I tend to think of myself as a bit of a fashionista--albeit without the budget. So when this came across the transom last week, it put my Costco knickers in a twist. The New York Times reported that fast fashion, trendy items from the Targets and H&Ms of the world, contribute to global warming because of how the garments are manufactured and then cared for--that is repeatedly washed, dried and then discarded.
Living on Earth recently did a fine piece on the environmental devastation wreaked by the denim industry; how the chemicals and processes used in “distressing” jeans are polluting nearby waterways. The water is blue, but not in a good way.
Obviously, all these amazing yarns we love aren't so green either. What's a girl to do?
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Some late breaking thoughts in the comments:
1. Move to a farm. I suspect many of us, however, might still want to wear cute cropped trousers while tending our crops.
2. Recycle yarn. There's an intrepid knitter at The Lamb, who is forever scouring thrift stores in search of cashmere and wool sweaters she can rip, restyle and knit.
3. Hang clothes to dry. Even in the midst of this ferocious winter, Mitch has been hanging laundry in the basement, Lord love him. Your jeans turn out a bit crunchy, but the added moisture in the house is certainly welcome. Another benefit: Our natural gas bills have plummeted.
4. Donate. Give older clothes to charities such as Goodwill Industries, ARC or women's shelters.
5. Knit or crochet old tee-shirts into rugs. Invest in a rotary cutter and slice those “non starters“ into super-absorbant strips and stitch up a rag rug.