How Much Do Your Clothes Really Cost?

By now we should all be aware of the fact that nearly everything that is made for human use or consumption takes a toll on the world’s resources and has its impact on climate change. However, are you aware of just how large your effect can be? Calculate your carbon footprint here. I consider myself very conscious of how much I am consuming and I was surprised by my number!

With every product that comes into your life you have to consider it’s true cost. That is what resources it took to produce it, transport it, and what it will take to dispose of it. Bottled water, for example, if one of the greatest offenders. The amount of resources, including water itself, that it takes to create a bottle of water is unbelievably high. Check out this Fast Company article.

So maybe you have given thought to what you consume, or how much you drive, or if you have energy saving appliances. Have you ever considered the impact your clothes have on climate change? I just recently read that it can take up to 5 tons of resources for 200 grams of cotton to make its way to your closet!

So what can you do to help ease this infraction? For one, buy organic. Organic cotton used drastically less chemical and environmental resources. One of the companies I supply at Bloom Evolution, Earth Positive, is 100% organic and has lowered the carbon footprint of producing a piece of clothing by 90%! Check out Earth Positive and other organic and eco-conscious products at Bloom Evolution.

The following video demonstrates the impact a typical t-shirt.

Also, consider how you wash and remove stains from your clothing. According to the US Department of Energy, 90% of energy during washing laundry goes to heating the water. Unless you have a particularly difficult stain, such as oil or grease, use cold water. Today’s detergents and washing machines take care of most every day washing needs, without the need for hot water. In fact, your clothes will stay brighter and stronger with the use of cold water. For stains there are many eco-friendly was off attacking them. You can find some here.