One day, I was puzzled by something that I heard on the radio. I have heard that some people buy fictitious clothes. Well, it kinda exists. Digital fashion is here!
The creation of digital fashion can be done using computer technology and 3D modeling software. This outfit is often created by physical fashion designers, who have an interest in the metaverse. You can buy unique pieces that reflect your own image. These can be “worn” on social media, used in games and displayed by avatars on all sorts of virtual reality and augmented reality platforms.
A comment made about the possibility of reducing textile waste via digital fashion was what intrigued me. It is clear that humans still need to leave their houses occasionally, and digital clothing will not cover this. It did spark my curiosity about textile waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency states that discarded clothes are the primary source of textiles found in municipal solid waste. Other sources include furniture, sheets, towels, mattresses, shoes, carpets and tires. According to the EPA in 2018, 13 million tons of clothing and shoes were dumped into landfills. This is a dramatic increase from the 1.3 million tonnes per year 50 years ago.
Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles is an international trade organization that purchases both unused and pre- and post-consumer textiles to be reused and recycled. The equivalent to 81 pounds per person’s textile waste is estimated by them. According to SMART, “Nearly 100% of all used clothing and household textiles can be re-used or recycled: 45% are re-used as apparel, 30% are converted into industrial polishing/wiping cloths and 20% are processed into fiber to be manufactured into new products like, paper, yarn, insulation and carpet padding. 95% of all used clothing is recyclable, only 5% is unusable due to mildew or other contamination.”
Donating clothing to Goodwill, Save and Serve thrift shops or the Salvation Army is one of the most effective ways to recycle clothes. Do not give items with mildew. Donate gently used towels or blankets to the local Coshocton County Animal Shelter.
Although I doubt these digital fashions will decrease textile waste, I believe we’ll see. We all can do our part and assess how we feel about clothing as we move into holiday season.
In a recent article published in “International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education”, a Canadian study was described that involved young fashion shoppers. Researchers were interested in learning how environment and thrift can influence clothing repair techniques to prolong the lives of clothes.
Researchers found that Generation Zers (and younger Millennials) are more likely to care for their clothing, as well as repair it and maintain its longevity. It was clear that there was a distinction between thriftiness related to money saving and thriftiness related to care for belongings (not being wasteful of resources). The young people spend money on fashion, but then treat it well to enjoy it longer – both to keep it out of landfills and not to consume additional clothing.
Interesting was the fact that not all respondents saw repair as essential. However, distressed or stained clothing can still be considered fashion statements. While ripped jeans may not be your favourite look, they may last longer in your wardrobe.
Today I’ll leave you with this verse from Coco Chanel: “The best things in life are free. Second best is very costly.
Emily Marrison is an OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator and may be reached at 740-622-2265.