Don't Toss the T-Shirts

Wednesday 07th of September 2011 01:08:22 AM

Don't Toss the T-Shirts

Did you know that your t-shirts are part of your carbon footprint? T-shirts, sweaters, dresses, socks, and al other types of clothing account for as much as 11% of a household’s carbon footprint. This is according to a 2009 study issued by the European Society for Ecological Economics. It takes as many as 2,153 litres to make a simple cotton t-shirt.

Now designers are joining the recycling business and are making high-end fashions out of old clothing. Deborah Lindquist’s fashion line is worn by celebrities. Using recycled cardigans, sweaters and other clothing, Lindquist makes stunning clothing worn by people like Sharon Stone and Rihanna. She says, “People get rid of their sweaters because there’s a stain or they don’t like it. They get rid of it because there’s a problem with it. So maybe there’s a hole in there. No big deal. I can put an appliqué on it and create something new.” Right now much of the designer clothing that is made from recycled materials can be pricey. That’s because the quantity is still low and economies of scale cannot be achieved. But that is going to change as more and more consumers demand clothing that is environmentally sound.

The problem of textiles in the landfills is a global one. In the United Kingdom, a 2008 House of Commons report indicated that as much as 30% of one waste management company’s collections are made up of textile wastes. In the U.S. the textiles make up 3.5% of waste overall according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The concept of recycled clothing has not spread rapidly but as more and more clothing companies and textile manufacturers take an interest, consumers will become more aware. With consumer demand will come increased production. But for right now, the selection of new clothing made from recycled materials is small.