Stop Shopping the Planet, Shop for the Planet 

In our everyday lives we try to express to the world who we were and what we represent in many different ways of how we act, speak and especially how we dress. It is a form of expression that is a nonverbal but extremely loud. We want to show the world how we want to be portrayed, through unique items of clothing that make us feel like us. In the reality of how fast climate change is occurring consumers and producers are wanting to make the conscious decision to become more engaged with brands that are sustainable and environmental conscious of how they make and sell their clothing. The fast fashion industry in one of the leading causes of how we are polluting the earth. In the article How Much Do Our Wardrobes Cost to the Environment? states, “The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. At this pace, the fashion industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50% by 2030” (worldbank.org). This is a huge problem we are facing in the world. Luckily there are some fashion companies who recognize their carbon footprint and are working towards decreasing their impact while also giving us items to express ourselves. To have best of both world there are many ways to decrease our carbon footprint in this world. There are couple of companies that help support these ideas and are activist for our environment, but it is truly up to us to look past the constant and quickly changing trends and build a more sustainable way of expression. Emma Watson once said, “Fashion is a creative force. It has the power to persuade, to influence, and transform. When fashion truly embraces transparency and sustainability, other spheres will follow. We’re on a journey towards a more sustainable future”. We must wear the change we want to see.

As a whole, the world consumes more than 80 billion items of clothing each year. On an average, each person gives away eight pounds of clothes every six months. Yes, fast fashion makes shopping for clothes more affordable to the average person, but it comes at a huge environmental cost. It is the second largest consumer of the world’s water supply and pollutes the ocean with microplastics. Microplastics are the most difficult things to clean because it is so small that we cannot actually see a single one with our bare eye, but as it grows and collects in our oceans it becomes more visible. Luckily, more fashion companies and selling platforms have recognized their carbon footprint, resulting them to support brands that are sustainable on how they make and sell their clothes. Now some brands might respond to this crisis with that they are giving what the consumer wants, so how could they be the bad guy right? Wrong.

 More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious on where they are purchasing their items. Some small changes to your shopping habits are to shop from labels that embrace transparency, creative and innovative production methods; and by re-wearing, recycling, swapping and thrifting clothes. In an article in The Guardian states, “A study shows that, last year, 64% of women were willing to buy pre-owned pieces compared with 45% in 2016- and it is thought that by 2028, 13% of the clothes in women’s wardrobes are likely to be secondhand” (theguardian.com). This trajectory of this prediction shows that people are more open minded to purchasing secondhand clothing to spare the environment and decrease the carbon emission.

Fashion brands use to release two collections per year in 2000, that number has increase to at least five collects per year. Companies in the fast fashion world such as Zara and H&M release 12 to 16 new collections per year. Not only are their factories steamrolling huge amount of carbon emission, it is causing the consumer to throughout their semi-new clothes to make room for the newer collections coming in. Thankfully, a huge discussion topic within the fashion world is about how to become more sustainable. Many clothing companies now have to reach certain standards to label themselves as an environmentally friendly brand and are rated of what regulations they fulfill. One of those pillars is the packages and shipping standards and how reusable they really are. As well as if they are shipping and delivery standards comply with a reasonable timely manner. Meaning that with the option of two-day shipping or express shipping options are costing more due to the carbon emission of planes, and trucks. This is one of the many steps to cut down the carbon emission percentages of each package. Another way many selling platforms have tried to repurpose and reuse clothes is having their customers turn in their old and used clothes, bags, and shoes to their company. Then appraising them and giving that customer the equivalent amount of credit that item would sell from on their website. This is an innovative and creative way for companies to give back to the environment and their customers to make more sensible purchases of new articles of clothing. Then with these turned in items those companies create an online “vintage store” for others to purchase. Looping back around of recycling and offering a thrifting experience.

It is extremely important for brands and selling platforms to switch over to a more reusable and sustainable way of business. In order for our earth to provide us with the true essentials we need to survive and live cohesively. Without cutting back on carbon emission from making and selling these products our earth will not be able to sustain the natural ecosystems of all animals including humans. The time is now to think before you buy.