Responsible Fashion Makes a Difference

By Lexie Kasper, ODC Network

Most people either love or hate going clothes shopping; there’s not much in between. For those of us who aren’t big fans, there could be a myriad of reasons. Most straight sizes don’t fit well, you’re not sure you’re getting the best deal, or you have no idea how to parse through current trends and find clothes that fit your style. The inundation of fast-fashion pieces makes this all the more difficult, as trends move faster and clothing generally lacks the durability to become a long-term wardrobe staple. 

Fast fashion is a term you’ve probably heard before this article, but what exactly does it mean? It refers to a business model where clothes are designed and then quickly produced and distributed. While these clothes can be easier on the wallet, they have huge environmental and social costs. 

In terms of water use, the UN Environment Programme estimates that the fashion industry is Earth’s second-largest water consumer. It uses 93 billion cubic metres of water, enough to meet the consumption needs of five million people. In addition, the wastewater from all the textile factories pollutes water sources, and for many of the chemicals, no treatment can make that water safe again.

There is also extensive pollution associated with the materials many of these fast fashion clothes are made from. The synthetic fibers of polyester, nylon, and acrylic shed microplastics when they’re laundered. According to Business Insider, washing these synthetic fibers releases the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles' worth of microplastics into the ocean. 

In terms of the carbon consequences of this style of clothing production, the global shipping associated with fast fashion is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined, according to earth.org. 

The durability of these clothes is also a huge source of pollution. Many of us want to help offset what we buy by donating our clothes, but given the rate of consumption, it’s reported by numerous sources that the United States is the world’s largest exporter of secondhand clothing, with much of this clothing flooding other countries and affecting their local economies with the resale value, or degrading so quickly that it piles up into large mountains of unwearable garbage. 

 So what can we do in our own community to deal with worldwide problems? Firstly, we can buy from local businesses with high-quality and long-lasting garments, and thrift secondhand clothing items to keep them from the landfill. Following the care instructions for clothes also helps extend their lifespan. Also, try to purchase less! Putting together a few key, versatile pieces can make your clothing suit different situations with minimal extras. 

 You can also hold clothing swaps, rent clothes for special occasions, and buy secondhand online if your area is short on thrift stores. Focus on reducing waste by learning basic mending skills or finding a local seamstress to help make professional-grade repairs. 

 The Holland Museum and ODC Network are bringing an in-person opportunity to learn more about responsible fashion. Lori Faulkner, Professor and Founding Chair of the Fashion Studies Program at Kendall College of Art and Design, will discuss fast fashion and offer tips for being more responsible clothing consumers at the Holland Museum on April 23rd at 7 PM. Visit hollandmuseum.org to learn more!

Lexie Kasper is the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for ODC Network.