in order to protect our future, we must protect the earth...
Fast Fashion is a burden to the Environment
The Hidden Cost of Cloth
The fast fashion industry produces clothing at an alarming rate, using low-quality materials that are often not recyclable. It is estimated that the fashion industry releases 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Much of that comes from the factories that produce synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, and from the landfill that's filled with last season's trending styles.
When clothes go out of fashion or wear out after a few wears, they are discarded but they do not disappear. Synthetic fibers can take decades or sometimes centuries to decompose. And when they do, they contribute to the increasing number of microplastics in circulation on our globe. Unfortunately, how synthetic fibers decompose is only a small part of how their very existence negatively impacts the world.
Let's take a detailed look at the lifecycle of a synthetic fiber...
Polyester and poly blends account for 60-65% of clothing produced globally. But where does it come from? Many people know it is a type of plastic, but where do plastics come from? Well, quite technically, all things, even plastic, comes from nature. After all, matter cannot be created or destroyed. Synthetics are so named, because of the way we synthesize natural components to create something that could not have been created under natural conditions. And what does this have to do with plastics? Well, simply put, plastic is a byproduct of the fracking industry, and so polyester can be thought of as oil that has been spun into fabric.
The negative impact of the fracking industry on the environment cannot be understated. From "small" issues like destorying natural habitats and disrupting migratory patterns to more apparent issues like smog and contaminated waterways to the very big problem of oil spills. The problem with oil spills is even after the public forgets about them, they still leak.
The BP oil spill of 2010 was one of the worst in the world with 210 gallons of oil being spilled into the ocean during a 3 month period. After the "cleanup" it was largely forgotten by the media and the public, but the fact of the matter remains that the oil continues to cause issues to this day. This is not a problem that will just go away, but it is a problem that our species continues to make worse by continuing to frack in new and untapped areas.
But unfortunately, the problem doesn't end there. Despite all the damage fracking causes, that is only the beginning. Crude oil is obviously a long way from the polyester clothing sold at the store. The many steps in between are filled with factories, factories, and more factories. Because of the highly specialized steps needed to transform crude oil into cloth, the factory that produces the cloth tends not to be the same factory that utilizes the cloth. This means that even more oil needs to be used to transport the polyester from factory to factory. Each time it is moved to a new location, the carbon footprint of the end garment increases.
Up to this point we have only discussed the environmental impacts of polyester, but since humans still count as animals that live on Earth, we should take a moment to consider the societal impact as well of polyester.
Of the estimated 75+ million people who make clothing, 98% of them do not make a living wage. Due to a lack of accountability, it is hard to estimate how many brands utilize sweatshop labor but statistics are not on the side of polyester. When in doubt it is best to err on the side of caution which may mean sourcing locally, making it yourself, repairing what you have, and sometimes just doing without. The price of polyester may seem cheap on the shelf. but considering all that has gone into making it, the cost is much higher than the price listed on the tag. Furthermore, the damage doesn't end when you bring it home.
Few people would be willing to take an 8-hour bath in oil. Yet, many see no problem in covering themselves in head to toe in polyester. Our skin is our body's largest organ, and touch is one of our fundamental senses. Cloaking our skin in an oil-based product can lead to a variety of skin sensitivities. In addition, polyester is not very breathable, and because water and oil don't mix, a polyester shirt on a hot day can quickly become a smelly, sweaty heat trap. Wearing it makes us sweat more with no airflow for breathability. Alternatively while wearing it in the cold, it lacks any insulation needed to keep us warm. A true lose/lose situation. Especially considering how quickly it will wear out, fade and end up in the landfill.
So what can we do as regular everyday consumers? STOP BUYING POLYESTER!! Consumers do have a voice, and what we spend our dollars on matters! Let's move away from "Fracking for Fashion and move towards Farming for Fashion! As more people become aware of the negative effects these synthetics cause the environment, the community, and our bodies, more and more of us are turning towards using and creating domestically sourced natural fiber.
The Green Wave
Together we can make a better future.
As more people become aware of the negative effects these synthetics cause the environment, the community, and our bodies, more and more of us are turning towards using and creating domestically sourced natural fiber. People from all walks of life becoming more interested in making rather than buying and are returning to the old way of doing things when clothing was made with care from natural fibers instead of from plastic. We hope that this resurgence in crafting and homesteading is a sign of a much greener future.
The Rabbit teaches us that no matter how small we are, we all have the power to make a difference
Future-minded businesses and individuals alike need to be focused on minimizing their carbon footprint and being conscientious of our action's long-term environmental impact. Progress is not achieved by complacency.
On the Individual Level, we can:
Use natural and biodegradable fibers instead of synthetic ones.
Buy local, the further away a purchase is sourced, the more carbon emissions will be released during shipping.
Reuse and repair old cloth and clothing instead of buying new products. Old sweaters can be unraveled to give the yarn a new life. In addition, tiny bits of yarn can be carded together and respun to create new skeins.
Buy at thrift stores. The longer a fabric is kept in use the better, and many thrift support a variety of nonprofits. And let's not forget, a patchwork quilt was not traditionally done with new fabric from the store. So isn't it great to be historically accurate while also being environmentally friendly?
At the Business Level we can:
Source our supplies and clothing from small scale environmentally friendly sources.
Choose resealable or biodegradable packaging material.
Sponsor community clean-up days or offer an incentives program for people who craft in the name of public good.
Use natural dyes, fibers, and materials and price competitively against synthetic alternatives to allow consumers fair choice.
At the Farm Level we can:
Choose to farm species that aid in the domestic production of natural fibers, i.e. cotton, wool, flax, hemp, indigo
Team up with other farmers to create an organized network of goods.
Utilize domestic mills and processors and preferentially sell to domestic markets.
Implement watering systems that limit waste, and source feed from local sources.
Take a proactive stance on waste management to mitigate CO2 emissions.
The Impact of Rabbits on the Environment
A wild rabbit's place in the ecosystem is fundamental and in many climates, they are a keystone species. Rabbits effect the ecosystem in two main ways:
First, they are a benefit to the meadows in which they live. Their grazing helps to keep the grass growth in check and encourage new growth while their scratching, digging, and burrowing helps to aerate the soil. Because of this rabbits are fondly referred to as "Nature's Rototiller".
However, balance is key for a healthy ecosystem. While they have many benefits, too many rabbits in an area can turn grasslands into wastelands. This brings us to their second key function in the ecosystem, which is as a food source to many predator species, from hawks to coyotes to bobcats and even humans.
Because rabbit production works in harmony with nature, the fiber of the Angora rabbit is a sustainable fiber choice that benefits the planet. The rabbits do not need to be harmed in order for their fiber to be harvested, and this makes Angora a cruelty-free choice as well.
