HOW THRIFTING IS HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT

Fashion trends come and go. Keeping up with the fast-changing fashion trends has led manufacturers to produce large clothing at faster speeds. This process has had lasting effects on the environment.

Here is how thrift shops in Lebanon, TN are helping the environment:

REDUCING TEXTILE WASTE

Clothing is worn and tossed faster than expected. People tend to toss clothing out when it no longer fits. Not to mention all the clothing that is thrown out because it is no longer in style. These pieces of apparel usually end up in two places: the garbage dump or second-hand stores.

Studies show that the average American tosses out 81 pounds of clothing every year. Add all that up and it can be equivalent to 26 billion pounds of textiles that end up in landfills all over the United States. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste because the clothing gets recycled by allowing someone else to buy it. 

KEEPING THE OCEANS CLEAN

The ocean is home to 50 to 80 percent of all life on earth. Tossing toxins into the ocean impacts the lives of aquatic species and animals that play critical roles in the environment. One way that we can keep oceans clean is by thrifting. 

Most clothing nowadays has some form of polyester. This type of fabric does not decompose in the ocean. If it ends up in the sea, it can pollute and harm the environment. Thrifting helps reduce textile waste by giving people a safe way to recycle clothing. 

REDUCING THE USE OF WATER

Aside from polluting oceans, the fashion industry is also to blame for consuming water. It is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply. A large amount of water usage affects the water supply for drinking purposes. 

For example, it takes 650 gallons of water to make one new cotton t-shirt. A pair of jeans takes 1,800 gallons of water. The thrift industry reduces the use of water by selling jeans that can be reused and passed down. This process helps decrease the need to produce new clothing.

STOPPING AIR POLLUTION 

When you think about which industries being the largest air polluter, what comes to mind? Perhaps, the oil industry is your top choice. However, did you know that the fashion industry is one of the world’s largest air polluters? It produces 10 percent of all humanity’s carbon emissions. 

Minimizing air pollution is critical to prevent health issues and prevent climate change. Calling for a donation pick up Omaha service and shopping at thrift stores is easier to reduce air pollution. This helps reduce the need to manufacture new clothing and shoes.