Do you want to live a sustainable, zero-waste life? Here are some recycling facts that you can digest. Did you know that the US produces more than 16.9 million tons of textile waste yearly? A specific item of clothing lasts for three years. It is hard to believe how much clothes we waste when we consider that we produce millions of tonnes of clothes yearly. In 2018, it was 17 million. Also, we throw away at least one for every item we make.
So it’s expected that many people are interested in sustainable fashion and other methods of recycling clothes. If you are interested in learning more about this practice, you’ve reached the right place. This article will provide a brief overview of the world of sustainable fashion and all its components.
Why recycle?
As mentioned earlier, landfills are home to millions of tonnes of fabric. Depending on the material, an average piece of cloth can take several years to decompose properly. It can also release large amounts of methane and CO2 during decomposition. Both of these substances are extremely harmful to the atmosphere. Moreover, many modern clothes are not biodegradable. They can actually take between 20 to 200 years to naturally decay!
Clothes can be difficult to recycle because of all the different materials in one item. People still recycle. It is quite simple. We will do everything we can to make a difference in the world and reduce waste. This includes the difficult task of recycling old clothes. Sustainable fashion is more than just recycling. We will cover that more later.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion, in its simplest form, refers to clothing and other general wear that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used ethically and sustainably. This trend is so widespread that it’s even being adopted by large multinational corporations. The United Nations has a whole initiative dedicated to sustainable fashion practices.
If you care about these questions, then you’re a proponent for sustainable fashion.
* Where can I find my clothing item?
* What is the content of my item?
* Does my item naturally degrade without polluting the environment
* How is my item made?
* Can my item safely be reused?
* Can I reuse my item in other, more environmentally-friendly ways?
* Is there a way to buy other items that do not harm the environment?
* Can I reuse materials from an old item to make a new one.
* Can I dispose of my item in a safe and green manner?
Sustainable Fashion: Engaging in Sustainable Fashion
DONATE OLD CLOTHES & FABRICS
Donating your clothes is the fastest way to get rid of worn out clothes. Goodwill, Red Cross and Salvation Army are some of the most popular places to donate clothes. But don’t limit your search to these organizations. You can actually check out many other options, both locally or (inter)nationally. Even a worn-out item of clothing can be a blessing for someone less fortunate.
Also, ask around at your local mosques, synagogues and churches to see if you could donate. You can also consider donating to homeless shelters and orphanages.
BUYING THIRD-HAND
Thrift shops and second-hand shops are great places to find amazing items. There are many options available, from gently used coats to new shoes and accessories. You’ll not only save an item from going to waste, but also get it at a fraction of its original cost. You might be able to replenish your wardrobe for the next ten years at a ridiculously low cost.
There is an additional benefit to second-hand shops. Although most shops buy bulk items, some will take individual items. Ask around to find out which shops will accept your old items. If you don’t have enough space for them, you can donate them.
SUSTAINABLE BRANDS – BUYING
We mentioned earlier that sustainable fashion is so in-demand that many of the world’s biggest brands are now embracing it. You can also find smaller brands online. However, it is important to do your research. There are many brands that lie about their sustainability policies in other industries, including the fashion industry.
FINDING THE PERFECT RECYCLING FACILITIES
You can recycle old clothes and rags that you don’t want to throw away. You can find a facility that will accept these fabrics near you. To achieve the best results, each facility must follow strict guidelines when it comes to textile recycling.
RETURN THE ITEM TO THE MANUFACTURER
Some brands will accept your old items if you return them for recycling. These brands often have connections with recycling facilities, and will exchange your old clothes at a fixed rate. For the same purpose, a few brands will accept clothing from other brands. Handbag and shoe manufacturers do the same with old footwear.
Last Thoughts
Sustainable fashion is really just a matter of a few words. Wear it if you are able to wear it. Donate it if you are unable to wear it. It is not possible to wear it. You can reuse, recycle, upcycle, or reuse it. You’ve done your part to keep fashion sustainable and protect the environment by not putting it in the trash.
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