Hello everyone!

We have now reached the final edition of our Online Journal Series, and I’m excited to take this last step with you.

After exploring the world of textiles, understanding the consequences of fast fashion, and learning about reusing, recycling, and upcycling, we now turn our attention towards fully understanding the impact of the lifecycle of clothing.

This month, we’ll dive deeper into the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the complexities of the garment life cycle, the journey of jeans, and the pressing issues of microplastics and clothing waste.

Let’s wrap up our journey with a deeper look at how we can find a new path towards a circular economy.

Before we start, let's test your knowledge with a quiz!

The Hidden Journey of Fashion

As we’ve discussed before, the fashion industry has greatly influenced the consumption model that contributes to serious environmental and social consequences—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and worker exploitation. Every year, around 80 billion garments are sold worldwide, averaging over 11 items per person. As a result, millions of tons of clothing are produced, worn, and discarded. Despite this staggering number, many of us remain unaware of where our clothes come from, what they’re made of, or how far they’ve traveled before reaching us.

Garment Life Cycle: A Complex Journey

Have you ever thought about how far a piece of clothing might have traveled before reaching you? The global supply chain for a single garment can be surprisingly long. For instance, a pink dress from Zara takes a remarkable journey, passing through multiple countries and industries, each stage adding layers of complexity to the final product.

This journey exemplifies the fragmented and far-reaching nature of global fashion supply chains.

From Cotton Field to Storefront: The Jeans Example

According to the Agency for the Environment and Energy Management in France, a pair of jeans can travel up to 65,000 kilometers (1.5 times around the Earth) from cotton field to store. Why such a long journey? The main reasons are:

1️⃣ Specialization: Various economic players handle specific stages of production, creating a fragmented process.

2️⃣ Maximizing production costs: Companies produce in low-cost regions, primarily Asia and Africa, to keep expenses down.

Microplastics and Fashion Waste

Did you know? Every second, a garbage truck full of clothes is discarded, adding to the massive environmental toll. Fashion brands often use plastic fibers to lower production costs, but these fibers are non-biodegradable and shed microplastics into water and air every time garments are washed or dried.

To put it into perspective, the average person in the US and Canada releases 533 million microplastics into the environment every year. These tiny particles pollute ecosystems, contaminate water sources, and even enter our food chain.

⬅️ Let's take a look at this infographic to learn more about which fabrics create microplastics.

Progress Towards Change

While the shift towards sustainable fashion is slow, progress is being made. As consumers, we can drive change by buying less and second hand, becoming aware of where our clothes come from, what they’re made of, choosing clothing made from organic materials, and reducing how often we wash and dry our garments. By making more conscious choices, we can be part of the solution.

This approach challenges traditional garment construction, replacing plastic fastenings and zippers with more sustainable alternatives. It also encourages the use of recycled materials or cellulose-based fibers that have a smaller environmental footprint. Circular fashion aims not only for physical durability but also emotional durability—where clothes foster a deeper connection with the consumer.

Conclusion: Empowering Change and adopting circular economy

As we wrap up this online journal series, I hope you now have a deeper understanding of the impact our choices—whether it’s the clothes we wear, buy, or discard—can have on reducing waste.

We all have the power to make a meaningful difference. By buying less, making more thoughtful choices, and recycling smarter, we can transform the way we interact with our clothing.

It's clear that embracing a circular economy is essential for a sustainable future. Adopting these conscious habits not only reduces our environmental footprint but also promotes sustainability, minimizes waste, and helps protect the planet for future generations.

Last but not least here are my last challenges for you:

1️⃣ Repair: Before discarding your clothes, consider repairing them yourself or taking them to a professional.

2️⃣ Share: You can start a clothing-sharing initiative within your family, friends, or online community—something like "Caring is Sharing"—where you exchange clothes you no longer need, helping to circulate items instead of throwing them away.

3️⃣ Shop consciously: If you do need to purchase new clothes, take a moment to check the label for information on where they’re made, the working conditions involved, and whether the brand offers a buy-back or recycling program. Making thoughtful choices like these can help support sustainability.

Hi everyone! I’m Marilia, and I volunteer at Udruga Vestigium, where I write projects, coordinate, and facilitate activities. I’m passionate about reducing waste and finding everyday solutions to decrease our carbon footprint. Since joining this project, I’ve learned a great deal about the textile industry and its environmental impact, which has motivated me to share important information about clothing awareness.

I hope I have inspired you with tips on how to reduce clothing purchases, what to do with clothes instead of tossing them, how to create new items from old fabrics, and how to develop sustainable habits!

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s continue to make mindful choices and champion sustainable fashion for a better future!