The Problem with the Textile Industry
Textile waste as a whole is extremely significant as the clothing and textile industry continues to deplete non-renewable resources while emitting greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. The industries use materials like cotton; one of the largest pesticide depending crop that uses about 1/3 of a pound of pesticides per shirt which emits nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that is 300 times more powerful and harmful than CO2. While these companies continue to produce products with no information or encouragement of how to dispose of/reuse their products most clothing and materials are thrown into wastelands to decompose and rot on their own, harming the earth and plenty of ecosystems further.
What You Can do to Help
In order to help fight against textile waste and pollution from industries, you need to be able to know how even something as small as one shirt can make an impact, educate and encourage others. One more impactful ways beyond knowledge is action. Although not everyone has the ability or resources to not shop fast fashion even limiting these purchases from your average amount is a big step in the right direction. Instead of giving your money to these toxic companies check out a thrift store near you! Thrift stores have plenty of clothes that are waiting to be given a new life at a reasonable price. If you can't find anything in your style you can always alter your thrift finds to be something you'll enjoy and wear for years. And best of all when you're tired of your old clothes you can DONATE them either back to thrift stores, foodbank/clothing drives, or find a family that could need it :) A little help goes a long way helping the Earth one hand at a time is fun!
To find a thrift store near you click here.
To find a clothing drive near you click here