Clothes. Where would we be without them? But, according to environmental scientists, they are showing signs of being our undoing.
For example, scientists tell us that 64 percent of the 100 billion garments produced annually around the globe are made from fossil fuels. Many clothing is made with plastics, including polyester, elastane, acrylic, and nylon.
This means that they won’t decompose in our lifetime when relegated to the trash heap.
Here are a few facts recently revealed by environmentalists who study such things:
- Apparel accounts for 4 percent of global carbon emissions.
- More than 92 million tons of textiles are discarded every year.
- We simply are not choosing, using, and reusing our clothes as wisely as the need to protect our planet requires.
Components of our wardrobes known as “fast fashions” are cheaply made, mass-produced, trendy clothing that often goes out of style quickly. The quality is not good.
That’s been a big problem with the fashion industry for decades. Now, that industry is starting to emphasize the production of sustainable items. Let us hope there is still time for the effort to work in our favor.
But we buyers and wearers must climb aboard.
The environmental organization earthhero.org offers these recommendations:
- Repair and cherish your existing wardrobe. This may be easier for some consumers than others, of course, but we must all keep the wisdom of the concept in mind.
- Invest in durable, high-quality pieces and support ethical and sustainable brands. This, too, cannot be a lifestyle stalwart for everyone. But, to the extent possible, we should all try to cling to the principle.
- Embrace secondhand fashion. Consignment and thrift shops flourished in this era, particularly in the North Country.
If you haven’t been to one, understand that the people who run them generally have an eye and a heart for fashion and do not just pass along abused pieces of clothing. The articles are genuinely attractive and fashionable.
We are hearing joyful and hopeful news from the clothing industry these days. The fears of the degradation of Mother Earth from climate change have gained traction with the manufacturers of our wardrobes. Progress is not only on the horizon; it is here.
For example, Jeans are now already made with recycled plastic bottles. This is an immense piece of good news, considering the number of people who count jeans among their closet residents.
If we are made aware of the gravity of the issue, we can each take steps according to our resources to pitch in and try to make a difference.
We human beings have undertaken a massive campaign to try to save our Earth from global warming while we still have some time. Plans are shaping to redirect how we manage our energy, transportation, and food production, among many elements of our lives.
Who knew clothing would turn out to be such an important component?
According to an old saying, clothes make the man. According to new developments, they also could destroy him.
May we not let this happen?