How Can We Reduce Our Fast Fashion Environmental Impact?
–a message from our Environmental Stewardship Team
Buying a new outfit for a special occasion can be exhilarating for some folks. Shopping at outlet malls to stock up on inexpensive clothing feels good on your wallet. Society insists that we need to have the latest fashion accessories to feel good about ourselves and inexpensive clothing has become a mainstay in our society. But did you know that cheap clothing, otherwise known as “fast fashion,” is having a devastating effect on the environment?
According to sustainyourstyle.org, the fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, just after the oil industry. In particular, water contamination is a serious threat. Many garment factories dump their untreated toxic wastewater into rivers, harming aquatic life and the people who live near the rivers. Also, the fashion industry is a major water consumer. Consider that many of our garments are made of cotton. It takes 20,000 liters of water to produce just 1kg of cotton. This places a huge strain on an already precious resource. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Start by evaluating your wardrobe. Consider buying clothing that is made by sustainable companies. Purchase better quality clothing. This will allow you to keep your clothing for a longer period of time, thus reducing the need to buy more. For more ideas on what you can do, click on the following link: https://www.sustainyourstyle.org/en/reducing-our-impact
Remember, “There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness.” —Mahatma Gandhi