Cleaning out your closet can be a daunting task, but the effects of discarded clothing stretch beyond overflowing closets and spilling dressers. The global fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tons of unusable clothing waste each year, drastically increasing the world’s carbon footprint. Thankfully, the introduction of the Circular Fashion Economy offers a light at the end of the tunnel. In this article, you’ll discover the large-scale solutions that are now available to help close the loop on excessive clothing waste.
1. The Circle of Life: Exploring the Circular Fashion Economy
The fashion industry is widely regarded as a linear economy; garments are made, worn, and thrown away – a system of perpetual consumption.
But what if instead, fashion operated within a circular economy – where garments are recycled and reused?
- Circular Economy: A circular economy is an alternative system to the current linear model, that seeks to keep resources in a continual state of use by reusing and recycling materials and products in order to reduce waste.
- Upcycling: One key trend in the circular fashion economy is upcycling, where unwanted materials are converted into valuable fashion items. It’s a creative way to disrupt the traditional use-make-dispose cycle of the fashion industry and to bring an alternative form of value to the textile waste created by the industry.
- Resource Sharing: Another trend making waves in the fashion industry is resource sharing. This involves reusing clothing garments and accessories to create unique styles. It reduces waste by repurposing garments that would otherwise head straight to landfill.
It’s clear that the fashion industry has the potential to break away from its linear model and take part in the circular economy. These trends are a notable step in the right direction but to really create a sustainable system, more conscious consumer and industry habits must be nurtured.
2. Putting an End to Fashion’s Wasteful Ways
As the popularity of fast fashion grows, it has become commonplace for fashion labels to produce huge quantities of garments only to discard what doesn’t sell. This method of production is wasteful and has hugely negative impacts on the environment. It’s time to put an end to the fashion industry’s wasteful ways.
We all have an important role to play in achieving a more sustainable future for fashion. One way we can do this is by buying fewer items but of higher quality. Invest in classic pieces that won’t date easily and are made to last. Seek out sustainable labels, and choose items made with natural fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, and hemp.
We can also increase the lifespan of clothing by:
- repairing garments, rather than throwing them out
- making thrift shopping a habit
- sharing clothes with friends and family
Finally, research and support fashion initiatives that are actively working to reduce waste in the industry. Many independent designers and brands are already leading the way when it comes to sustainable and ethical fashion, and we need to spread the word and support them.
3. Crafting a Sustainable Future: Re-Opening the Clothing Loop
As we continue to face the challenges of creating sustainable solutions for fashion, one promising development appears to be the continued emergence of ‘Clothing Loops.’ Clothes loops are circular initiatives that return textiles to retailers, manufacturers and recyclers so they can be recovered and reworked into new clothing pieces. This ensures that fewer resources are used to produce new garments and supports sustainability targets.
These initiatives are often tailored to the specific needs of a business and its customers, providing reusable packaging that allow boxes and bags to go fully round-trip. This increases the volume of garments collected and recycled, while reducing the environmental impact of transporting them.
Benefits of closed-loop fashion
- Reduced resource extraction as the same materials are used multiple times.
- Reduced waste creation, as clothes are resold or recycled.
- Reduced carbon emissions from shipping, since clothing is returned to the retailer in reusable packaging.
‘Closed-loop’ initiatives also provide a viable opportunity to reinforce learning on how to handle clothing materials and waste in more sustainable ways. This may involve training of retail staff in how to pack items effectively and efficiently for reuse, as well as working with recyclers to ensure that reclaimed materials can be used in new clothing production.
4. Turning Waste into Opportunities: Refashioning Old Clothes
We often tend to underestimate the power of recycling and repurposing. It’s easy to give away or dispose of old clothes, yet giving them a second life and new purpose creates an opportunity to not only extend their lifetime, but also provide a useful outlet. There are plenty of ways to go about it:
- Swapping with friends – Ask your friends if there’s something they need in return for their pre-worn clothes;
- DIY projects- Old jeans can become a cute pocket-bag, or an old blouse can be turned into a book cover;
- Thrift shopping – Second-hand stores are great for finding treasures and mixing them together in unique combinations.
The possibilities for creation and re-invention are endless. To make an impression with upcycled fashion, look for patterns and shapes that flaunt your unique style. Get creative with what you already own, throw in some accessories like colorful scarves or jewelry, and you are ready to go!
Not to mention, upcycling old clothes is environmentally friendly and helps reduce waste. It is a great way of participating in a more sustainable lifestyle – while showing off a personal style. Embrace the potential for turning every clothing item in your wardrobe into something even more amazing.
5. Taking a Stand for the Planet: Closing the Clothing Waste Loop
Clothing waste is a major global problem, and it’s time to take a stand for the planet and create positive change. It’s possible to close the clothing waste loop, if we all act together. Here’s how:
- Responsibly purchasing clothing – Be mindful of when you’re buying new clothing, and invest in pieces that will last instead of fast-fashion items.
- Repurposing and Upcycling Clothing – Get creative and become a DIY master! Whether you’re taking old items and adding to them, or creating something new out of them, you can make it happen.
- Donating Clothing – Donations are always welcome. Donate your unwanted clothing to a thrift store or charity organization – there’s always someone in need.
- Recycling Clothing – Collect textile waste and send it to be recycled. Don’t worry if the fabric is torn or stained, that’s not an issue.
Whatever you do, make sure to take the opportunity to be part of the solution, not the problem. Even small efforts can make a big difference. A combined effort from the fashion industry, politicians, consumers, and activists is the best way to close the clothing waste loop for good.
We can do this – the planet is depending on us!
Closing the loop on fashion sustainability is an important step forward in tackling waste and pollution. The circular fashion economy gives us the opportunity to move away from a linear, ‘take-make-waste’ model and towards one that supports sustainable business practices and a cleaner environment. With a little shifting of mindset and direction, we can create a future of fashion that’s both conscious and kind.
