The fast-fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (World Economic Forum).
On average, 700 gallons of water is used to produce a cotton t-shirt – enough for one person to drink 8 cups a day for 3.5 years (World Economic Forum).
Cotton for the fashion industry uses around 2.5% of the world's agricultural land (getnaturepositive).
85% of textiles go to the dump every year (earth.org).
It’s estimated that 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from the laundering of synthetic materials (IUCN, 2017).
These not-so-fun facts highlight that the fast-fashion industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world. But these huge impacts are so often overlooked. Recently, powerful documentaries such as The True Cost have started to expose both the environmental damage and social injustices of the fast-fashion industry. However, the damage caused by this industry continues to grow; it’s still too easy for us not to ask the difficult questions about how exactly something has been made.
If we’re to start living in a more planet-friendly way, we need to start thinking more carefully about our clothes. Luckily, there are some really easy ways we can reduce our own impacts on the environment through what we buy.
1. Stop buying (or buy less)
Most of us buy things we don’t need on a regular basis. We’re made to feel that a new jumper is both the perfect treat to ourselves on a good day, and the ideal commiseration on a bad one. Now, when you’re mulling over a purchase, give yourself 48 hours to think about whether you really want it. Most often, you’ll have forgotten about it within the next couple of hours. Good for the planet and the purse.
2. Buy second hand
Lots of us have already taken to charity shops and using second-hand clothing apps, often motivated by the money you can save. Buying second hand also means no new energy or resources are being used, and no more waste is created. When you need a clear out, make sure to pass on your clothes again. You might even want to host a clothes swap at the office or with friends.
3. Buy from sustainable brands
Being more sustainable with fashion doesn’t mean you never buy new again. Fashion celebrates a world of creativity and culture across the globe, and can be an important part of how we express our identity. However, you can put your money in the right place – into those brands that protect people and planet.
This clothing is often more expensive, but for good reasons. Try working out how much you’d spend in a year on new clothes and set yourself a budget. Instead of buying twenty new things, put this money towards something you really love, that will last for decades and supports an independent and sustainable brand.
See this article for some starters; a deeper dive into some of my favourite sustainable brands to follow.
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