When I shop for clothing, I’m more focused on how the garment looks than where it was made, what it’s made of, and what I’ll do with it when it’s worn out.
After chatting with Revital Nadiv, I realize I’m going to have to get more environmentally mindful about what I choose to wear.
Nadiv was cofounder of Re-Fresh Global. This Israeli eco-business offers consulting and awareness in the area of sustainable fashion innovation.
The clothing industry is notoriously difficult to sustain. Take a look at these facts.
– It takes 1,320 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans.
– The average American throws away 80 pounds of clothes every year.
– 13 million tons of unsold items get thrown away or burned by clothing retailers each year.
– About 60% of materials used in the fashion industry are made from plastic.
– The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Re-Fresh Global developed a process that uses textile waste to create raw materials for biotech. This amazing project was started in Israel. It is currently located in Berlin.
Realistically speaking, most of us won’t become sustainable fashion superstars. However, these Nadiv tips can be a great help in making better fashion decisions.
1. Make sure you read the small print
Several big retailers, such as H&M and Mango, are using recycled textiles in their garments.
To avoid getting fooled by greenwashing you should carefully read the labels to determine if there is enough recycled material to justify choosing this product over the others.
2. Check for a certification label
Numerous organizations are able to certify fashion companies on the basis of sustainability and environmental impact. B Lab and Cradle to Cradle Certified are examples.
3. Consider quality
High-quality materials can extend the useful life of an article.
“For example, Eileen Fisher uses mainly wool, which can be worn a long time and can be endlessly recycled,” says Nadiv. The brand has also taken back over 1.5 million clothing pieces to be resold, donated or reused into new items.
4. Choose design for disassembly
Any article of clothing with multiple buttons, metal studs or zippers will end up in landfill because it’s hard to recycle anything with all those accessories attached.
5. The best is natural
In general, the more natural the material, the less impact it has on the environment because it’s less toxic and easier to recycle.
The topic of this subject is complex, however. Growing cotton traditionally uses a lot of water, pesticides and degrades soil, which in turn releases greenhouse gasses. Organic cotton grown sustainably is better for the environment.
6. Localize your purchases
Local designers and producers should be supported. You can trust them to be open about the whole value chain for the product. This includes where and how it was constructed. Plus, the garment has a lower carbon footprint since it didn’t get shipped from far away.
7. Instead of buying, rent instead
An online rental service like this and this can be a great option if you are looking for an expensive suit or dress for an event.
Another alternative: “Some stores let you purchase a garment for a night, bring it back the next day and get 85% of your money refunded,” says Nadiv.
8. Buy secondhand, thrift, and vintage
Before buying something new for yourself or your child, see if you can find a like-new version of what you’re seeking.
You can also join brick-and-mortar thrift stores or download an app for secondhand clothes where tokens are given to be used in-app.
You’ll save money and the gently used garment will be saved from landfill or incineration.
9. Hosting a swap
When you’re tired of a piece of clothing or an accessory, or it doesn’t fit anymore, swap it instead of tossing it.
Organise a party to swap clothes with friends. Or download an app for local clothing-swap members that lets them create digital closets so others can view.
10. Use your worn-out uniform to make new ones
Uniforms are a common uniform for many people. Once the uniforms have been worn, you can dispose of them. Nadiv recommends finding a company which accepts uniforms to be recycled.
“There are more than 20 startups in the world today, including ours, that are repurposing textiles,” she says.
11. If you can’t sell or donate it, repurpose it
Donate some used goods to charity. Other items, like socks, underwear or clothing that is in very poor condition will not be accepted and will go to the landfill or burnt.
You can repurpose your socks as often as possible. You can use your ripped socks to make cleaning cloths. Repurpose pieces from an old dress in crafts projects like a patchwork quilt and rag doll. You can cut out stained parts of the shirt to make a scarf or tie.