing quality, sustainable clothing, in fewer quantities. And as I look at the brands I buy from, I will be more cognizant of what I’m buying and will support sustainable clothing companies. I believe that together, brands and consumers can make a positive impact on our environment, and we will feel good about what we are wearing!
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