environmental impact of fashion
THE LIFECYCLE
Levi Strauss & Co. conducted the apparel industry’s first lifecycle assessment (LCA) study in 2007 to assess the entire lifecycle impact of a core set of products. The study focused primarily on the company’s U.S. operations. You can read the full study here.
"We learned that an average pair of jeans consumes roughly 3,500 liters of water — and that is after only two years of use, washing the jeans once a week. Nearly half of the total water consumption, or 1,600 liters, is the consumer throwing the jeans in the washing machine. That’s equivalent to 6,700 glasses of drinking water!"
— Chip Burgh, CEO of Levi’s (Business Insider 2014)
Tips from Levi’s head designer, Jonathan Cheung, on how to wash less
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Spot Clean
If you’ve just got a drop of mud or ketchup on your jeans, then there’s no need to throw them in the machine. With mustard or ketchup, get it quick before it soaks it. A swift wipe with a napkin, spoon or knife will remove most of it. Otherwise, I recommend dabbing the spot with a damp cloth, that’s been dipped in a little soapy water will deal with most of the dirt. Work from the inside out if possible and put a clean cloth under the stain whilst you’re dabbing away.
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Soak them
This is a good one for the dirt and dust from a summer’s hike or sweaty from dancing the night away, or a beer spill. Or all three. Throw them in a bath tub of water with a little bit of soap. (I use a simple liquid soap.) Agitate the water, and grab a coffee while they soak. Depending on how dirty they are, repeat, and then hang them out to dry.
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Machine Washing
If your jeans are getting too stinky then it’s time they go into the machine. Turn them inside out and add a little detergent; the cooler the water, the more energy you’ll save. And there’s no need to wash them separately, just throw them in with the rest of your dark colored clothing.
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Don't tumble dry
Not unless you have to. The movement and heat will add wear and tear, and will shorten the life of your jean.
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Stretch refresh
When the knees and bum in your super skinnies start to sag a little, here’s a little tip I got from our denim guru, Bart Sights. Turn them inside out and stick them in the tumble dryer on warm for 10-20 minutes. The shape should come right back.
what you can do
educate yourself
Washing every 10 times a product is worn instead of every 2 times reduces energy use, climate change impact, and water intake by up to 80%
96% of consumers buy denim
Today, synthetic dyes are often used which are made from oil and petroleum and then infused with other harmful chemicals
Making new fabric and washing new products uses the most water and energy through a garments life-cycle
start conversations
shop sustainable brands
Traceability — make sure you know where your garment has come from
Materials — read up on what your garment is made from and how that can impact the environment
Longevity — invest in good quality products that will last a lifetime
Circularity — check that the item can be recycled and given a new lease of life once you're done
** See suggestions below
Makes small changes
Donate or recycle your old jeans (see suggestions below)
Wash less often (tips on how below)
Hang dry
Less fast fashion purchases, less often
Four things to look for
Traceabiliy
Make sure you know where your garment has come from.
materials
Read up on what your garment is made from and how that can impact the environment.
Circularity
Check that the item can be recycled and given a new lease of life once you're done
Longevity
Invest in good quality products that will last a lifetime.
recycling
your
denim
jw.denim
I will pay for shipping for any items you want to send to me to be repurposed. You’ll get a store credit depending on the recycled item. Contact me at your.jwdenim@gmail.com or text (903)780-2075.
blue jeans go green
Mail for free through Zappos for Good. You can drop at Levi’s, injeanius, Ariat, and Industry Standard as part of their program.
J. Crew
Drop at store > they turn into insulation for homes >
Madewell
Drop at a store > they turn into insulation for homes > get $20 off of a new pair.
H&m
The Garment Collection Program. Drop off a bag filled with unwanted textiles at any H&M store > they recycle > you a discount card for 15 percent off for every bag you bring in.
Habitat for humanity
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.