The Environmental Toll of Clothing Waste and How We Can Make a Difference

The lifecycle of clothing doesn’t end when we toss an item into the trash. In fact, the final phase of clothing—when garments are discarded—poses serious environmental challenges, primarily due to the massive amounts of textile waste that end up in landfills. Globally, approximately 92 million tons of textile waste are generated each year, and the impact of this waste is profound.

Synthetic Fibers and Their Long-Lasting Impact

A significant portion of this waste comes from synthetic fibers such as polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. During this extended breakdown process, these materials release harmful substances into the soil and groundwater. For instance, a 2019 study published in Nature Communications found that synthetic fibers can shed up to 700,000 microplastic particles in a single wash, which then infiltrate aquatic ecosystems. These microplastics not only threaten marine life but also enter the human food chain.

Additionally, the decomposition of textiles can release greenhouse gases like methane—a potent contributor to climate change. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), landfills are responsible for approximately 20% of global methane emissions.

The Resource-Intensive Nature of Clothing Production

The environmental impact extends beyond landfills. The production of clothing is highly resource-intensive, consuming vast amounts of water and energy. For example, it takes around 2,700 liters of water to produce one cotton T-shirt, equivalent to what one person drinks over two and a half years. Furthermore, textile production involves the use of chemicals that can leach into the environment as the textiles decompose, affecting both soil and water quality.

Natural Fibers: A Better Alternative

Natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and silk, offer a more eco-friendly alternative. These fibers are part of nature’s cycle and gradually break down once their lifecycle ends. For example, a 100% cotton T-shirt typically decomposes within 6 months to 1 year, while pure linen can biodegrade in as little as 2 weeks. Wool, depending on the blend and environmental conditions, may take between 1 and 5 years to fully break down.

Addressing the Problem: Recycling and Sustainable Practices

To mitigate these issues, increasing textile recycling efforts and promoting sustainable fashion practices are crucial. ThredUp reports that 64% of the 32 billion garments produced annually end up in landfills. Currently, textile recycling remains costly and is not yet widely adopted, but there are practical steps we can take to reduce textile waste:

1. Buy Less and Better: Opt for fewer, higher-quality items designed to last. Explore alternatives like clothing rentals or swaps and support brands that focus on circularity and sustainability. For instance, at Savannah Morrow, we are leading the charge in sustainable fashion by prioritizing working with natural fibers and ethical, conscious production processes that minimizes the effects of garment production and end-of-life.

2. Dispose Responsibly: Before discarding unwanted clothes, consider selling them on platforms like TheRealReal or Depop. If items are no longer wearable, repurpose them as cleaning rags or pet toys, or donate them to textile recyclers. Many cities have textile recycling programs that accept worn clothing and can process them into new materials.

By making these thoughtful choices and embracing sustainable practices, we can all contribute to reducing the environmental impact of our clothing and support a more sustainable future for our planet. Let’s work together to minimize textile waste and promote a circular fashion economy.