Musings | The Planet and Your Clothes
“There is no such thing as “away.” When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere”
When we think about earth-friendly practices, our minds often shift to recycling, packaging, and energy use. It is interesting to consider the impact our clothing choices have on the well-being of the environment and the earth. As summer is upon us and (hopefully) we can spend more time outside, we thought it would be mindful of us to shine attention on how our choices around what we wear can impact the world around us.
A recent article at IDEAS.TED.COM highlighted six ways to enjoy fashion while reducing the impact on the planet.
Choose lower-impact materials: Cotton requires a lot of water (up to 2,700 liters to produce one t-shirt). In addition, the production of cotton uses pesticides and fertilizers that generate greenhouse gases. Polyester production leaves a large carbon footprint, and this fabric generates microplastics (tiny pieces of plastics that pollute the planet) every time they are laundered. Wool, linen, and fabric made from wood pulp are much friendlier to the earth.
Buy less and mend more: Reduce the number of new items purchased, mend the clothes that need fixing (if you aren’t handy, find a local tailor), and repurpose clothes that are too small or you no longer wear.
Purchase secondhand and vintage clothes: When you buy clothes secondhand or from vintage shops, the garment’s carbon footprint can be reduced by approximately 82%. That’s a big win for the planet! In addition, if you need something special but will only wear it once, consider renting an outfit or borrowing from a friend.
Look into a brands’ labor practices: To keep costs down, many fashion manufacturers seek out the cheapest labor possible. Often this means that workers are not paid well, and in several circumstances, the hours are long, and the conditions are unsafe. Educate yourself on how your clothes are produced and where they are made. Familiarize yourself with the labor practices of the brands you like, and check out their supply chain. Organizations that are certified B Corps are committed to environmental sustainability and using business as a force for good in the world.
Support Indigenous businesses: Indigenous design is rooted in sustainability. Indigenous people make up less than five percent of the world’s population but protect 80 percent of all biodiversity on earth. Supporting Indigenous businesses and clothing manufacturers is also good for the planet and environmental sustainability.
Champion new scientific technology: Innovative companies worldwide are creating new ways to create fashion and avoid waste. In Spain, Ecoalf is making shoes from algae and recycled plastic. Other companies committed to sustainability and environmental protection include TenTree, All Birds; Icebreaker; Cariuma; After Sails, and hundreds of others.
Mindfulness is the state of being conscious or aware of something. We can be mindful of our emotions, our reactions, and our consumer choices. All have an eventual impact on our well-being and the overall wellness of our environment. Please check out the resources below for more information.