Fabric production is a resource-intensive process
The fabrics that make up our clothes have a long supply chain, with many steps of the process requiring large amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. It is estimated that the global fashion industry consumes 93 billion metric tons of water per year.
Cotton is a thirsty crop, meaning its production requires lots of water. Many growers use large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers to ensure successful cotton growth. When these chemicals escape cotton fields through runoff, they can pollute and degrade surrounding ecosystems.
Popular synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon originate from plastics. Although they do not require much water, their production generates significantly more carbon emissions than natural fibers.
Textile treatments like dyeing and bleaching have a high water footprint and can pollute waterways if improperly treated.
Fabric waste from discarded clothing fills up landfills
Inevitably, clothes reach the end of their lifespans in our closets. Whether changing styles, shifting sizes, or wearing your favorite jeans until they’re threadbare, garments end up not serving their purpose to us anymore.
It is estimated that 53 metric tons of discarded clothing are incinerated or go to landfills each year. Both incineration and landfill disposal release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to warming effects of climate change.
Mend your old clothes
Simple hand-stitches for mending ripped seams are incredibly easy to learn. Just a needle and thread can save you a lot of money when compared to the cost of a replacement garment!
With a little more practice, you can even learn to tailor garments to properly fit your body. Altering a hem, taking in a waist, or adding elastic when your size fluctuates can keep your garments out of the landfill and allow you to make the most of your purchase.
Tired of your old clothes? Upcycle them!
Even if your current wardrobe doesn’t match your style, you might already have the perfect fabric to make something new.
- Creating custom garments can help you explore unique styles without breaking the bank.
- Understanding the work that goes into garment-making provokes deeper thought about the hidden costs of cheap fast fashion.
- If a sewing machine is a daunting investment, visit a library! Public libraries across the country have sewing machines for use. UF students can even stop by Marston to use the sewing machines in its makerspace.
- And if you need more fabric… rescue some clothes, sheets, or tablecloths from a thrift store!
Make sure to save the scraps
Anyone who has sewn a garment knows that the process generates many small fabric scraps. Instead of disposing of these scraps, try using zero-waste patterns or saving them for scrap projects!
Potholders, small pouches, lanyards, and hair scrunchies are just a few examples of small projects that use fabric scraps to the fullest. They make great handmade gifts as well!