Fashion is the third-most polluting industry in the world, based on microtrends, fast fashion and the amount of greenhouse gases it emits to produce clothing. Cotton is the fabric that requires the most water to produce. In the documentary, Fashion’s Dirty Secrets, Stacey Dooley travels to multiple countries and explains how much of an impact the fashion industry has. Dooley says to produce simply a shirt and a pair of jeans, “It’s likely it could have taken [up to 25,000] litres.” The Aral Sea, located in Central Asia, has completely dried up over the span of 50 years since it had been used for cotton production.
While a single person is unable to completely prevent this, people can help reduce the impact by resisting the temptation to buy clothes they don’t need or won’t wear often, and repurposing old, unwanted clothes into other useful items!
1. Coasters
By braiding a few strips of fabric together, one can create a functional coaster that can spice up a living area and add uniqueness. When friends and family come over, show off the DIY coaster and display it for all to see!
2. Tote Bags
This is a great way to repurpose unwanted shirts, especially now that many stores have stopped distributing plastic bags and customers have to bring their own. This craft only requires a shirt, some scissors, and less than 5 minutes!
3. Heating Pads
Since it is cold outside, why not make a quick and easy heating pack? Simply grab a sock and some rice. Tie up the top and once finished, toss it in the microwave and use it anytime.
4. Rags
Perhaps the easiest craft/lifehack of all, turning old clothes into rags is helpful when cleaning the house. They can be used in various places and the fabric won’t damage any surfaces.
5. Pillowcase
Making a pillowcase is a smart way of upcycling unwanted clothes into a home essential and the best part is that the size, shape, and design of the pillowcase is customizable! Create a few throw pillows for the bedroom or gift one to friends/.
If none of these crafts appeal to someone, they can always donate their clothes. Anything that increases the life span of clothing helps the environment!
