Fast fashion is not good for climate change. This is the reason

Here are the facts that may surprise you. The global fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change. And it’s a sneaky culprit because people don’t frequently have a relationship between shopping habits and rising temperatures.

Our point is not to feel guilty about shopping, but the more you learn about the causes of climate change, the easier it will be to make your actions choices. All items we purchase must be produced, packaged and shipped to us as individual consumers or to our store. Each step along the way uses energy and resources to release heat-confined gases and create waste.

Like all industries, some companies are more responsible than others. The worst criminals are those who make a ton of cheap clothing in the trend of the moment, aka “fast fashion.” Mass-produced clothing is often made overseas in places where exploitation of workers and environmental pollution can exacerbate poor conditions.

The textile itself is also a problem. Natural fibers like cotton require shocking amounts of energy and other resources to be produced, but synthetic fabrics have their own drawbacks. Even high quality brands use polyester and nylon, made from oil and plastic. Synthetic fabrics flush microplastics during manufacturing and throughout the rest of the life cycle.

The problem continues even after you no longer wear clothes. Sadly, donations are not as useful as we think. An estimated 85% of used clothing will be landfills that release methane, a powerful hot, closed gas. Plus, because of the plastic content it may live there forever.

Eye-opening facts about the fashion industry:

*The global fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of its carbon emissions.

*The industry releases more heat trapping gas than all international transport and flight combined.

*To make a pair of jeans, you need about 1,000 gallons of fresh water!

*Diary truck-sized clothing is dumped in landfills every day.

*The average American throws 70 pounds of clothing each year.

* Over 100 billion pieces of clothing were made in 2020, and by 2000 it doubled.

Industry-wide changes are required

To solve our climate problem, the industry needs to adopt systemwide change. Many companies respond by reducing emissions, using more sustainable fabrics and manufacturing processes. Some are recognized as B-Groups. That is, it meets a set of environmental and social governance standards. Consumer demand for these options helps force change.

Careless upside down of customs

Play has new economic factors that may have the careless effect of fast fashion and slowing overdose, ultimately reducing industry emissions. Clothing is made cheaply overseas, and clothing imported to the US faces new tariffs, including closing important loopholes that are expected to lead to higher prices and slower shipping times. This can lead to a tendency to make overbays attractive.

What can you do?

When it comes to clothing, or consumer products, the formula is rather simple. Reduce purchases, choose sustainable options, use longer and recycle more.

Here are some clothing-specific ideas:

*Resist fast fashion and choose quality over quantity.

* We love sustainable companies, including the B Corps.

*Shop vintages through your local consignment store or online site.

*If you are planning to wear an item only a few times, consider a clothing rental company.

*When it’s time to let go, think about how and where to donate, recycle, and sell.

Consumer demand helps motivate businesses to change the way they operate. We can become part of our solution by investing in fewer, more sustainably made high quality pieces. It may feel like a small change, but it can have a really meaningful effect.

Karen Dougherty writes the B-Change blog for C-Change Conversations, a national nonprofit that provides nonpartisan education on climate change, and also writes a blog about climate change on Unhating.com. This opinion article was distributed by the invading sea website (www.theinvadingsea.com). It publishes news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.