Fashion Waste Is Not Fashionable

Textile waste, which includes clothing, presents a problem that not only plagues America but the rest of the world. Clothing waste in America alone has doubled within the last 20 years. Going from 7 million to 14 million tons of clothing waste.

Our problem with waste Viridian Clothing is a small brand trying to tackle a huge problem. That problem being textile waste or more specifically, clothing waste. Being a small urban clothing brand based out of Chicago clothing waste is a problem we strive to help solve. Waste is a problem that sits hidden for many involved with streetwear fashion. A problem that can infect all aspects of urban streetwear brands. Around 57 percent of all garments bought end up in landfills. The reasons for this can vary for each piece of clothing. Something as simple as washing your clothing can send thousands of microfibers into our oceans. Even the best streetwear brands can face this issue and even add to it if they are not vigilant. For example, clothing waste can start in the supply chain. This can happen through having un-useable stock due to last-minute design changes or excess stock that is not sold. Some Chicago clothing brands might be guilty of doing this. We here at Viridian strive to not be one of those Chicago streetwear brands.

What are we doing to help?

Clearly, clothing waste is a problem that cannot be easily solved. It presents a problem that has no easy solution. However, as an urban streetwear brand, we want to do our part to cut back on waste. To do that, we are making the choice to cut back on waste in the supply chain. That starts with working with our manufacturer Printful. Through Printful, we only produce items using the made-to-order production approach. Doing this cuts back on waste and excessive stock. We also use Printful's eco friendly fashion collection to help cut down on materials bad for the environment. This collection also helps bring reliable quality to our clothing. For a full rundown on what Printful does to stay eco friendly, check out the link below.

https://www.printful.com/sustainability-responsibility

References

Common Objective. “Fashion and Waste: An Uneasy Relationship.” Common Objective, Common Objective, 8 June 2018, www.commonobjective.co/article/fashion-and-waste-an-uneasy-relationship.

Utterdahl, Evelina. “A Guide to Sustainable Fashion Materials.” GoClimate Blog, 28 June 2019, www.goclimate.com/blog/sustianable-fashion-material-guide/.