Monthly Student Sustainability Tip

Despite busy schedules, it’s integral to incorporate sustainable habits into our everyday lives. We live in an era where fashion trends come and go in the blink of an eye - “fast”, or disposable fashion is cheaply made and inevitably ends up in the landfill. An excellent way to combat this is to purchase clothes second hand. As someone who loves fashion, buying second hand benefits both the environment, and the consumer. Garments coming from many retailers are typically made out of the country for the benefit of the manufacturer. This results in a high carbon footprint for the imported clothing. Secondarily, the manner in which they are produced does not always meet Canadian environmental and labour code standards. Rather than falling subject to this cycle, it’s easy and ethical to find unique, affordable pieces at second hand stores like Goodwill, Value Village, Talize, and many other local businesses. Clothes that make it to thrift stores are often of higher quality, and are classic styles that will stay in fashion longer. Quality made clothes will also last, and can be passed on or upcycled. In the United States, approximately 13 million tons of textile waste is created yearly, while nearly 100% of textiles are recyclable (1). We can avoid discarding textiles and clothes by donating or recycling them. Furthermore, buying second hand supports local businesses. This practice lessens your impact on the environment, and will benefit you financially. As of 2012, more than 70% of the world’s population was utilizing second-hand clothing - why don’t you? (2)

Isabel Nelson, 16

Grade 11, NDSS

1, 2 - https://www.thebalance.com/textile-recycling-facts-and-figures-2878122