The fashion industry is widely recognized as one of the world’s most polluting industries – second only to petroleum. Numerous credible studies and environmental reports consistently rank clothing production among the leading contributors to global ecological damage.
Each year, an estimated half a million tons of microplastics enter our waterways from synthetic textiles, while rivers in manufacturing regions are filled with toxic chemical dyes. The industry is responsible for roughly 20 percent of global wastewater and about 10 percent of worldwide carbon emissions, making fashion a major driver of environmental harm.
What can be done
People need clothing, they enjoy clothing, and this industry makes the livelihood of many people. So the problem won’t be resolved with basic messages to “buy less” or “buy better quality.” The fashion industry will continue to produce billions of products each day.
Our position is that all fashion products should be produced in a way that does not harm the planet or its inhabitants, and all fashion products should have a plan for their end-of-use.
If you agree, then it’s up to you as a consumer to choose brands and retailers who uphold these principles.
What we are doing
At Menswear Market, recycling is the number one thing we do to mitigate the fashion industry’s environmental impact. We acquire large collections of unwanted clothing and shoes – and then we find customers who are looking to use them.
As we conduct our business, we strive to create minimal waste. Roughly half of our product packacking is easily recyclable. Our tags are biodegradable and contain no small plastics, unlike our largest competitor. Our product storage materials are upcycled, re-useable garment bags sourced from other retailers. Finally, we donate unsold items including hangers and other household accessories, to the local charity thrift store, so they can be reused or sold in bulk to textile recyclers.
As a family-owned small business, these issues matter to us because we love spending time in the outdoors, whether that involves traveling to fish off the coast or skiing here in the cold Minnesota winter. We believe every human deserves to experience nature in these ways.
What you can do
Aside from choosing eco-friendly retailers and brands, there are simple steps you can take to minimize your shopping impact on the environment.
- Order in multiples: save up items on a Wish List or browser bookmarks, and then order them all together. Bundled orders save packaging and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Buy pre-owned clothing: The circular economy of used clothing cuts carbon, saves water, reduces pollution, prevents waste, rewards durability and undermines overproduction.
- Buy damaged items, or fix things: Be a hero and rescue items that are perceived as worthless. In many cases, these items are just as useful as their pristine counterparts.
- Give your feedback to fashion retailers: emphasize future-thinking environmental practices in your product reviews and emails to companies.
- Shop local: buy from stores and sellers in your local city/state/region.
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