Yes, You CAN Fight the Fast Fashion Crisis

The move toward low-cost, trendy clothing has had devastating consequences on our environment. Known as ” fast fashion” retailers, big brands have popped up all over the world in recent years, selling cheaply-made clothing items by the billions each year. Many of those items will end up in a landfill after an average of 35 days!  

We can all do our part to fight the fast fashion crisis. Making conscious choices as a consumer and supporting practices that promote sustainability and ethical treatment of workers in the fashion industry can make a difference.

Here are some steps you can take:

Educate Yourself

Start by learning about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and labor practices. Understand the issues associated with the industry, such as excessive waste, exploitation of workers, and the use of harmful chemicals.

Buy Less, Choose Quality

Shift your mindset from buying more clothing to buying fewer, high-quality items that are designed to last. Quality pieces might be more expensive initially, but they often pay off in the long run because they last longer and require fewer replacements. You can also buy high-quality items for less at a Goodwill Thrift Store!

Make Repairs

Learn basic sewing and clothing repair skills to extend the life of your clothes. Repairing a torn seam or replacing a missing button can often make an item wearable again.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Consider migrating to a capsule wardrobe, which consists of a small, curated collection of versatile and timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Support Sustainable Materials

Look for clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, recycled polyester, or bamboo. These materials have a lower environmental impact than conventional fabrics.

Reduce Washing

Overwashing clothes can lead to faster wear and tear. Wear items multiple times before washing, and use a gentle cycle with cold water to reduce energy consumption.

Secondhand and Vintage Shopping

When you need to shop for an item, explore Ohio Valley Goodwill Thrift Stores in your area. Buying used clothing is affordable, reduces demand for new items, and extends the life of existing garments.

Donate

When clothing is beyond repair, dispose of it responsibly. Donate usable items at your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill Donation Center instead of throwing them away.

Share Your Knowledge

Spread awareness about fast fashion issues among your friends and family. Encourage others to make sustainable choices as well.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is dedicated to sustainability. In 2022, we recycled more than 44 million pounds of donated material, cardboard, steel, and office paper. When you donate to Goodwill, you’re keeping clothing and household items out of the landfill.

Remember that change takes time, and your individual efforts, combined with those of others, can make a significant impact in combating the fast fashion crisis and promoting a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.