With the Rise in popularity of the idea of buying cheap low quality items in large quantitys, more clothes end up in landfills each year. Many things have contributed to this toxic mindset such as the rapid trend cycle, social media martkeing, and fast fashion. All of these reasons and many more have exelerated the trend cycle to a point of disrepair. Fast fashion clothing produced in massive quantities can also be sold at lower prices, encouraging consumers to buy more than they need. When we spend less money on clothing, we are less likely to keep it for longer. There are so many trends flying in and out that it seems there's something new and big every day. Making the consumers feel the need to keep buying more and more to keep up with the never ending hampster wheel of trends. In an effort to keep up with the "now" we are spending more money on clothing that will quickly go out of style and into the landfill.
The apparel industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. The global fashion industry is generating a lot of greenhouse gases due to the energy used during it's production, manufacturing, and transportation of the millions garments purchased each year. The major issue is that most of the fabrics in cheap garments are synthetics and polyesters, which are derived from oil and petroleum production. Unlike wool or cotton, synthetic particles don't biodegrade. So when clothes are dumped into a landfill, toxic synthetic fibers pollute water sources.
Preventing textile waste starts with buying less. Finding your personal style is so important building your wardoeble around strong pieces that really represent your style and flatter your silutte,and can easly be mixed and matched for all seasons and looks. The big key to making this happen is prolonging the life and taking good care of the clothes that you already own. When you find yourself needing a new piece in your collection shop sustainably, second hand or even try upcycling items you alreaddy have. 95% of all textiles have the potential to be reused or recycled, but currently are only recycled at a rate of only 15%. Introducing small changes to your shopping habits can make a huge diffrence, and will problally end up saving you a bit of money too!
