The issues in distribution and disposal
Problem: "fashion miles"
"Fashion miles" indicate the total distance from producer to consumer.1 One cannot overlook the amount of energy needed to distribute products to customers. The use of airfreight is a significant contributer to carbon emission. Many companies ship, or have located their factories, overseas. This results in an abundance of energy and fossil fuels used for transportation.
Solution:
- There needs to be a reduction of demand for airfrieght. One way a company can do this is to more accurately predict sale patterns so they can save on their own costs as well as needed airfreight. Also, promoting and using local factories within the area can result in a reduction of carbon
emissions when the product is
traveling a much shorter distance.
Problem: abundance of waste
Because clothing has become increasingly affordable for everyone, there is a very large turnover considering items now become deemed as “last season” or “outdated” later. Furthermore, the cheapness of clothing means that consumers can buy significantly more clothing. As a result, an increasing amount of clothing winds up in the landfill.
Solution:
- Clothing must be recycled or reused. Man-made synthetic material takes a very long time to degrade. These products should be recycled so the practice of creating this type of material can end. These products should also be donated and refused.
- This calls for feasible recycling opportunities. Raising awareness of the impact of clothing disposal
is also beneficial.
Taking action
You can make
a difference!
As advocates for environment protection and consumers of this materialistic world, we might feel like we are stuck. But we can make changes on an individual basis! It’s a challenge that requires a change in lifestyle, but it is our moral obligation to protect our environment. Remember, the Earth has rights too! We can make conscious decisions in which retail companies we indulge in, which ones we want to support, how we care for our clothes after purchasing, and how we choose to dispose of it. While it is understood that not everyone can choose sustainability over cost, those who do have this luxury should definitely take clothing's carbon emission into consideration before purchasing.
- Support local and environmental friendly companies! Buy from companies who produce in the United States.
- Buy clothing for durability, style-wise and care. Resist the temptation of purchasing items that will only be worn for a short amount of time, such as "fad" items.
- Buy secondhand, and reinforce this cycle by recycling and donating too!
Keeping it green
in Boston
These are some local stores and
organizations taking the commitment
to reduce their carbon footprint.
Support them!
Dress for Success (989 Commonwealth Ave.)
The people at Dress for Success provide professional attire and support to disadvantaged women. Promoting economic independence and reusing interview-ready clothing help our environment and our economy.
Evni (134 Beach St)
Envi exclusively carries lines that are sweatshop free and made with organic materials.
Second time around (176 & 219 Newbury St)
A high-end, eco-friendly consignment shop that donates its unsold clothing to charity. Now that’s some good investment into the community!
The Hempest (207 Newbury St)
Promoting the usage and growth of hemp for clothing is this store’s pledge to stay ecofriendly
DID YOU KNOW:
80% of the carbon footprint of clothing is caused by its wash and care.1
Use detergent that contains less than 5% phosphates and low water temperatures to clean. Eliminate drying and ironing as much as possible. Got wrinkles? Hang the item up in your shower room—the steam from the hot water will keep wrinkles at bay.