CLUTTERED CLOSETS - GREEN FASHION… DO THEY WEAR WELL TOGETHER?
It is a well known fact, among those who have been treated for being a “Shopaholic," that organization and order are among the most important behavioral issues that must be addressed to combat this disease. Taking this concept a step further, we can link our responsibility to other human beings, and connect this to doing our share in reducing the astonishing growth of clothing waste. Which in America alone is about 80 pounds a year per person (11 tons a year).
Creating a closet that holds only what is actually worn at least on a weekly/monthly basis, and disciplining one’s self to only purchase clothing items that have been discerned to last and used to the fullest extent, can help. Especially if we feel a twinge of guilt when we see these alarming reports of gross waste and the poor impact it has on us and our planet, because of the toxic greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere.
What are some other helpful questions to consider, if the foregoing did not suffice to put your conscience at ease? How are we doing on recycling our clothes, in particular our shoes (which can take up to 1000 years to break down, clothes take 40)? Do we donate or sell any for reuse? Many of these clothing charities, resell over seas. When we do shop for new clothes, do we consider items that are using recycled products to produce them? Do we up-cycle our clothing into something new when we can, by mending or reconstructing? And finally, 70% of the world wears secondhand clothes. Do we shop at the thrift store or online for things resold? Not only does this help contribute to a more circular textile industry, but it also saves you money. Many of these clothes have been worn less than a few times.
All of these tips will require that you put some real effort and thought into how you might improve the efficiency of your closet processes, but no doubt it’s a win-win situation. Because being orderly and looking out for the best interest of others may help you put a closet together that puts you in control as the wearer, not just another person wearing everyone out. You may turn out to the best dressed you’ve ever been and this may encourage your friends and family to rethink their fashion conscience and closet practices, as well.
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Source Links
http://www.planetaid.org/blog/8-little-known-facts-about-our-clothing-habits
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/jul/29/fashion-must-fight-scourge-dumped-clothing-landfill
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41570540
