Manufacturing puts a strain on the environment and the fashion industry is no exception. Even things that sound innocuous like cotton, a natural fiber, can have a major impact. Sixteen percent of all insecticides are used in cotton farming. And 60% of the world’s cotton is grown for the clothing industry. Non-natural fibers have their own downsides. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are essentially made from fossil fuels, and their manufacturing process releases nitrous oxide, one of the worst greenhouse gases. Regardless of the materials used, clothing manufacturing also uses enormous amounts of water and electricity. There’s no getting around the environmental impact of new clothing.

The good news is that you can reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe by choosing to wear vintage and recycled clothing. By filling your closet with used clothing, you’re probably buying less new clothing — reducing your carbon footprint. And when you buy a piece of second hand clothing, you’re extending the life of the garment, effectively minimizing the impact of it’s original production.

Manufacturing puts a strain on the environment and the fashion industry is no exception. Even things that sound innocuous like cotton, a natural fiber, can have a major impact. Sixteen percent of all insecticides are used in cotton farming. And 60% of the world’s cotton is grown for the clothing industry. Non-natural fibers have their own downsides. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are essentially made from fossil fuels, and their manufacturing process releases nitrous oxide, one of the worst greenhouse gases. Regardless of the materials used, clothing manufacturing also uses enormous amounts of water and electricity. There’s no getting around the environmental impact of new clothing.

The good news is that you can reduce the environmental impact of your wardrobe by choosing to wear vintage and recycled clothing. By filling your closet with used clothing, you’re probably buying less new clothing — reducing your carbon footprint. And when you buy a piece of second hand clothing, you’re extending the life of the garment, effectively minimizing the impact of it’s original production.

You’re also preventing that garment from ending up in a landfill. Americans donate two million tons of clothing each year. That may sound like a lot, but Americans throw away 13 million tons of textiles every year — that’s roughly 9% of all non-recycled waste. When you’re ready to get rid of an item, don’t throw it away. Donate it! Even if an item has holes or stains that make it unwearable, organizations that process recycled clothing will be able to handle these items in a way that minimizes the environmental impact. Some damaged clothing can be turned into products like wiping rags and insulation. Clothing donations also contribute to the second-hand clothing economy, which provides jobs and is a common source of funding for local charities.