The textile industry is one of the largest and most polluting industries in the world.
In fact, around 1.75 million tonnes of clothing and textile waste is created in the UK each year. From this about 1.2 million tonnes of it ends up in landfill where they will take up valuable space and release toxic chemicals into the soil.
The impact of textile waste on the environment is staggering! But don’t worry too much because there are steps that we can take to help mitigate this problem:
Donate clothing
Instead of throwing away your unwanted clothes, consider donating them to a charity shop or a shelter.
Buy secondhand
Shopping secondhand is not only a great way to save money, but it is also an eco-friendly way to reduce textile waste. It is also a great way to find unique pieces for your wardrobe!
Repair and repurpose
Don’t be so quick to throw away clothing that has a tear or a stain. Try repairing them or repurposing them into something different.
Choose sustainable materials
When shopping, consider purchasing clothes mades from natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton, linen and hemp.
Support sustainable brands
If you do want to buy new clothing pieces, be sure to look for clothing brands that prioritise sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.
Practise eco-friendly laundry habits
Try to use cold water for washing your clothes and hand them up to dry. You will able to save a lot of energy by not using a tumble dryer.
Attend clothing swaps
Instead of buying new clothes, consider attending clothing swaps where you can exchange your clothing with others. This is also a great way to meet new like-minded people!
Properly dispose of textile waste
If you must dispose of your textiles, then be sure to find a textile recycling program in your area that will properly recycle or dispose of them for you.
Because textile waste is such a significant contributor to environmental pollution, it is so important that we all take steps to reduce our textiles waste! Whether it is through donating clothing or supporting sustainable brands, every little bit counts when it comes to protecting our environment. By taking these steps we can all make difference!
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