I will buy quality rather than quantity. I will extend the life of my clothes by repairing and caring for them. FACT: 17 million tons of textile waste were generated in 2018 alone. Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
That favourite piece of clothing in need of repair can be saved. It can be restored to its former grandeur. “Visible mending” is a growing trend. It makes the repair a focal point, drawing attention to the fact that a garment’s lifespan has been prolonged, adding a personal touch.
What if your favourite sweater gets a moth hole or two – or several!? Darn it! Bigger holes? Patch it! Find lots of help in the links below.
Unfortunately, over the years mending seems to have gone out of style. It’s time to bring back the sewing kit and to bring that sewing machine at the back of the closet out to the light of day. If you are not one to do it yourself, call your local sewing, tailoring and repair shop. There are quite a few around Muskoka.
CO2 Emissions
Besides the sheer bulk of waste in landfills, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions each year. Researchers project that if things don’t change, by 2050 the fashion industry will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget!
Water Pollution
In addition, these clothing items contribute to marine pollution. Clothes made of synthetic fabrics are a source of microplastics. When they are washed or are discarded in a landfill, tiny shreds of plastic are flushed into wastewater systems and eventually make their way into the ocean.
Resources
- Bring Back the Sewing Kit (treehugger.com)
- How to mend … moth holes | Live Better | The Guardian
- Clothing Repair – iFixit
- 4 Ways to Fix Clothes – wikiHow
- HOW TO GUIDES – Fashion Revolution: Fashion Revolution
- What Is Fast Fashion — and Why Is It a Problem? (treehugger.com)
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