The Clothing Industry
There is currently much discussion about the climate impacts of the clothes industry. Fashion production accounts for up to 10% of worldwide carbon emissions and uses vast amounts of water. Up to 85% of all clothes end up in landfill. Washing synthetics releases micro plastics, many of which end up in the oceans. “Fast fashion” results in people buying cheap clothes and discarding them after very few wears. We can all reduce our impact by following some of the steps below:
1. Wear your clothes until they have worn out.
2. Buy fewer outfits of high quality rather than many of poor quality, which do not last.
3. Repair and/or upcycle clothes. Accessories (scarves, belts etc) can freshen up old outfits.
4. Don’t discard clothes that are hardly worn.
5. Wear clothes made of natural fibres. Nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals and are non-biodegradable. Woollen jumpers are much warmer than synthetic ones.
6. Look after clothes well and they last longer. Wash at lower temperatures, use tumble dryers minimally, air drying is better for fabric and prolongs its life.
7. Buy clothes in charity or swap shops or vintage shops.
8. Donate clothes to needy people or charity shops rather than throwing them out. Clothes may also be sold on line.