Americans alone throw away about 10.5 million tons of clothing every year. It wasn’t always like this. Less than 100 years ago clothing used to be a big investment. In the 1950s people spent about 20 percent of their income on clothes. People would buy a few items of clothing per year and would take extremely good care of them to make sure they lasted as long as possible. Today, the opposite is true. The fast fashion industry is prominent - but although the price tags may be low, the environmental costs are extremely high.
By thrifting, we send less clothing to landfills, reduce resources used and wasted, and reduce pollution. Simply switching to thrifting isn’t going to completely solve all of the problems within the fashion and textile industry, but it is one way we can work to minimize our own carbon footprints and make small steps towards a better future.
Today’s Challenge:
Visit your local thrift store and grab some unique vintage finds!
Share a photo and tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly to earn 1 ENTRY!
How can I win prizes?
Step 1: Follow @onepieceaday1
Step 2: Tag a friend! (optional)
Step 3: Share a photo (to your story OR your feed) of you completing today’s challenge for 1 ENTRY (BE SURE to tag @onepieceaday1, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly).
Questions? Drop them below!
Tomorrow Choose Natural Fabrics for Clothing 🧶
Natural fabrics—such as cotton, silk and wool—are made of animal or plant-based fibres, while synthetics are man-made and produced entirely from chemicals to create fabrics like polyester, rayon, acrylic, and many others. Over the years these synthetic fibres have increasingly grown in popularity. However, a major problem with man-made fibers is the fact that they do not biodegrade. A polyester shirt will remain in the same state for hundreds of years. As these fibers are petroleum-based, if left outside the chemicals in them can seep into the soil and damage local ecosystems
The solution? Natural fabrics! As well as being environmentally sustainable, the majority of natural fabrics are biodegradable, moisture-wicking, breathable, durable, heat-responsive and naturally repellent to mold and dirt.
Stay tuned tomorrow for details!
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