Vintage clothing, a timeless trend, is making a statement as a unique style choice throughout the busy streets of Los Angeles.
Aside from being a classic fashion option, vintage clothing is also a sustainable choice, particularly in a world where commerce often prevails over environmental and ethical concerns.
Due to its reusability factor, vintage clothing is frequently highlighted as one of the most effective ways for clothing brands to adopt sustainable fashion practices.
Here’s why and how. T
HE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE BOOMING FASHION INDUSTRY:
As inhabitants of the Earth, humans have strived to find ways to create a positive impact on the environment, with the aim of making our lives more comfortable and stylish.
In 2019, the global denim market was valued at around 90 billion U.S. dollars. It’s a fun fact that it takes 2000 gallons of water to grow the one kilogram of cotton needed to make a single pair of denim jeans.
Suddenly, jeans don’t seem so appealing, do they?
The fashion industry as a whole contributes to 20 percent of global wastewater and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reports indicate that every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of textiles is landfilled or burned, while less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments.
Those low-priced, fast fashion garments that quickly move from the runway to stores to eager consumers also play a significant role in polluting water bodies every year. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are popularly used in such clothing, make up about 60% of the material used. While they are cheap and flexible, they also release tiny plastic fibers into the water supply when washed, which eventually drain into lakes, rivers, and oceans.
It’s alarming how the pursuit of fashion trends can harm the entire marine ecosystem!
In conclusion, the choices we make in filling our closets do have a significant impact on this beautiful planet.
Vintage Clothing: Doing “Great” Rather Than Just “Good”
Choosing to shop for vintage clothing is not only a great way to save money, but it also helps alleviate guilt. Wholesale suppliers like La Vintage provide reliability and incredible prices, while vintage clothing has several virtues that make it a great choice.
Saves Energy
One of the best things about vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories is that they already exist. By opting for vintage, you avoid the large manufacturing and production processes required for new apparel, which consume a significant amount of resources and energy. Studies show that the fashion industry consumes more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined, making vintage shopping an eco-friendly choice.
Lives by the Three R’s
Vintage clothing supports the three R’s of sustainability – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Clothes that are no longer worn are often sent to landfills or incinerators, but vintage suppliers like La Vintage recycle and revamp old clothes, preventing them from being discarded. Since vintage clothing tends to be made of higher quality and natural fibers, it lasts longer than commercially produced clothing, making it a great investment.
Hold Stronger Ethics
The growing demand for instant, low-priced clothing has led manufacturers to use drastic, instant production methods that often rely on cheap labor. However, choosing vintage clothing supports ethical practices and avoids the harmful impact of fast fashion on the environment and workers.
Shopping sustainably may seem challenging, but it is worth it for future generations and the planet. By educating ourselves and others and making careful choices, we can take a step towards sustainable living.
