Last night I watched a Netflix series - all about Fast Fashion. It really made me think - about all the clothing waste - and the environmentally harmful process.
In 1980's, the average American bought 12 new items of clothing in a year. Today, we buy an average 80 new things. And, so many of those things are worn only a few times, and many end up in the landfill. The average American throws away 80 pounds of clothes a year.
Even oif you think you do a good thing by donating them - many of them end up as trash. In NY city, one Salvation Army creates 18 tons of unwanted clothes in 3 days.
Brands used to create clothing for 4 seasons a year (spring, summer, fall, and winter). Today, fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M have 52 seasons a year (or really weeks). With new clothing coming into the store 4 times per week.
Most of our clothes - are made cheaply - and of synthetic fabrics, which are made from 324 billion barrels of oil each year. If you think about it, that faux-leather jacket - it is actually made from oil.
All of this fashion is taking a toll on the environment. Our natural resources are being used - increasing the carbon emissions in the process. To create fabrics like viscose, forests are being cut down, leaving barren land - causing soil erosion - and in turn increasing carbon in the atmosphere. Factories that are creating fabrics are emitting harmful pollutants into the air and water. Then, these items get to the store to be bought and then "thrown away". All of that to wear something a few times...
We all talk about wearing clothes more - mixing and matching - and "shopping our closet" - and it really can make a difference. If everyone would wear one piece of clothing 9 months longer - it could reduce the carbon footprint by 30%.
This has given me something to think about... and, I almost feel guilty sharing "my daily finds and deals". I think it is okay to shop - I love shopping, but it has made me consider - what I buy - how much I buy - how much will I wear it - what is it made of - where was it made...
So with those thoughts to ponder - I will share my picks of the week.
MOST POPULAR ITEMS
This striped tank - from a favorite brand - and something that is classic and will last.
It is hard to believe it is Memorial Day. There are a lot of great Memorial Day sales happening. It also important to remember that this day is not just for sales and a day off of work, but to remember and honor those that have served and died serving our country. Thank you to all those men and women.
Since a lot of us will be heading back to the office soon, I have a feeling we may be doing some shopping to buy some new things to wear.
I personally would be okay if I never returned to the office - and I hope I can prolong working from home as long as possible. I mentioned in another post that working from home has been amazing! I am more productive and feel so much healthier. I read that 60% of workers have said during this pandemic they have felt just as productive or more productive while working from home. And, they are less stressed. Working from home is also helping the environment in the process. During this pandemic the carbon emissions have dropped by 17% - which is unprecedented; however, as things have started top open up - our emissions are going up again.
Since I have been home, I have been mastering the process of coloring my own hair. It is something I have always wanted to do - and this "stay at home" order gave me the motivation to give it a try. I have to say it is a learning process - especially trying to figure out which way to move my hand to apply the color to the roots - when looking at the back of my head in the mirror. I am amazed at how well it has turned out - and I picked a color that I think actually is better than what my stylist had been using. Most of all - I have to say I am loving the cost savings. I am saving about $70 per month, which is a lot of money!
