Globally, 80 billion pieces of new clothing are purchased each year, translating into $1.2 trillion annually for the fashion industry, according to the study published in ‘Environmental Health’. “From the growth of water-intensive cotton, to the release of untreated dyes into local water sources, to worker’s low wages and poor working conditions, the environmental and social costs involved in textile manufacturing are widespread,” said Christine Ekenga, an assistant professor at the Washington University (Source: Economic Times).
Wow, right?!
While I haven’t watched Marie Kondo on Netflix (yet), like many of us, I’ve been trying to start the year on the right foot, which includes organizing and decluttering. As I’ve been going through my closet attempting to sort and keep what I really need and wear, I realized which items I may have purchased that fall under the fast fashion category – trendy and usually cheaper clothing – and how they resorted to the back of my closet, only after a few wears. Did they spark some joy? Probably a little, but overall, they weren’t worth the cost nor impact – and I feel like the same goes for my kids’ and husband’s clothing, too, as we organize their closets.
Have you noticed maybe a bit of the same in your closet? While I promise I won’t suggest challenges non-stop, I thought it may be fun to do another this month focusing on fashion, specifically fast fashion and saying no to it. Look, I’m not saying don’t buy new underwear or different sized clothing, if you need it. I’m just suggesting we shop better, taking a closer look before we buy and thinking:
- Do I just want this or do I really need it?
- Will I want to wear it later this year or for the next few years?
- Could I perhaps buy this second hand?
- Can I even rent it for a one-off occasion?
Who wants to join me and make it your February fast fashion free?
Living Cleaner, Easier & Safer 