It’s time to break up in fast fashion.

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“Limited time!”

“last day!”

And it goes on and on.

In a world driven by fast fashion and a money-hungry industry, it’s hard to fall into the cycle of buy cheap, buy more, throw away, repeat.

This year, as Buffalo thaws and we shed our winter coats, it’s time to kick our bad habits.

As of 2011 United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)The fashion industry is responsible 10% of global carbon emissionsThat’s more than the emissions produced by all international flights and sea freight combined. At this rate, at Ellen MacArthur FoundationBy 2023, the industry’s emissions are projected to increase by more than 50 percent.

A trip to H&M or a new Sheen Haul might seem harmless, but the cost of your latest clothing haul is much higher than the price tag.

The environmental cost of production is devastating on its own, but that combined with common consumer practices makes the fast fashion industry even more dangerous.

Sale of clothes It increased from 100 to 200 billion units In the year Between 2000 and 2015, the average consumption of clothing per item decreased by 36 percent, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

With fashion trends constantly changing and social media influencers promoting the “latest and greatest” products, it’s hard to keep up and be sustainable.

While there’s no easy, blanket solution to putting out fast fashion fires, there are some steps you can take individually to fight the industry’s waste.

Donate. Do not remove

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Thinking of getting rid of old clothes? There is a much better, more sustainable and more charitable option: donation.

Donating used clothes prevents consumer waste and provides an opportunity for someone else to use and acquire a much-needed item. Instead of ending up in the landfill where it takes years to break down, your old clothes can benefit the people around you.

Old clothes up

Do you have old clothes that are outgrown, worn, or otherwise neglected? Time to get crafty. Instead of throwing away that old t-shirt or torn sweater, you have the power to give it new life. Upcycle You can extend the life of your old clothes and give them a new purpose. With countless possibilities, you can create your next quilt, cropped t-shirt, patch, or anything else you can think of. Upcycling is a fun and easy way to tackle the cycle of buying, wearing and discarding.

Go to the thrift store

Thrift is a fun way to experiment with fashion and participate in new trends without destroying the environment or your wallet. At a Goodwill, thrift or consignment shop like Plato’s Closet, you’ll find a wide range of clothes at much lower prices than most fast fashion retailers.

Buying second hand clothing gives you the freedom to try different styles affordably and sustainably. You never know what gem you’ll find when you rummage through the shelves. It’s a win-win situation without the guilt of feeding into the fast fashion industry. So find your next favorite piece of clothing knowing you’re making a positive impact on the environment.

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