Do you consider a pair of $12 jeans to be a good deal? Reconsider your position. Clothes that are “affordable” have hidden costs that the earth, not just you, must bear
On the ecology, rapid and ultra-fast fashion are having a disastrous effect. However, those who value style and the environment have other options besides inexpensive, throwaway clothing. Shopping at thrift stores and antique stores helps the earth and lowers your carbon footprint.
In the article that follows, you can find out more about the negative environmental consequences of the fashion industry, how you can help lessen fashion waste, and why you should buy sustainable clothing.
A SECRET SIDE TO FASHION
Fast fashion companies are well-liked by many consumers since their affordable prices make their items available to more individuals. However, the manufacture of these low-cost crop tops, jeans, and other fashionable items is drying out rivers, causing record-breaking levels of carbon emissions to be released into the sky, and contaminating waterways with microplastics and hazardous chemicals.
The issue is not simply being exacerbated by companies like Shein and Boohoo. The production of brand-new apparel consumes exorbitant quantities of energy, water, and other resources.
WHY BUY RESPONSIBLE FASHION
Clothing that is designed, produced, marketed, and distributed in a way that has the least negative impact on the environment is really sustainable fashion. Sustainable clothing uses less natural resources and energy. But even modern apparel that is promoted as ecological might have a negative impact on the environment.
Many people who wish to learn how to purchase sustainably are tricked by companies that erroneously describe their goods as “conscious” and “eco-friendly.” In a survey conducted by the European Union and national consumer protection agencies, it was found that 42% of online sustainability claims made by firms were untrue, misleading, or against the law.
Therefore, antique clothing is preferable to fast fashion and brand-new “sustainable clothing” since it is more resource-efficient and good to the earth.
WHY IS THRIFT SHOPPING SUSTAINABLE?
If you’re thinking “is thrift shopping sustainable,” the answer is absolutely. The adage “greenest products are those already on the market” is true.
Your carbon footprint will be smaller if you buy antique clothing rather than supporting the production of new clothing. Here are some more excellent arguments in favour of vintage shopping being more environmentally friendly:
IT RESCUES GARMENTS FROM LANDFILLS
Many individuals give their old garments to charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill that sell them again. Only 5% are deemed suitable for sale, nevertheless. The remainder is either burnt, dumped in a landfill, or sold to rag yards. One truckload of textiles is burned or deposited in a landfill every single second.
When you purchase vintage clothing, whether from consignment shops, thrift stores, or rag yards, you help prevent clothing from being burnt and emitting CO2 into the atmosphere as well as keeping it out of landfills.
IT REDUCES YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AND CAUSES LESS STRESS ON NATURAL RESOURCES
10% of the world’s carbon emissions are attributable to the fashion sector. The production of virgin polyester, a common fabric used to construct anything from socks to gowns, is responsible for around 40% of these emissions.
Additionally, the majority of modern clothing that you may purchase is loaded with microplastics. More than 700,000 fibres from synthetic textiles are released into the water system with each washload of garments, and these fibres eventually wind up in the ocean.
Vintage apparel, on the other hand, was already made using materials and energy. By purchasing antique clothing, you are not supporting the wasteful production methods used to make new clothing. Vintage clothing allows you to prolong the life of your current wardrobe while using fewer resources than buying new would.
