What is the most sustainable garment?
Photo by Sonia Sanmartin on Unsplash
When it comes to sustainable fashion, the most eco-friendly choice is often the one you already have in your closet. In recent years, the fashion industry has come under fire for its negative impact on the environment, with clothing production and disposal contributing to a significant amount of waste and pollution. By reusing and repurposing the clothes we already own, we can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money.
A study, done in Sweden in 2019, by the project Mistra Fashion Future, showed that 80% of the climate impact from Swedish clothing consumption happens in the production phases. By using our garments twice as much we can reduce the carbon impact almost by half. Further, a Swedish second-hand store did a study and concluded that you need to buy 195 second-hand jeans to have the same climate impact as a pair of new (unfortunately the original report can’t be found so therefore we are not 100% sure about the data). Using what we already have clearly have some climate benefits.
One of the biggest environmental problems associated with fashion is the amount of waste it generates. In the United States alone, the average person throws away around 80 pounds of clothing per year, much of which ends up in landfills. When clothes decompose in landfills, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By wearing the clothes we already have, we can reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills and reduce our carbon footprint.
Another benefit of wearing the clothes we already have is the opportunity to get creative with our style. By mixing and matching items in new ways or adding accessories, we can create new outfits without buying anything new. This not only saves money, but also encourages a more sustainable approach to fashion.
In conclusion, the most sustainable garment is the one you already have in your closet. By reusing and repurposing our clothes, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and make a positive impact on the planet. So before you head to the mall or hit "add to cart" online, take a look at what you already own and see if you can create a new outfit from what you already have. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.