Apparel waste and pollution in today’s world are ongoing concerns that we, as a society, need to investigate in order to establish creative and scientific solutions. Harmful substances are being created primarily during the manufacturing process and after the textiles have been worn. Specifically, this industry generates 13 million tons of textile waste each year. It is important that we educate consumers on this ongoing issue.
To combat the issue we are starting to see brands reverse this issue with sustainability lines. Levi’s, Patagonia, and Tradlents are brands that have been previously selling ethical and eco-friendly apparels and textiles since the launch of their companies.
Now, more influential companies are following the footsteps to decrease the worldwide pollution rates. Not only well-known companies like H&M, Reformation and Adidas are making a positive impact, but also small-scale businesses including Naked Cashmere, Veja, Another Tomorrow, Nisolo and Outerknown.
According to Levi’s, “Sustainability is woven into everything we do, and we’ve improved across a number of areas: 4.2 billion liters of water saved since introducing Water<Less® in 2011. 6 billion liters of water reused and recycled. 75% of our cotton now comes from more sustainable sources. 65% of our products are currently made in factories that run our Worker Well-being programs.”
Another brand over at Nisolo, “The products we wear should not only look good but should enhance the lives of the people who made them, give back more to the planet than they take away, and make our lives a little moLastly, H&M states, “ It can be super tricky to know if you're making environmentally friendly shopping choices, so we want to make it easier! Our aim is for all our products to be made from recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030. This actually already applies to 57% of the materials that we use.”
It is extremely important to understand the consequences of pollution if we continue to allow fast fashion brands to surplus apparels. But, communities and individuals can also do their part in the movement. I encourage consumers to not only do their own research but also try thrifting, shopping sustainable, upcycling clothes, and the most simple strategy: wear clothing already in your wardrobe. If we all work together as a society, we can find simple ways to stop pollution created by the apparels industry before it is too late. re enjoyable. This is why we design great looking products that are comfortable, functional, and always made responsibly.”