Photo by Hugo Kruip on Unsplash
We are a compulsive shopping society, often buying things we do not need, especially when it comes to clothing. As each purchase happens, we hardly ever think about the process involved in creating these articles. Have you ever thought about what happens to contaminants such as dyes? Are they being adequately removed from the wastewater after the process of making clothes is completed?
These dyes can be a significant source of environmental pollution and a risk to human health, however, they are important in fast fashion because the color of clothing and cosmetics will also have an impact on their successful sales. Think about whether you’d buy an item that’s in your style and you love the fabric, but it’s not the right color.
According to Michael Braungart and William McDonough, in their book Cradle to Cradle, on average, only 5% of the raw materials involved in the production and delivery processes are contained within a garment. What happens with the other 95%?
Well, the majority of it involves water. It takes 2,700 liters of water to make the average cotton T-shirt. That’s enough drinking water for one person for 900 days. And it takes as much as 200 tonnes of water per tonne of fabric.
What do companies do? Do they care?
Most of the time, contaminated wastewater disposal is not regulated. These hazardous chemicals present in the wastewater do not break down as they enter rivers and oceans, making their way around the world. As a society, we could ask/demand the use of naturally obtained color sources, but sustainable garments are much more costly and put a financial strain on families already struggling.
Instead of playing the blame game, we could all take action by:
Not shopping on impulse. Ask yourself if you really need a specific piece of clothing before buying it. Let the items sit in your cart for 24 hours before ordering online. If going to a physical store, make a list of things you REALLY need.
Cleaning out your wardrobe before going clothes shopping. You may find a shirt, dress, shoes you forgot about and could’ve duplicated with your purchase.
Donating clothes to give them a second life.
Looking for more sustainable clothing if it’s within your budget. Good quality clothing is an investment as they will last longer.
Buying second-hand clothing.
Prolonging the life of your clothing by washing less or washing by hand, air drying, removing stains immediately, and mending if torn.
Cutting old clothing into small pieces and using it as rags for cleaning.
Creating a monthly spend limit on new clothing purchases.
What are some other ways we can reduce our impact on the environment through our fashion habits? Let us know, we’d love to learn more ideas.
Written by: Sandy Rivera, Recruiting Coordinator at Hunter Crown, LLC
Looking for your next great opportunity?
Have hiring and/or recruiting needs?