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What We Wear: Where It Comes From, Where It Goes

Griffin Mitchell

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Published in Made On Earth: What We Wear Where It Comes From Where It Goes

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The clothing industry is a global behemoth, worth an estimated \$2.5 trillion per year. It employs millions of people around the world and is responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Made on Earth: What we wear. Where it comes from. Where it goes.

by Wolfgang Korn

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But where does our clothing come from? And what happens to it when we're done with it?

Where Our Clothing Comes From

The vast majority of our clothing is made from natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, and silk. These fibers are grown in fields or raised on animals, and then harvested and processed into yarn.

Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, are made from petroleum. These fibers are cheaper to produce than natural fibers, but they are also less breathable and less durable.

Once the fibers have been produced, they are spun into yarn and then woven or knitted into fabric. The fabric is then cut and sewn into clothing.

The clothing industry is concentrated in a few key countries, such as China, Bangladesh, and India. These countries have low labor costs and lax environmental regulations, which makes them attractive to clothing manufacturers.

Where Our Clothing Goes

When we're done with our clothing, we typically throw it away. In the United States, we generate over 15 million tons of textile waste each year. This waste ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

There are a few ways to reduce the amount of textile waste we generate. One way is to buy less clothing. Another way is to buy clothing made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton or hemp.

We can also donate our old clothing to charity or recycle it. There are a number of companies that recycle textiles, and some cities have textile recycling programs.

The Environmental Impact of the Clothing Industry

The clothing industry has a significant environmental impact. The production of clothing requires large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. The transportation of clothing also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the disposal of clothing in landfills can pollute the environment. Landfills are the third largest source of methane emissions in the United States.