Pollution from air, landfills, or water is often visible to our eye, but what about textiles? Clothing, jackets, bedding, and even shoes can carry a hefty carbon and water footprint behind the scenes. Europe and the United States are the biggest culprits for clothing waste. Cotton is water-intensive and insecticide-heavy; leather is often associated with Chromium, a carcinogen; and synthetics like polyester, nylon, and rayon are made from fossil fuels. My friend recently neglected to wash a shirt he purchased at a chain store and consequently broke out in a rash on his chest and back!

Additionally, the clothing may travel thousands of miles before arriving at our doorstep because of our complicated supply chain structure. Lastly, microplastics and dyes may seep
into our water system in the wash.

If you’re tired of a shirt or jacket after three days or three years, where should you take it? 85%
of U.S. textile waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, and petroleum-based products can take decades to break down.

So you ask, how do I best buy and do away with clothes?

1. Stop buying so much! It’s estimated that consumers now buy 60% more garments than
   in the past, and keep them for just half the time.
2. Shop at and donate to thrift and/or consignment stores.
3. Reduce online purchases – buy local if possible!
4. Rent clothing. There are plenty of options for renting clothes online!
5. Donate to Big Brothers Bins around town. They accept any textile, including old
   towels/sheets/accessories, and will either resell, donate, or repurpose textiles.
6. Know your manufacturer. Some are more proactive than others with sustainability.
   Check out remake.world/2022-remake-fashion-accountability-report.
   Clothing is fun! It’s how we express ourselves. Perhaps 2025 can be a year of conscious styling with your clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares, and more. Everything we own has an environmental footprint.

By Mary Closser