the call for environmentally friendly clothing
No more fast fashion: 5 tips for more sustainability in your wardrobe
From secondhand clothes to recycled looks, here are some tips to help you make your wardrobe more sustainable.
USA TODAY
Fast fashion brands like Shein, Temu, Zara, etc. have revolutionized the fashion industry by offering trendy clothes at low prices. However, there are many environmental concerns.
The fast fashion business is based on a high turnover rate, which leads to rapid production and significant waste. But the impact goes beyond mere waste.
Are the customers the problem?
During production, harmful chemicals and large quantities of water are often used, and working conditions and wages are questionable.
“The biggest problem is consumers who choose to buy a low-quality product,” says Sergiy Minko, professor of polymer, fiber and textile sciences at the University of Georgia.
Minko also added that this is a “cultural problem” and that environmental education is necessary.
How you can help
Read the labels on clothes before buying non-sustainable materials like polyester and nylon. Instead, look for natural and more eco-friendly products like:
How to declutter fast fashion items
“The simplest answer: Don’t buy it,” Minko said. But here are some of his recommendations for disposing of unsustainable clothing.
- Read the label and learn about the material.
- If it is a synthetic material, it should be placed in a recycling container if your waste disposal company allows this. Waste separation is not very advanced in Athens.
- Natural textiles can be disposed of in landfills. They decompose slowly.
Which materials should you buy?
Although garments made from natural fibers and with natural dyes (e.g. indigo) are more expensive, Minko recommends that they are the most comfortable, reasonably durable and comfortable.
For more information on sustainability, visit sustainability.uga.edu
