Did you know that a significant amount of the clothing produced each year is not sold? As The Guardian reports, a recent study suggests that between 10% and 40% of all clothes made each year is unsold and either languishing in warehouses or being shipped to landfills. This shocking statistic shows just how much clothing waste is produced by the retail market and underscores our need to do something about it
As consumers, we may think of clothing as disposable without realizing the true cost involved. We’re regularly bombarded with messages about sales and discount codes, fast fashion trends, and the fun of retail therapy. But clothing waste is a serious issue that has an environmental impact, contributing to our carbon footprint and the release of greenhouse gas emissions.
You already know that ReStore is the best place to transform your home on a budget. But have you checked out our boutique for new, high-quality clothing, accessories, shoes, and more? Shopping for clothing at Park City ReStore is one way to make smarter, more sustainable fashion choices while transforming your wardrobe. You’ll be looking great while doing good for our planet.
How Clothing Waste Is Bad for the Environment
Clothing waste in landfills keeps growing at an alarming rate, and some synthetic fabrics will take years to decompose. As clothes deteriorate, they can release methane, a greenhouse gas
It’s not only the disposal of clothing that affects the environment. The choices we make in how we shop matters too. When you purchase a clothing item online, that item is packed with tissue paper, placed in a plastic bag, and put in a shipping envelope or box. It may even require excess padding to protect it as it makes its way to you. The item then travels by airplane, truck, or mail truck to get to your home.
Shipping products long-distance like this has an environmental impact. Air transport produces high greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicles used for home delivery emit carbon dioxide as they drive along their route. Once you receive your purchase, you’re left to dispose of all those packing materials, which contributes more waste. And if you need to return that item, it must then be shipped back, which doubles the shipping emissions.
Shopping in-store reduces this packaging waste and the energy it takes to transport the item to you. And shopping at ReStore specifically contributes even more to the environment.
Why Shopping at ReStore Is a Great Sustainable Choice
By reselling clothing items, as well as building materials, ReStore follows a circular economy model, in which products are utilized for as long as possible. This concept of sharing and reusing resources reduces the need for new clothing production, which in turn lessens manufacturing resources and the energy required to create new products.
When you shop at ReStore’s boutique, you’ll find new, brand-name clothing at 50-90% off what they would cost in a retail store. So you’ll save money and reduce clothing waste while elevating your style. And these items you purchase will stay out of the landfills and be put to good use instead.
Shopping locally also supports your community, in addition to sustainability. Proceeds from your ReStore purchases go directly to fund Habitat for Humanity’s life-changing building initiatives, like our homeownership program, which helps working members of Summit and Wasatch counties purchase affordable homes.
Shop at Park City ReStore
Whether you’re looking for new statement pieces, the perfect pair of shoes, or the right accessories to tie your look together, the Park City ReStore’s boutique should be your first stop. With inventory updating daily, you never know what fabulous fashions you’ll find.