Waste
A vintage Valentino skirt, with original tags, I found at my favorite consignment shop!Waste(noun): 1. an act or instance of using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no end 2. material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of something.
The fashion industry holds the title of the third largest polluting industry in the world. Out of 11 sectors which are then broken down into 24 industry groups, then 69 industries, and 158 sub-industries; Fashion is the THIRD LARGEST polluter. Responsible for 100 million tons of oil consumption per year, 10% of global carbon emissions, and 35% of the microplastics in the ocean, the fashion industry is slowly breaking down the environment. At the 2022 UN Climate Conference, it was announced that the world will be in a “climate catastrophe” by the end of the decade. Our own addiction to consuming and producing has sent us into an irreversible spiral. But it doesn’t end there, not only have we drained the earth of its natural resources we have also filled Earth up with all of our leftovers. Over 60% of the clothing made every year is sent to a landfill. If we look specifically at the world of Fast Fashion, brands like Shien, H&M, American Eagle etc., they alone send nearly 40 million tons worth of garments and textiles to landfills or to be incinerated each year. Not to mention the 700-1000 garments they make and put out daily, over half of which are never worn. To put all of this waste into perspective: if all of the clothing factories in the world were to halt production, we would have enough clothes for everyone on Earth for the next 50 years. While over production undoubtably contributes to this problem, it truly stems from the rising trend of excess consumerism. For example, the current consumer class holds around 3 billion of the 7 billion people on Earth. By 2030, this number is supposed to jump to 5 billion.
Production, however, is expensive. With the demand of certain products increasing rapidly, productions have had to find way to cut costs. The first place this cut happens is salary for factory workers. Today over 40 million people live in modern day slavery. Slavery, while still terrible and inexcusable, looks much different now than it did then. Modern day slavery is the “sever exploitation of other people for personal or commercial gain”. And the fashion industry is the second largest contributor. Examples of this within the industry lies primarily overseas, in Middle Eastern and Asian factories. There, some children work 18 hours a day, seven days a week, making less than half of minimum wage. Brands like Shien, are particularly guilty of this. (Best to just avoid Fast Fashion… thrifting is cheaper anyway) So how do we begin to combat this? Well its most important that we begin to sway towards a more sustainable way of production and more ethical business over all. Sustainable fashion, when put simply, refers to a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible. This is all achievable but, only practical if all work together. That’s what this boils down to, teamwork. The first, and most important step is saying a swift “Bye-Bye” to all your beloved fast fashion brands. I know, I know, it’s hard and it will be a transition but, it is the best way to ensure we’re on our way to a healthier planet. The next step is to remain conscious of what and where you’re buying. Here are three things to keep in mind while shopping:
Be cautious of how you can or should dispose of the item when the time comes. Can the item be repaired? Would it make sense to donate or sell the item? Is there a textile recycling center near you? (Try your darndest to keep clothes away from the trashcan)
How is the quality? By checking the fiber content of the garment, looking into the store/brand from which you got the garment, and learning how the garment was made is very important. For example, when buying items made of cotton such as jeans or basic t-shirts, check to see if you’re buying organic cotton. One basic t-shirt takes approximately 3000 liters of water, and one pair of jeans takes about 3781 liters. By purchasing organic cotton you’re not only buying something that is better for you but, better for the Earth.
Are there vintage clothing stores near you? In no way is thrifting for everyone but it offers an ethical alternative to buying brand new. Buying second hand is also available in the palm of your hand with apps like Depop, The Real Real, and ThredUp.
The most important thing, out of all of this information, is educating yourself. Take the time to do your research, and move through life with more thought. And fashion is not the only industry that could use more attention. If you want to start living with less impact look at your relationship with waste in your day-to-day life. Find alternatives to single use plastics like zip locks, produce bags, and straws. You can even reduce your emissions when traveling by walking or biking as much as possible and utilizing public transportation. I know this all seems daunting and impossible, but we are capable of changing, of making progress. It’s just a matter of starting the process and being consistent.
-Miss O
