This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Jefferson chapter.

There are almost 8 billion people in the world. So how many garments do you think are produced each year? My first guess being 50 billion, is not even close. Try tripling that number. 150 billion garments are made each year. That’s enough for everyone to have 19 new outfits a year; not so bad, right? However, about 4 billion pieces will go unsold. Brands such as H & M, Fashion Nova, Amazon, and Shein are just a few fashion companies contributing to it being the world’s 2nd dirtiest and most polluted industry. I decided to use these facts I have learned not to scare the reader but to be a wake-up call.

What is Sustainability?

The first step is describing and explaining what sustainability is. This semester I am taking a sustainable concepts studio class. This class is split with lectures and designing clothes. It is going to teach me how to be a smarter and sustainable fashion designer. If you asked me before what sustainability is I previously took a sustainability lecture class that made me understand what sustainability really is. It has not been till the most recent years that the word “sustainable” has projected into the fashion and business industries. To really understand what sustainability is, you have to break down the word. Sustainability is more than recycling or using a reusable water bottle. It is breaking the linear economy to become a circular economy. What that means is helping put back the resources we have taken. Making sure we think about what happens to our waste. The last thing is thinking about future generations to come. Being a design student I have been learning about sustainably and continue to explore it.

What Can I Do to Help?

Start by watching The True Cost . This is the link to the trailer https://truecostmovie.com/

This movie will definitely open your eyes and make you think twice when you want that crop top or dress delivered the next day for only $10.

Living sustainably is hard, especially when you’re on a budget. That’s not an issue just for the consumer, nevertheless for the fashion industry. If you ask anyone who has tried, no one is perfect. There are options though, to change and invest in being a more sustainable shopper. I will explain some tips and tricks to help break this never-ending cycle of fashion waste.

Where to Shop?

Listed below are companies to help you start shopping sustainably.

Specifically, For Days is a great company. They also do The Take Back Bag to enforce the circular revolution and end fashion waste. What you do is order this bag for $20. They will accept all textiles, including socks, underwear, sheets, pillowcases, towels, linens, shoes, and handbags in any condition. Ripped, torn, or stained, your oldies will get a new life with the help of our recycling partners and be diverted from landfills. Then you will receive $20 to use towards your purchase of clothes from the brand.

List of Stores

Able – https://www.ableclothing.com/

All For Ramon – https://allforramon.com/

Alejandra RAW Project – https://alejandraraw.shop/

Amour Vert – https://amourvert.com/

beRESONANT –https://shopberesonant.com/

CiscoSews – https://ciscosews.com/

Doodlage – https://doodlage.in/collections/designer-tops-womens-ethical-clothing

Dynasty George –https://www.dynastygeorge.com/

Encircled – https://www.encircled.co/

Everlane – https://www.everlane.com/

**For Days- https://fordays.com/