Eco-Friendly Fashion

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Eco-Friendly Fashion

By Abigail Poulette



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Whether you dress to impress or just to stay warm, everyone needs clothing. And almost everyone buys it new; a 2006 survey from America's Research Group found that only about 12 to 15 percent of consumers in the United States shop at consignment or resale stores. To meet the ever-growing demand for low-cost apparel, many manufacturers turn to cheap labor in the developing world, environmentally hazardous and wasteful processes, and low-quality materials to generate a product now known as "fast fashion."

Consider the environmental impact of new clothing. Synthetic fibers are in most garments, even those like the blue jeans you might believe are made with natural material. Manufacturing synthetics requires large amounts of crude oil. Cotton production consumes about 40 percent less energy than polyester, but pesticides and herbicides are routinely used to boost yields. And even organically grown cotton requires huge amounts of water.

The impact of new clothing doesn't end with the sale. Annual textile waste generated in the United States amounts to more than 70 pounds per person, according to the EPA's Office of Solid Waste. The short life cycle of clothing is a fairly recent phenomenon. Until the end of World War II, most clothing was repaired, handed down, and finally made into quilts.

Today's difficult economic times and the growing awareness that consumption has an environmental cost are bringing many consumers to secondhand stores across the country. While department-store sales are in a slump, many nonprofit Salvation Army and Goodwill resale stores are reporting double-digit increases.

"The most sustainable shopping is secondhand shopping," says Anne Kuronyi, owner of The Attic, a pre-owned apparel store in Pennsylvania that offers store credit or cash in exchange for slightly used clothing. The Attic, like the Buffalo Exchange stores on the West Coast, is set up more like a boutique than a thrift store. And its vibe is ecoconscious and community-supportive. Clothing rejected as too worn or out-of-date, for instance, is donated to a local women's shelter, and local designers sell "refashioned" clothing on consignment.

As sales of used clothing increase, thrift stores have a growing need for donations. Whether or not you buy secondhand, you can extend the life cycle of unwanted clothes and shrink your environmental footprint by donating them. To find a thrift store near you, visit thethriftshopper.com. Check http://www.goodnplanty.com/good-n-planty/2009/1/9/thrifting-tips.html for more thrifting resources.

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