Did you know that it takes approximately 650 gallons of water to make a cotton shirt? A single cotton shirt. Let that sink in.
The fashion industry makes up approximately 10% of human-created carbon emissions. That’s a significant amount. “Fast fashion” like Shein and Cupshe, for example, look very appealing to many people. You get to keep up with today’s fashion trends without breaking the bank. Believe me, I get it. I, too, have fallen into the trap of fast fashion when I needed something specific to wear and only had a small amount of money to spend. However, this takes a huge toll on the environment. These types of brands cut a lot of corners are far as quality, because that’s how they keep their prices low. As a result, your items don’t last very long, which means that consumers end up buying more clothing quicker. Not to mention that these com[anies likely pay their workers low wages, provide them with poor working conditions, and don’t treat them well.
One of the best ways to lower your environmental impact with regards to clothing is to thrift. There are so many places that you can go to buy second-hand clothing. The best part is that it will save you money too.
Save money + lower your carbon footprint = win-win. Just sayin’.
Some of the best places I go to thrift are Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor, antique stores (you’d be surprised how many have vintage clothing sections), and Goodwill. There are also several online options like FaceBook Marketplace, ThredUp, and Swap. I prefer thrifting at in-person locations, solely because you get to see what you are buying before you pay for it. However, I know several people who regularly buy things online and are happy with their purchases. Just be smart about online purchases, as always, and you should be fine. One of the best things to look for is to make sure they accept returns in case you don’t get what you thought you were buying.
Some places, like Clothes Mentor, will even buy your used clothes, then give you a chance to use the money offer you as credit for their store – often giving you more money in credit than they would if you just asked for a cash payout. For example, say I took a basket of clothes into the store, and they offered to buy 10 items for $30 cash OR $40 in credit towards items in their store.
Please keep an open mind about buying second-hand clothing. I understand it may be scary for some, because you don’t know where those items have been or when they were last washed. I get it. This is why every time I thrift, I walk straight to my washer, throw the items in, and wash them – as well as the bag, because I use reusable ones. I have been thrifting for years, and I have never had an issue. Also, it’s important to be smart about what you thrift. Don’t bring home items that can’t be thoroughly washed/cleaned.
Now, obviously there will be times when you need to buy items new – for example, undergarments. I’m sorry, but I cannot buy used underwear, and I don’t expect you to either. Generally, second-hand stores don’t even both selling these types of items anyway. However, you can be smarter about your new-item purchases. Buy high quality items that will last a long time, and buy from retailers that practice more sustainable production methods. Some of the best brands I know are brands like Tentree, Alternative Apparel, Kotn, Able, Everlane, and Pact. There are so many with a variety of price ranges. And while they are generally more expensive than average retail prices, you have to think about what you are paying for – because it’s generally worth the extra cost. Most of these places are certified fair trade, provide support to those in need, provide fair wages to their employees, and produce items ethically and sustainably using only the best materials.
Need something fancy or special occasion? Check out websites that will allow you to rent clothing. I personally have never done this, but it feels like a pretty good option in comparison to buying an expensive dress or suit that you will wear once, then let collect dust in your closet.
The bottom line is this: the world has more than enough clothing to last for a very, very long time, and creating more is, in general, unnecessary. Be smart about your purchases. Thrift when you can. Gift clothes that no longer fit you to those who need it, or sell them to second-hand stores. Do NOT throw clothes away simply because you don’t like them anymore or they no longer fit. The only reason you should throw clothing away is if they are ruined and cannot be repurposed. And when there is no way around purchasing new items, purchase them from places that produce ethically, sustainably, and from materials that will last. Stop supporting fast fashion.