The average household spends 3.5% of its income, about $1,700 on 70 pieces of clothing a year. By the 1990s, the fashion industry was getting closed from the design stage to the store shelves in just two weeks. The Industrial Revolution created mass produced clothing, but it was still expensive. In 2021, fashion edits.com reported that in the 1970s, the average household invested 10% of itsincome, about $4,000 on 25 pieces of clothing each year.
We delve into the drawbacks of fast fashion while highlighting the benefits of mindful wardrobe choices on this Skeptical Sunday with Michael Regilio!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:
- Even under normal circumstances, the fashion industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste, with clothes often ending up in landfills.
- What is so-called "fast fashion," and how does it create a constant cycle of trends and clothing turnover, leading to excessive waste and environmental damage?
- Donating clothes is not always a sustainable solution, as many donated items end up in landfills or have a negative impact on local textile industries in developing countries.
- The fashion industry relies on cheap labor and often exploits workers — particularly women — in factories with poor working conditions and low wages.
- How do we help tip the scale in a more sustainable direction? We can support eco-conscious designers, clothing recycling, and rental services while buying quality items and reducing washing loads.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Michael at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/858
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