Sustainable Fashion and Recycling

Introduction

• Presenter sought cost-effective style solutions
• Began shopping at thrift stores and tailoring secondhand clothes
• Raises questions about the fate of unsold thrift store items and larger textile waste issues

Thrift Store and Textile Waste Reality

• Thrift store finds represent a small fraction of overall garment waste
• Only 15% of textile waste in the US is recycled; 85% ends up in landfills
• 13 million tons of clothing waste per year in the US
• Canada discards enough clothing to fill a stadium three times over

The Fashion Industry's Environmental Impact

• Second-largest polluter in the world, after oil and gas industry
• The fashion industry consumes significant resources (e.g., water)
  • Example: 1,000 bathtubs of water per household’s clothing purchase per year
• Industry designs focus on comfort, trends, and expression, not sustainability

Potential Changes for Sustainable Fashion

Design for Recycling and Modularity

• Concept of designing clothes like Lego blocks for easy disassembly
• Example: Motorcycle jacket with removable elements for easier recycling
• Introducing modular designs with wireframes (fish-bone structure)

Design for Compostability

• Compostable clothing to address short garment lifespans
• Using natural fibers like 100% organic cotton for basics (e.g., socks, underwear)
• Extending garment life reduces environmental impact

Natural Dyeing Methods

• Current harsh chemical dyes pollute water bodies in production hubs
• Proposed natural dyes from kitchen items (e.g., spices and herbs)
• Benefits: unique clothes that change color over time enhancing individuality
• Examples of commercial applications making unique, environmentally friendly clothing at scale

Industry Shift and Benefits

• Fashion as a competitive industry where sustainable practices can lead to competitive advantages
• Customization and individuality enhancements through natural processes can be commercially viable
• Taking steps to design clothes with recyclability and compostability in mind

Conclusion

• Importance of changing design processes to embrace sustainability
• Fashion industry's potential to lead in innovative sustainable practices
• Emphasis on scalable solutions that benefit environments and businesses

Thank you. (Applause)