Recycle
By choosing vintage you are choosing to make a difference in the world.
Did you know the EPA reports that Americans generate 16 million tons of textile waste a year? On average, over 3 MILLION TONS of clothing are incinerated and OVER 10 MILLION tons end up in our landfills.
Resource: greenamerica.org
At The Rag Parlor Vintage, small choices make big changes.
So often, we go to the mall and find store after store with “sales” and cheap goods that we consider “good finds.” But who had to suffer for us to feel fashionable? There are countries that use child labor or slave labor to produce our textiles. The US is just as big of an offender in human rights in our fashion industry. Even an action as small as where you purchase your t-shirt takes a stand against injustice and oppression.
“…the Department of Labor conducted random inspections on 77 garment factories in southern California in November 2016, and discovered that 85% of the inspected factories were violating federal labor laws. Major retailers including Forever 21, Ross, and T.J. Maxx, contracted these factories to create bargain-price clothing, at the expense of the industry’s primarily immigrant workforce. Grievous sweatshop abuses have not only been uncovered in U.S. factories, but also in factories located in U.S. territories. These factories may also use the “Made in the USA” label, despite being exempt from certain U.S. labor laws.” according to Greenamerica.org
THE PROBLEM
4%
Clothing produces 4% of global emissions.
93% of fashion companies do not pay livable wages and are not on track to meet their science based climate targets.
Over 65 million garment workers fuel the fashion industry, working long hours in unsafe conditions while making below poverty wedges.
From Remake.world
WHY UPCYCLING IS IN
Upcycling helps lessen the amount of waste going into landfills which can take thousands of years to break down.
It helps preserve our natural resources and reduces pollution.
Upcyling helps one save money as you reinvent old clothes and avoid shopping new ones.
It provides fun craft time and you can own a piece of customized clothing that is unique.
It helps preserve our mother and grandmother’s vintage hand-me-downs.
From The Economic Times
Consumers said that is important that the clothing they buy is made…
Fashion Revolution Consumer Survey