When I shop for clothing, I’m more focused on how the garment looks than where it was made, what it’s made of, and what I’ll do with it when it’s worn out.
After chatting with Revital Nadiv, I realize I’m going to have to get more environmentally mindful about what I choose to wear.
Nadiv is cofounder and CEO of Re-Fresh Global. This Israeli eco-business offers consulting services in the area of sustainable fashion innovation as well as awareness activities.
The clothing industry is notoriously difficult to sustain. These are some facts to consider:
– It takes 1,320 liters of water to produce one pair of jeans.
– The average American throws away 80 pounds of clothes every year.
– 13 million tons of unsold items get thrown away or burned by clothing retailers each year.
– About 60% of materials used in the fashion industry are made from plastic.
– The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Re-Fresh Global created a biotech process to recycle textile waste and make raw materials. This innovative project started in Israel and is currently based out of Berlin.
Realistically speaking, most of us won’t become sustainable fashion superstars. These tips by Nadiv can help you make better wardrobe decisions.
1. Pay attention to the fine print
Several big retailers, such as H&M and Mango, are using recycled textiles in their garments.
To avoid being misled by greenwashing, make sure you carefully read the label to determine if the item’s recycled content is high enough to justify your choice.
2. Check for a certification label
Numerous organizations have established criteria to certify fashion companies, including their sustainability and impact on the environment. B Lab, Cradle to Cradle Certified, OECO-TEX, and OECOTEX are just a few examples.
3. Consider quality
Quality materials will extend the life expectancy of your item.
“For example, Eileen Fisher uses mainly wool, which can be worn a long time and can be endlessly recycled,” says Nadiv. Since 2009, the brand has collected more than 1.5million pieces of clothing from customers to either donate or resell.
4. Choose design for disassembly
Any article of clothing with multiple buttons, metal studs or zippers will end up in landfill because it’s hard to recycle anything with all those accessories attached.
5. Natural is better
In general, the more natural the material, the less impact it has on the environment because it’s less toxic and easier to recycle.
However, this topic is complex. Growing cotton traditionally uses a lot of water and pesticides. This degrades soil and emits greenhouse gases. It is better to choose organically grown cotton that is sustainably produced.
6. Buy local
Support local designers and manufacturers. Local designers and manufacturers can provide transparency about the product’s value chain, including where it was made and what conditions. Plus, the garment has a lower carbon footprint since it didn’t get shipped from far away.
7. Rent, not buy
An online clothing rental platform like this or this is a better option if you are looking for an expensive suit or dress for a special occasion.
Another alternative: “Some stores let you purchase a garment for a night, bring it back the next day and get 85% of your money refunded,” says Nadiv.
8. Shop vintage, thrift, and secondhand
Before buying something new for yourself or your child, see if you can find a like-new version of what you’re seeking.
Apart from bricks-and mortar thrift shops, you can also join Telegram and WhatsApp groups that sell secondhand items. You can also download a secondhand clothes app that allows you to receive tokens for in-app purchases.
You’ll save money and the gently used garment will be saved from landfill or incineration.
9. Hosting a swap
When you’re tired of a piece of clothing or an accessory, or it doesn’t fit anymore, swap it instead of tossing it.
Organise a party with your friends to swap clothes. Or download a local clothing swap app, where members can create digital closets that others can use.
10. Use your old uniform to make new ones
Many people wear uniforms to work. Once the uniforms have been worn out, there is no alternative but to dispose of them. Nadiv suggests looking for a company that can recycle uniforms.
“There are more than 20 startups in the world today, including ours, that are repurposing textiles,” she says.
11. If you can’t sell or donate it, repurpose it
You can donate some of your used items to charity. Other items, like socks, underwear or clothing in poor condition will not be accepted by charities. They will be buried or burnt.
Repurpose your socks as often as possible. You can use your ripped socks as cleaning towels. Repurpose pieces from an old dress in crafts projects like a patchwork quilt, rag doll or rag doll. You can cut out stained areas from a shirt and reuse the rest for a scarf or tie.