THE EVER-INCREASING TEXTILE WASTE IN AMERICA Americans have been throwing away16 million tons of clothing waste each year, and about 85% of our clothing and textiles are disposed as trash. This number is increasing each year due to overconsumption. When Americans throw away their unwanted clothing items, it goes to landfills or incinerators to be burned. We need to significantly reduce this number of textile waste for the environment. Impact On the Environment Textiles can take up to 250 years to decompose in landfills. Additionally, the production of clothing requires a considerable number of natural resources in addition to energy, and water. For instance, to create and produce one pair of jeans production companies utilize about 7,500 liters of water. Who Contributes to The Issue? Consumer’s buying habits and the desire to have the newest Fast Fashion trends drives demand for quickly made and cheap articles of clothing to be produced. Along with consumers, the producers contribute to the growing textile waste. Many clothing production businesses utilize unethical or unsustainable business practices. The fashion industry alone is responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. So How Can You Help Reduce Clothing Waste? By buying clothing second hand This helps reduce overall production and demand of new clothing. By recycling or donating your unwanted clothing items This helps prevent garments from going to the landfill. By purchasing clothing made of recyclable materials Using recyclable materials minimizes environmental impact as renewable resources are easier to break down and can easily be recycled. By supporting small and local businesses Reduces overall carbon emissions, as well as benefits the community

Main Ways You Can Help: Support These Top Sustainable Brands: · Patagonia · Harvest & Mill · KENT · The R Collective Campaign For Sustainable and Transparent Business Practices. Sign The Petition Share Your Clothing Recycling Efforts on Social Media! · Facebook · Instagram · TikTok

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