Apparel Sustainability

The word sustainable is defined as “capable of being sustained.”  Sustainable apparel is a movement toward greater ecological and social responsibility.  Holistically apparel sustainability is complex and multi-dimensional due to numerous parties directly involved in the textile system that also interconnect with social, financial, nature, and the future of our planet. 

A few areas that are the driving forces behind the apparel sustainable movement which also correlate with larger climate change and social matters.

  • Growing consumer apparel demand and synthetic fiber usage
    • Global apparel produces 400% more apparel than 40 years ago
    • Garment lifecycle has dropped to 7 uses before being trashed
    • 65% of clothing produced is made from synthetic fibers derived from petroleum 
  • Greater apparel demand impacts a variety of ecological and social areas
    • 23% of global chemicals developed are for textile industry
    • 20% of industrial water pollution comes from textile industry
    • 1.5 trillion liters of water are used each year from textile industry 
    • 190,000 tons of textile microplastic fibers are going into the ocean every year
    • 5.2% of waste in landfills are textiles
    • 70 million barrels annually of oil are used to make polyester 
    • 72% of synthetic apparel fibers can sit in landfills up to 200 years
    • 70 million trees are cut down every year to produce fabrics with wood basis
    • 80% of leather production uses Chromium (toxic chemical)
    • Soil degradation due to overgrazing of animals used for textiles and chemicals used to grow plants for textiles
    • Increased labor force to build textiles that have led to many unethical and safe workforce practices and conditions
    • It is estimated the the textile industry now contributes 10% of global carbon emissions and by 2050 growth projections could reach 25% of the worlds carbon budget

    While we cannot verify all of these numbers from a variety of sources and there is certainly a need for additional scientific research to be conducted; it is straightforward that the global apparel resource needs and ecological impact are considerable based on its large size and high growth in the past 40 years.  

    Going back to where we started, brands with sustainability approaches are identifying and implementing means for heightened ecological and social responsibility.  A few of these include:

    • Designs that create less waste
    • Designs and construction that helps garments last longer
    • Wearing versatility to reduce the number of products you need 
    • Responsible materials and sourcing through 
    • Responsible production that helps reduce/eliminate greenhouse gas output, energy usage, hazardous chemicals usage and waste, water usage and waste; and employees fair and safe working conditions and pay
    • Wear and care education to elongate life of the garment and reduce environment impact associated with washing 
    • Packaging that is biodegradable, recyclable or reusable
    • Effective logistics to reduce transportation resources
    • Afterlife education and programs to reuse, donate and recycle garments
    • Awareness and education of apparel ecological and social impact

    A few published benefits of brands adopting sustainable first approaches include:

      • Recycled polyester production requires 59% less energy, emits 32% less carbon emissions than virgin polyester
      • Organic cotton uses up to 71% less water than conventional cotton
      • Auditing and certification to help end UNICEFs estimated 170 million children employed in textile industry
      • Increasing clothing lifecycle/wearing by 9 months is projected to reduce carbon and water footprints 20-30% each
      • Reduction of animal slaughtering for leather which is estimated at 430 million animals a year

      Again, to be transparent we cannot validate these statistics from numerous sources but we can logically conclude that sustainable choices; and more conscious purchasing, wearing and caring choices reduces environment impact and can improve fair and safe work conditions.  

      WYLD1 is pioneering solutions through our carefully orchestrated Go Scratch sustainable-first approach to help the future of our planet and golf thrive. We recognize there is no perfect sustainable solution but we won't stop trying to find it. Below are a few of the sustainable and responsible solutions we employ:

      • Low wasted designs
      • High proportions of renewable, regenerative, and natural materials
      • Partner responsibility certification requirements
      • Durable construction and timeless designs
      • Chemical management guidelines
      • Carbon shipping offsets and carbon neutral goal by 2023
      • Renewable energy powered office and warehouse
      • Fair and safe work environment policies
      • Recycled, recyclable and biodegradable packaging

      We drive ourselves and our partners to raise the standard in responsible production. WYLD1 carefully selects our partners to ensure they have practices and accreditations that are aligned with our sustainability, safety and ethics vision. Key certifications we seek from our partners include bluesign, WRAP, GRS, GOTS, FLA, ISO, and OekO-tex. We also look for partners that go beyond certifications with human wellness; and water, chemical waste and energy management practices. Water usage and pollution, and carbon emissions are important climate impact areas we are driving to minimize with our Go Scratch goals.

      Ultimately, we all play a role in building a better and more sustainable future by making conscious choices surrounding apparel.  Below are simple ways we can all help:

      • Selective purchasing
        • Purchase less
        • Seek sustainable brands and products with high quality levels and styles/designs that will last 
        • Identify more versatile pieces that can be worn across multiple wearing occasions
      • Smart wear and care 
        • Reduce washing needs that also have negative environmental impact and can decrease the life of your product.  Certain fibers such as wool have odor management properties that also help in decreasing need to wash your garment.  
        • Take care and repair products to elongate their life
      • A 2nd Life
        • Donate your clothes to charity, friend or family
        • Sell your clothes through second hand retailers
        • Recycle your clothes. 90% of discarded textiles can be recycled.
      Left Older Post Back to PLANET FIRST Newer Post Right