The world of fast fashion is all about a constant stream of new styles at extremely low prices. But as the fashion industry shifts its focus to the next trendy item, environmental problems are piling up. Fortunately, we are already noticing greater awareness and a growing desire for change among many people. We want to create even more awareness of how much clothing is thrown away unnecessarily, and how this affects the environment.
The extent of the problem
Every year, as much as 145 million kg of clothing ends up in residual waste in the Netherlands alone. That means an average of about 24 pieces of clothing per person. It is distressing, especially when you consider that 65 percent of these clothes really did not need to be thrown away and are also perfectly suitable for recycling. This clearly illustrates that there is still a lot of room for improvement in the field of sustainable fashion." (Source: Volkskrant)
The impact of overconsumption
The production of textiles requires significant amounts of water and land. For example, producing just one cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters fresh water, enough to supply an individual with drinking water for 2.5 years. By 2020, the textile sector was the third largest source of water pollution and land use in the EU. (Source: Race Against Waste)
Water Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
About 20% of global clean water pollution is caused by the dyes and finishing agents used in the textile industry. In addition, synthetic textile fibers contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in the oceans, with devastating effects on the marine ecosystem. The fashion industry is also responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimate of 10%. (Source: European Parliament)
Textile Waste and Recycling
The glaring fact that only 1% of used clothing is recycled into new clothing, highlights the urgent need for change in our consumption behavior. We truly believe that it is high time for a change in attitudes and concrete actions to reverse this trend.
The Role of Sustainable Fashion: Take Care of Your Clothes with Love and Style
Fortunately, there are bright spots. Initiatives such as circular fashion, where products are designed with reuse and recycling in mind, offer hope for a more sustainable future.
At STEAMRS, we want to emphasize that we are not crazy fashion police, telling you never to buy new clothes again. Of course you outgrow certain outfits, or your style changes over the years. We're really not saying you should never buy from a fast-fashion chain. On the contrary, we love clothes! We want to encourage in a fun, modern and stylish way to take better care of the clothes you already have at home. Extend the life of your clothes. Buy a little more consciously and go for garments you will enjoy for years to come.
With a little extra love and the right tools, clothes care is very easy and quick. Wash less often unnecessarily, use sustainable, natural detergents that improve, rather than destroy, clothes every wash. For example, try using a clothes steamer instead of an iron (which crushes and degrades textile fibers), and use a fabric shaver to remove pills from your clothes. Do you suffer from lint or hair that won't disappear after washing? A clothes brush can work wonders!
Let's work together to create a world where sustainability and style go hand in hand. Together, we can make a positive change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Ėn look great too!
