In 2013 Americans discarded 15.1 million tons of clothing and 85% of that number headed straight to a landfill. Since clothing decomposes, an ungodly amount of greenhouse gasses carbon dioxide and methane was released into our fragile environment. These landfills attribute to the third largest source of methane emissions. The numbers are staggering and I urge you to read the entire article on Huffpost.
Here’s the good news. You can reduce your contribution. My motto has always been one similar to the European mentality especially my Italian ancestors and relatives. Purchase quality items whether clothing or otherwise. Consider it an investment buy and supplement the rest with more affordable options. The caveat is to chose those supplemental pieces wisely. Do not go overboard with more pieces then you need, which will cut down on the waste.
Shop for clothing made from eco friendly materials such as recycled polyester or cotton. Recycled polyester utilizes scraps, which repurposes and reduces the carbon footprint by 75% more than the production of virgin polyester. Cotton is a sustainable, biodegradable, and reusable fiber. Here is a list of other eco friendly fabrics to consider.
Scale down on purchases from fast fashion brands. I am guilty of making purchases at these stores. No need to name them individually. The stores that are constantly pumping out new clothing designs to satiate the trendy market, which only increases the potential for waste and drain on resources. Instead opt for slow fashion brands including Alternative Apparel, United By Blue and various vintage stores.
Donate. Sure, you could try and make a buck with your discarded last season clothing, but donating to those in need is just as valuable. Maybe not to you, but the person who finds your old pair of jeans or skirt that no longer fits will be thankful. You do not have to look very far to donate. Reach out to local shelters and churches. Many areas even have a convenient drop box like GreenDrop. Stop by or schedule a pick up.
I am a work in progress, but key to change is information. Learning all the available alternatives will help guide our decisions and reduce the amount of waste. Similar to “Meatless Monday” every little adjustment makes a difference.
Leave a comment and share the way you reduce clothing waste!
