Purpose of Giving for Good International

Overconsumption and Pollution is Destroying Our Planet

We must break the cycle of overconsumption and the pollution of all life on this precious earth. The average American throws away 81 pounds of clothes per year and 10.5 million tons of clothing in America is thrown away within the same span of time.

Worldwide that adds up to 26 billion pounds of clothing that go into landfills.

When is comes to materials, 60% of clothes are made of non-biodegradable synthetic materials (polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, plastics, etc..) and it sits in landfills. Why is this harmful? Because synthetic fabrics release nitrous oxide, a green house gas that is 310 times stronger than carbon dioxide. We must be conscious of energy, oil, water waste, and pollution that each item we buy consumes.

One of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals is to help provide clean water. However, it currently takes about 1,800 gallons of water just to produce ONE pair of jeans and the production generates greenhouse gases equivalent to driving over 80 miles.

Another sad fact is that 90% of cotton for textiles are GMO, and are heavily reliant on chemicals and pesticides that contaminate the water, acidify the oceans and soil, and are dumped in poorer or underdeveloped countries with no environmental protection laws, leaving them vulnerable to poorer health. You can read more about why the fashion industry needs to change how it produces clothing here.