The impact of fast fashion on our planet is daunting. Most of us throw away our clothes long before their intended lifespan, and it’s estimated that US$460 billion worth of usable clothing ends up in landfills every year.
Loss of resources aside, fast fashion contributes to environmental degradation and the expansion of the manipulative consumer culture. Extending the lifespan of your clothing can greatly reduce its impact on the environment. But how do you make your clothes last longer?
Tips to take care of your clothes
1. Wash less
Washing your clothes more frequently makes them wear faster. This is especially true if you’re dry cleaning, which uses harmful chemicals that affect some fabrics.
Clothes such as jeans, sweaters, and coats don’t need to be washed after every wear. If a piece of clothing isn’t dirty and just needs a bit of refreshing, try hanging it outside or in a steamy bathroom.
2. Understand how each garment needs to be washed
Different fabrics require specific care. The laundry symbols on your garments’ tags provide crucial information regarding washing temperatures and cycles. For instance, delicate materials like cashmere and silk need careful handling due to their sensitivity to heat and chemicals. Always follow the maximum temperature guidelines and washing instructions to keep your garments in top condition.
3. Sort dirty laundry
You’ve read the care labels; now it’s time to put each piece of clothing in its category. Sort your clothes by color, washing temperature, and fabric weight. You can also categorize them into dark colors, bright colors, whites, and dry clean only. This sorting not only aids in maintaining colors and removing stains but also protects delicate fabrics.
Consider reducing reliance on dry cleaning, a process filled with chemicals that can harm both the fabric and the environment. For items labeled “dry-clean-only,” opt for gentle, cooler wash cycles.
4. Use eco-friendly detergents
Use biodegradable, plant-based laundry products instead of those with fossil fuel-based ingredients. Be mindful of the amount of detergent used; too much can leave a residue that attracts more dirt. Moderation is key to both protecting your clothes and the environment.
5. Don’t overload your washing machine
Overloading your washing machine can cause unnecessary strain on the fabric, leading to fading and damage. Ensure there’s enough room for clothes to move freely for an effective wash. This practice also helps detergents to clean more efficiently and rinse out properly.
6. Air dry
Frequent tumble drying consumes excessive energy and can be harsh on certain fabrics. Opt for air drying, which is gentle and more sustainable. Follow the specific drying instructions for each garment, especially for materials like wool that need to be laid flat to dry.
7. Store your clothes properly
Correct storage can prolong the lifespan of any garment. Clothes, especially those with natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool, need proper air circulation to prevent mildew. So avoid overfilling your wardrobe to provide ventilation for your clothes.
Also, ensure that your clothes are clean before storing them because dirt can attract moths, which can damage them. Lastly, use wooden or padded hangers to prevent wrinkles or loss of shape. But remember that items like sweaters should be folded so they don’t stretch out.
8. Repair damage
Some people throw away clothes when they notice the slightest damage. However, try to repair any damage as soon as you notice it to keep it from getting worse.
Besides repairing, you can also restore clothes and shoes to keep them looking new. For example, you can rehydrate that old leather jacket that has cracked over time to preserve it and keep it out of the landfill.
9. Alter or upcycle your clothes
You may have outgrown your clothes, or maybe they have just gone out of fashion. What do you do? Items that no longer fit or seem outdated can be transformed through alterations. Adjusting the size, length, or style can breathe new life into your wardrobe. Upcycling offers a creative way to keep up with fashion trends without contributing to the fast fashion problem.
Takeaway
Your choices in how you care for your clothes can significantly impact the environment. Adopting practices such as mindful washing, drying, storing, repairing, and altering not only reduces waste, but also helps in conserving resources. As you strive to lower your carbon footprint, every small step in extending the life of your clothes counts toward a larger goal of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
