Sustainability sunday 4/17/22

​                                Make your closet greener!
I believe one of the biggest ways to be sustainable on an individual level is being conscious about your textile consumption. And with spring upon us, I believe it’s the perfect time to do some spring cleaning! Did you know that the current recycling rate for clothes that are thrown away in the U.S is around 13%? The average American also throws away 37kg of clothes every year (for Americans that’s around 81 pounds!!) (BBC.com). The unsustainable production of fast fashion clothing and mass disposal of clothes is detrimental to the planet. Don’t even get me started on shein, romwe, and forever 21. So, if we know fast fashion is detrimental to the planet and we have the resources to avoid it, why do we continue to purchase it?
So, if we don’t purchase fast fashion that is affordable and stylish, where can we purchase clothing that still suits us? Well, (other than making your own clothes), I believe thrifting is the most sustainable way to purchase clothes! It gives clothes a new purpose and keeps it out of the landfill! Along with clothing taking up space in landfills, the toxic dyes in clothing leak when they are weathered and pollute surrounding environments when left to biodegrade, so keeping clothing out of the landfill if one of the most sustainable things you can do. If you’re wondering where to consume your clothes, I have an article about online thrift apps in the Lifestyle section of my blog! I also like to go to my local thrift shops and buy from friends that no longer use their clothes.
If you’re wondering how to sustainably get rid of your clothes, sell them on clothing apps or donate them to people who need them! I believe throwing them away is never the answer and you could be giving your old clothing a new life! This is another example of how small actions from individuals can make lasting impacts!

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