It’s often said that the fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Between textile waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and contaminated water supplies, the fashion industry is guilty of tremendous damage to our planet.
Although critics argue about naming it second most polluting industry, all that damage comes together and causes something called climate change. Climate change is defined as “a change in global or regional climate patterns.” It’s said that a change in a pattern by just a couple of degrees can send this planet onto a path of complete destruction.
In order to change the disastrous course of our planet, we need to start paying attention to our everyday habits—such as recycling and waste production. Instead of drinking from plastic water bottles, use a reusable bottle. Instead of using plastic straws, use reusable metal straws. Instead of shopping mindlessly, seek out brands that specialize in recycled, eco-friendly, and sustainable products.
One form of recycling that can reduce the amount of waste we dump in landfills is called upcycling. Upcycling takes old, used products and turns into something new of higher quality. Today, less than 1% of garments are upcycled, with only 20% of fabrics being recycled at all —the rest goes into landfills or gets incinerated.
Upcycling ensures the use of fewer raw materials to create a new product. It’s said that about ⅔ of a garment’s harmful impact comes at the raw materials stage. By skipping that stage and utilizing old garments, you are able to reduce the global impact in production.
At Opus Mind, we’ve made it our mission to not only offer a high-quality upcycled product but to also spread awareness. The fashion industry needs to change and we’re trying to be part of that change. Are you ready to join us?