Why is it a problem?

Climate Change

Over 8% of total global greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the apparel/footwear industry 1 The industry’s CO₂ emissions are projected to increase by more than 60% by 2030 2 If the industry continues on its current path, by 2050 it could use more than 26% of the total global carbon budget 3

Production, Consumption, Waste

The average consumer bought 60% more clothing in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment half as long 4 On average Americans are throwing away 81 lbs of textiles per person per year 5


Ocean Pollution

Plastic microfibers shed from synthetic clothing into the water account for 85% of the human-made material found along ocean shores, threatening marine wildlife and ending up in our food supply 6

Labor/Women

The apparel industry, made up largely of women, is intricately linked with both child and forced labor 7 The workers making our clothes receive only .5 - 4% of the final retail cost of a garment 8

Stats / text from NewStandardInstitute.org

Regulatory solutions

The Fashion Act - Sponsored by NY Senator Alessandra Biaggi

The Fashion Act - New Standard Institute

Material solutions

Natural Fiber Welding?

This Company Has a Way to Replace Plastic in Clothing

Brand Report Card (Remake)