Day #16: Sustainable Fashion 
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About this Act
Welcome to day #16 of the Billion Acts Earth Day Countdown! You can visit the main campaign page here! Make sure to check-in for new acts each week leading up to Earth Day. Join us today by adding an act to the campaign page itself showing how you participated in this day's theme. You can also simply let us know how you joined in on this act by clicking on "Make an Impact" on the right side of the screen.
Did you know that it takes almost 3,000 liters of water to make one cotton t-shirt? Or that 60% of all clothing is made from synthetic fibers that release microplastics when washed? At least 35% of all ocean microplastic pollution is estimated to be from these clothes. Much of the worst environmental impacts of the industry come from “fast fashion”. Fast fashion generally refers to a business model of mass-producing and transporting trendy new styles for low-costs before the interest fades.
Change is underway in parts of the fashion industry, but there are many different environmental issues to address still. The great news? You can still be as fashionable as you like, while also helping make the industry more sustainable.
Education:
Learn about Mindful Shopping
Toolkit: How to care for your clothes (and extend their use)
Toolkit: How to create a “capsule” collection
Inspiration:
Action:
Read through the education toolkits and create your own plan for practicing sustainable fashion
Host your own clothing swap in your community!
Go through your closet and reorganize your clothes next time you consider buying anything new
Set aside clothes that you plan to repair, repurpose, or donate
Learn how to repair your own clothes
Sign earthday.org’s petition: The Fashion Industry Must Change
Research and make a list of more sustainable options for you to consider before buying “new” clothes (i.e. thrift stores, locally owned businesses, certified brands, etc.)
Download an app that helps you make ethical and sustainable shopping choices
Join Earthday.org’s call-to-action My Planet, My Closet
Ordinary people with lives that go up and down and around in circles can still contribute to change.
Jody Williams