Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day – a day to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. This year’s theme is Restore Our Earth – and to celebrate, Reluv is sharing tips and tricks to reduce your fashion footprint and help to restore our earth. But first, let’s try and get an understanding of the problem.
- The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions
- 1.5 trillion litres of water are used by the fashion industry every year
- Only 15% of our clothing is recycled or donated
- 70 million trees are cut down each year to make clothes
- People today buy 5 times more clothing than those in the 1980s
We also encourage you use ThredUp’s Fashion Footprint Calculator, to find out the impact of your fashion habits – available here https://www.thredup.com/fashionfootprint
The good news is that you can have a positive impact! Here’s just some of the ways you can do it (remember – you don’t have to be perfect; every little bit helps)!
1. The most sustainable item of clothing is the one already in your wardrobe.
There are so many clothes being produced but the most environmentally friendly thing you can do is wear what you already have.
2. Buy mostly second-hand.
Studies have shown that buying second-hand means you’ll be eliminating about 239kg of carbon emissions. All that water, energy and trees that are used every year? You’ll be dramatically reducing your share of that impact.
3. Re-wear, re-wear and re-wear again
The average garment is only worn 7 times, then it goes into landfill. If you wear clothing at least 12 times, instead of buying new, you can save 27kg of carbon emissions. The more you wear your clothing, the more emissions you save!
4. Wash and dry your clothes better
Washing your clothes with only cold water and air drying them will not only make your clothes last longer but will also see a combined 223kg of carbon emissions saved.
5. Shop sustainable brands where you can
When you are buying new (hello underwear and socks!) shopping from sustainable brands can save 106kg of carbon emissions. But beware of “green-washing” – where brands say they’re being sustainable, but really aren’t. Look for detailed information and not just broad statements!
6. Rent for special occasions
We love having a special event to go to and there’s nothing wrong with wanting a unique outfit – try renting! Renting instead of buying can save you 1kg of carbon emissions per event.
These tips can save a huge amount of carbon emissions – but it’s not just up to individuals to address these problems. We need fashion businesses to make changes too. Reluv aims to reshape the textile economy by giving clothes a new life; donating to garment workers in Bangladesh; and carbon neutral shipping – to name a few.
So, what are you waiting for? Start taking steps to improve your impact today! Start to plan your reloved wardrobe.
