Cotton accounts for 24 per cent of the world’s production of clothing. Cotton is a demanding plant that needs large amounts of water and heat. To produce one kilo of cotton, up to 29,000 litres of water are required. That equates to 24 full water baths for a single t-shirt.
What can you do?
- Take care of what you have: Only wash your clothes if needed. You can remove a small stain by hand. Tumble dry as little as possible; it wears a lot on fabric and paint. Follow the washing instructions; lower temperatures use half as much energy.
- Repair and change things: Repair when needed instead of discarding the garment. Redesign your clothes so they are like new. If you can not sew, you may be able to ask someone or consider the option of handing in your clothes to a tailor.
- Borrow and rent: If you are going to a party and have nothing to put on, try borrowing from a friend. In case you need a particular item of clothing, rent it!
- Swap: Your friend’s sweater might be just the new garment you want and vice versa.
- Sell: Submit your clothes to stores that sell old clothes for you.
- Recycle: Leave your clothes at recycling stations or re-sell stores.
