Love the Earth
Image by Ikidhamse
Just like the beauty of your springy curls, our planet－and the beauty it encompasses often goes unnoticed. The busier society gets, the less time it has to learn about the dangers it's imposing on the Earth. Have you ever heard of the saying: happy planet, happy life? Learn how to restore and preserve the Earth on the journey towards becoming a more informed consumer and better Earthling.
Yes, everyone wants to be on-trend, but did you know it takes over 700 gallons of water to produce one cotton t-shirt? Or that the use of polyester in the fashion industry (and in general) is one of the biggest freshwater pollutants? Yep, you read all of that right. Water makes up 70% of the Earth's surface and remains one of the Earth's most important renewable resources. Yet, the amount of water consumed and contaminated by the fashion industry raises major concerns for our planet's future.
Overconsumption jeopardizes the Earth's clean water systems and soil quality. The demands for cheap and immediate fashion opens the door to a never-ending cycle of using harmful pesticides and toxins. As these pesticides weaken the Earth's soil over time, farmers are forced to look to new lands to stay on schedule. It doesn't help that manufacturers turn to synthetic, man-made fibers to boost production times and lower costs, but they do cost. Garments made from these fibers release microfibers into the Earth's freshwater systems when washed, which eventually contaminate other organisms that we then go on to eat. Gross, right?
In an era that glamorizes disposability, upcycle and recycle whenever possible. Only 10% of the clothes donated to charity actually get sold. The rest end up in landfills or flooding markets in developing countries. Once in landfills, our clothes and knick-knacks emit dangerous levels of carbon dioxide. So, buying vintage and re-selling your clothes are better alternatives for spring cleaning.
Stores like Fab'rik and Bead & Reel are happy to take in rescued clothing and put them to use for good causes. Choose to thrift or purchase from designers, like Sophia Reyes, that specialize in upcycling vintage fabrics and garments.
Be a smart shopper by choosing to shop less and invest! Take time to research the resources your purchases require. Research everything! I promise you will gain a new appreciation for our planet, all it endures, and the life it brings us.