August 2022: Back-to-School Shopping in Style and Sustainability

Ever think about how much clothing you purchase? Many of us today are part of the “fast fashion” movement – the latest fashion trend that consists of rapidly produced, inexpensive clothing – which encourages consumers to purchase and discard clothing at a new fleeting pace. While it can be fun to switch up your style and add to your wardrobe during shopping trips, partaking in the fast fashion culture can be detrimental to the environment.

According to the EPA, it’s estimated that 17 million tons of textiles were generated in the United States in 2018 alone, with 11.3 million tons of those clothes being discarded in the landfill. Some articles of clothing can take over 200 years to degrade, depending on the material, and clothing production consumes massive amounts of the world’s precious water supply. Aside from the impact on our waste streams, the fashion industry also contributes to carbon emissions, being responsible for 10% of global emissions.

One way you can break this cycle of environmental impacts is to try out some second-hand, or “slow fashion,” trends this shopping season; your kids can go back to school sustainably, affordably and in style!

Swap your Style

One easy way to swap up your style is through thrifting. Thrifting allows you to purchase second-hand clothes that would otherwise be wasted. This “slow fashion” trend can help you swap up your style affordably while also reducing clothing waste. If you are a little hesitant to begin sifting through your local Goodwill or Saver’s, there are plenty of other ways to thrift! Besides in-person thrifting stores, there are online stores for used clothing. If you want a more personal and local experience, try organizing a clothing swap with some of your friends or your community. Who knows, you might just find hidden treasures – something unique, vintage or stylish – from your neighbor’s unwanted clothing. Swapping your style with used clothing is a great way to freshen up your closet while also helping out your wallet and the environment.

Turning Old into New

Sometimes your old clothing can be turned into a whole new look with a few modifications. “Upcycling” allows you to creatively reuse products by transforming them into something new. For example, you can change the fit of clothes with a little cutting and sewing or change the color with some dye. You can also repair a shirt that might be missing a button or ripping along the seam. Being crafty with upcycling can help you greatly reduce the amount of clothes you buy and then throw away. The possibilities are endless – just start out with something small if you’re a beginner and work your way to creating your own closet!

Shopping Sustainably

If you must buy something newly made, try shopping sustainably by using clothing companies and brands that prioritize the environment. For example, companies can use recycled materials or have recycled clothing programs to reduce waste in the manufacturing process. A company with these services would be more environmentally friendly than one that rapidly releases new clothing items for fast fashion trends. Materials are also an important factor when considering environmental impact; polyester, for example, could be even more damaging to the environment. Look for clothing companies that consider the environmental impact of packaging, delivering and producing clothing. For a better idea of sustainable companies, check out the goodonyou directory, which describes the practices and policies of clothing companies, as well as their levels of transparency. With these considerations, you can make informed decisions about where you purchase your clothing and analyze the ethical and environmental practices of companies.

Out with the Old

Adding to your closet sustainably is great, but what should you do with your old, unwearable clothes? Fortunately, there are lots of ways to discard your outgrown or worn-out clothing without producing more waste. If your clothing is in good condition, hand it down or donate it to contribute to the second-hand clothing cycle. Clothes that are no longer wearable can be recycled at a facility that will repurpose it. There are organizations and businesses that take old clothing and textiles and restore them to fiber, which is then used to manufacture all new products. That means that even your old, raggy T-shirt can have a new life with recycling. To find textile recycling facilities near you, check out Earth911’s recycling locator. By discarding your clothing sustainably, you can help to limit the amount of waste generated in the fast fashion culture.

Coolest Kid in School

Constantly buying new clothes for your growing child puts strains on your wallet and the environment. This back-to-school shopping season, rethink how you look at shopping and try some of these second-hand techniques. By the end of your second-hand clothing experience, you will be wondering how saving the environment could look so good!