Recycle, reuse to reduce textile waste from discarded clothing
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Many Mississippians take steps to live sustainably, but they may not be aware of the impact their clothing choices have on the environment.
Beyond material sourcing and item manufacturing, what happens when the piece of clothing is retired from the closet can have a significant environmental impact. Textile waste is unwanted clothing and fabrics that are thrown away rather than recycled.
Sherry Bell is an associate Extension professor of environmental education with the Mississippi State University Extension Service at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. She said factors to blame include rapidly changing fashion trends, consumer shopping habits and the emergence of “fast fashion,” or the manufacture of cheap, low-quality clothing meant for few wears.
“Each person in the U.S. is thought to throw away an average of 82 pounds of clothing each year,” Bell said. “Only about 15% of textiles bought each year are recycled or repurposed. Much of the clothing donated in the U.S. is exported to lower-income countries where it is repurposed or thrown away.”
While Americans in the past wore clothes for years or longer, many clothing items today are worn less than 10 times before being discarded.
Fast fashion provides an additional challenge, as it is often made of synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon. These materials shed microplastics when washed and worn.
“These tiny plastic pieces eventually end up in waterways and oceans,” Bell said. “It is estimated that 35% of all microplastics in the oceans originated from synthetic textiles.”
The first step to limit textile waste and live more sustainably in this area is to buy fewer and better items.
“Resist the temptation to frequently buy new clothing made from low-quality materials,” Bell said. “Instead, focus on better quality items that are more durable and versatile.”
High-quality foundation pieces made from eco-friendly fabrics such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton are good options, as are fabrics made from recycled materials. And when items of clothing are more valuable, it is financially wise to repair or adjust them as needed or repurpose them as cleaning rags if they are stained or damaged.
“There are a lot of ways today to get secondhand clothing, both with online purchases, clothing rental services and by swapping with friends,” Bell said. “Besides saving money, you will be protecting the environment, reducing carbon emissions and preventing water pollution.”
Sometimes a person encounters clothing among sentimental clutter, such as items left when a loved one dies. This clothing may not have a second life through donation or sale because of outdated fashion styles or they may be well-worn.
Jasmine Harris-Speight, MSU Extension instructor in the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion, works with many Mississippians on how to reduce this kind of clutter while retaining the memories associated with that person.
“When deciding what to keep, ask yourself: Does this item hold a sentimental place in my heart? Will I miss this item if I get rid of it?” Harris-Speight said. “If your answer to the first question is yes, then repurpose the item in some way that can be used, such as a t-shirt quilt, stuffed animal or canvas bag.
“If your answer to the second question is no, then dispose of it properly. This may mean selling or donating it, or if it does not have a second life as clothing, look for companies that offer recycling programs for old and worn clothes,” she said.
To learn more about controlling clutter, visit the MSU Extension Healthy Housing Programs at . Visitors can request a workshop be held in their county.
