Where do your unwanted clothes end up? Probably Not Where You Think

My son is currently living in Central America.  On his days off, he enjoys going to the corner market or "paca" and finding gently used t-shirts. Many are from the U.S.  It was a real surprise to find a Pink Floyd tee in mint condition, Pink Floyd being his favorite band.  It was an even bigger surprise to find a tee from his high school drill team.  Just when he thought he couldn’t be further away from home, there he stood confronted with the reminder of a former life he and that lonely old drill team t-shirt both shared. That tee was one of the lucky survivors.  Some estimates say that 21 billion pounds of clothes end up in US landfills every year.  I know what you’re thinking, I donate my clothes so I’m not contributing to the 21 billion pounds.  But guess how much of what you donate is actually resold in the second hand market?  Only 10-15%!  (I know, mind blown.) So most of what you donate doesn’t get resold.  That doesn’t mean stop donating, it does mean to look twice before you buy.  As your professional shopper and stylist, I’ve found you some earth friendly clothing options to look for next time you’re out shopping…you’re going to love the price as well.

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Fast fashion has gotten a bad wrap in the past for producing so many low cost, clothing options that people buy, wear for a few months and then throw away, where they eventually end up in the landfill.  It's been called cheap chic in the past.  Now, H&M has an entire line of “Earth Conscious” clothing.  Look for clothing that has a green tag and this is what you’ll find:

1.    Fabric containing some recycled material.
H&M clothing is being highlighted below, but other brands including Ralph Lauren, Levi Strauss and Zella have found a way to incorporate plastic bottles into their fabrics.  They use a minimum of 20 percent plastics recycled from drink bottles and food trays.

Skirt made from recycled polyester. Recycled polyester is a more sustainable option than conventional polyester, and is made from oil-based waste, such as PET bottles.

Tuxedo jacket made partly from recycled polyester.

Sandals made from recycled polyester. Knotted straps and long ties with decorative, recycled plastic stones.

2.    Fabric containing sustainable sources such as cotton, silk, wood fibers, etc.
These plants are grown in a controlled farm environment.  When the clothes have served their purpose, they will decompose back into the earth because they're made of natural materials. 

Tencel® lyocell blend, made from fast growing eucalyptus trees

Organic cotton oxford

Organic silk

3.    Fabric from waste or cut-offs created during production or donated clothing.
H&M has started a collection for unwanted used clothing that they recycle into new items. During the month of April, H&M stores has a drop box for unwanted clothing in any condition that they will turn into something new.  

Coat made partly from recycled wool, it comes from the waste or cut-offs created during production, or from clothes gathered via H&M's Garment Collecting initiative.

To find more earth friendly options from H&M, type "Conscious" in the search option at the top of the page.

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 Looking for earth conscious clothing that fits your coloring, shape and personal style?  Look no further!  Contact me HERE for a free discovery call where we'll discuss the best fit for both you and the planet.  

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