Fast fashion produces an overwhelming amount of waste each year. The effects that this industry is having on the environment is both dentrimental and toxic.
Vogue recently put out an article titled:
"Sustainability Is the Most Pressing Issue Facing Fashion—And It’s Only Getting Harder"- Vogue (1)
In their article they quote a U.N. report that said "the global climate crisis could occur by 2040 if greenhouse gas emissions aren’t reduced soon; the fashion industry is estimated to contribute 10% of those emissions." (2)
While consumers demanding more sustainable clothes could help companies make substantial changes, Vogue says that the real change is in the hands of the policy makers and big fashion moguls. They say that big fashion companies should be spending their money on research on sustainable fabrics etc, rather than marketing.
We applaud Vogue, and agree, yes research is a great direction for these companies to head in. However, we believe that there is readily available research out that can already pose a solution to this climate crisis today: repurposed clothes.
The average American now generates 82 pounds of textile waste each year. (2.1)
According to the EPA "Landfills received 11.2 million tons of textiles in 2017. This was 8 percent of all landfilled." (3)
That's 11.2 million tons of free resources.
Rather than spending money and time inventing a magical zero-waste fabric, let's get to the root issue. WASTE.
Landfills are packed with free resources. Free materials. Free Textiles. Why don't companies spend their money, time, and research on innovative ways on transforming the old, into something new.
Right now we are in a climate CRISIS. We don't need companies using organic fabric softener on their fast fashion tee's and calling it "Sustainable". We need an outright fashion revolution.
Just like the label "All Natural" can't be trusted since being used for marketing on foods packed with corn syrup and artificial flavoring, the word "sustainable" is becoming just as saturated in the fashion industry.
We don't have time to invest money into research. It's imperative that change happens TODAY. Big Companies need to adapt the processes of repurposing and circular fashion, while consumers need to demand it.
So what exactly is circular fashion?
Circular fashion is when resources are taken from the environment, and then consumed (clothes are created), and then the clothes are worn, and finally after they're done being worn , they are donated , repaired, recycled, and reused. ( See image below for a visual)
(Image Credit: @monkeegenes)
As you can see, we don't need big fashion giants to start a revolution. By first changing our own habits and living more circularly, we can create significant change. Small actions create ripple effects which will eventually force big corporations to step up!
Here are 3 ways you can reduce your use of fast fashion, and contribute to the circular economy.
1. Shop secondhand, first.
When you have an itch to go shopping, rather than going straight to the malls, go to your local thrift stores, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. It's not only a fun adventure to treasure hunt through the store, you'll also find rare pieces that no one else will have!
2. Shop on sites like Poshmark.
We don't always have the luxury of time to stroll through the consignment stores. If you're in need of something specific for let's just say a Wedding or NYE party, go onto Poshmark and type in your favorite brands or styles. You'll be surprised how many barely worn, super cute clothes are on there!
3. Support Ethical Companies.
Every time you purchase something you are making a vote with your dollar. We understand that sometimes, fast fashion is our only choice. Sometimes we're in a pinch for time, or simply can't find anything at an ethical store. No one is perfect. But if we all change our habits into supporting ethical companies or thrift stores even 50% of the time, then we are participating in the revolution. Small habits are the first step to significant change. We don't need a thousand people doing circular fashion perfectly. We need 3 billion people doing circular fashion imperfectly. Supporting sustainable companies when we can, allows them to grow and change the fashion industry as we know it. Yes fast fashion is cheaper and more easily accessible , but slow, sustainable fashion lasts longer, and helps the environment, which in turn helps the human race and all Earths inhabitants.
If circular fashion isn't the fashion of the future, there might not be one
About Us:
The Morgan Factory is not only a fashion line. It’s a movement. A ready to wear line of eco-friendly apparel made from re-purposed textiles, each of our pieces are beautifully one-of-a-kind and made with passion and heart by local refugees.The days of unethical fashion are behind us. No more cheap clothes made by underpaid and abused workers. Be the change. Join the Morgan Movement.
