Sustainability in Kid’s and Adult Clothing.
Why It Matters and What We Can Do
I recently came across a post on Reddit that showed a picture of a kid’s jacket with a name tag that had lines for three different children. Brilliant design decision.
The idea behind it was that the jacket could be passed down from child to child, making it more sustainable and cost-effective for families. I couldn’t help but think that this was a brilliant idea, especially with the rate children grow and the popularity of neighborhood “buy nothing” groups.
Kids outgrow clothing, fast!
As a parent, I know firsthand how quickly kids grow and how short-lived their clothing can be. I’ve always been impressed with the durability of Cat & Jack (the primary children’s brand sold at Target). Not only are their clothes cute and affordable, but they also hold up well to wear and tear.
My daughters clothes are passed from friend to friend, from us to relatives and back again. It’s usually the Cat & Jack items that come back after 100 washes looking just “as new” as any Baby Gap or Hannah Anderson clothing.
So where does “fast fashion that lasts” fall into this?
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Personally, as much as I appreciate the concept of sustainable clothing, I do have past guilt for every fast-fashion item I’ve ever bought / will still buy for convenience.
What is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a term used to describe the mass production of trendy, cheap clothing that is designed to be worn for a short period and then discarded. This approach to clothing has had devastating effects on the environment, as well as the people who work in the industry.
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The statistics we can’t ignore
According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces 10% of global carbon emissions and is responsible for 20% of wastewater worldwide. The industry also generates a significant amount of textile waste, with 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually. This is equivalent to one garbage truck of textiles being wasted every second.
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These statistics are staggering and make it clear that something needs to change. As consumers, we can do our part by being more conscious of the clothing we buy and how we dispose of it.
Here are some tips to help you make more sustainable choices:
Buy clothing that is made to last: Look for high-quality materials and well-made clothing that will stand the test of time.
Shop secondhand: Thrift stores and consignment shops are great places to find gently used clothing that is still in good condition.
Repair and repurpose: If your clothing gets damaged, try to repair it rather than throwing it away. You can also repurpose old clothing into something new, like turning an old t-shirt into a tote bag.
Donate or recycle: If you have clothing that you no longer wear, consider donating it to a local charity or recycling it through a textile recycling program.
Choose eco-friendly brands: Look for brands that prioritize sustainability in their production processes and use eco-friendly materials.
Image: Self created in Midjourney.Ai
We should all try our best
I know that I may not always practice what I preach 100% of the time when it comes to sustainability, but I’m trying my best. And while I may not be ready to give up my plastic straws entirely, I am making an effort to pass these lessons down to my children. Although, I have to admit, the paper straws tend to break down quickly and leave little bits of straw paper in my mouth, (which is not exactly enchanting). But hey, at least we can switch to aluminum straws and save the turtles, right?
In all seriousness, making more sustainable choices can be difficult, but it’s important to keep trying. By being mindful of the clothing we buy and how we dispose of it, we can make a positive impact on the environment. And who knows, maybe one day my kids will thank me for passing down these lessons and teaching them to make more eco-conscious choices.
