6 Simple Steps to Minimize Textile Waste
Did you know that around 500 million kilograms of fabric end up in Canadian landfills every year? An alarming 85% of this waste is sent to landfills. That’s a huge volume of waste—much of which could be reusable, repurposed, or recycled.
The fashion industry, particularly fast fashion, is among the largest contributors to this worsening problem. Clothes are made at a low price, worn once or twice, and thrown away just as quickly. But the good news? We can all take small steps to reduce textile waste and create a more sustainable fashion industry.
The Problem—Why So Many Clothes Go to the Landfills
In the last 20 years, how we shop for clothes has changed completely. Clothes are cheaper and more disposable than ever, thanks to fast fashion’s proliferation of thousands of new styles per brand every day. Rather than investing in quality pieces, many people buy trendy items, wear them two or three times, and then move on to the next thing.
But here’s the problem—when clothes are tossed out, they don’t just vanish. Because synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, could take hundreds of years to decompose. When they end up in landfills, they leak toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment.
How You Can Help— 6 Simple Steps to Minimize Textile Waste
The fashion industry must change, but so must our shopping habits. Here are a few easy things you can do to help cut down on clothing waste:
1. Online Thrift Store & Secondhand & Vintage
Avoid new purchases and shop at thrift stores, online thrift stores, vintage stores, or online secondhand marketplaces. Not only will you come across unique pieces, you’ll also be giving clothes a new life instead of allowing them to go to waste.
2. Buy Less, Choose Better
Ask yourself before purchasing something new: “Do I really need this?” When you invest in high-quality, pieces that stay stylish beyond just one season, you’ll wear your clothes longer and also wear less.
3. Give Away or Sell Clothes That You No Longer Wear
With a wardrobe full of items you’re not wearing anymore, you shouldn’t throw them away! Toss them to a local charity, post them online, or even invite your friends to a clothing swap.
4. Repair & Repurpose
What if you have a small hole or missing button? Don’t throw it away, fix it! Learn basic sewing skills to help you prolong the life of your clothes. You can also get crafty—make an old t-shirt into a tote bag or save fabric for home projects.
5. Choose Sustainable Brands
If you can, support fashion brands using sustainable materials, ethical production methods, and slow fashion style. These brands emphasize quality over quantity and thus, help to shrink waste in the long term.
6. Recycle Old Clothes
Some fabrics are too tattered to be donated, but they don’t have to end up in the trash. Most big stores and some recycling programs will take textiles to be repurposed into new products, such as insulation or industrial cloths.
When we shop smart, use our clothes again, and shop sustainable fashion, we reduce waste and protect the planet.
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