New research from OnlineGambling.com reveals that on average Americans discard more than seven items of still wearable clothing every year at an average cost of $35 per item.

Nearly a fifth (18%) admitted to throwing these items in the trash, ultimately throwing away $270 a year! And while it’s not all doom and gloom, with more than three quarters donating garments to goodwill or thrift stores (62%) or passing on to friends and family (17%); it’s not just wallets taking a hit, the planet also pays the price.

With this in mind, OnlineGambling.com has developed a Fast Fashion Calculator to demonstrate the environmental impact of producing clothes. In addition, here are some tips for a greener wardrobe.

• Adjust your spending habits!

  Invest in everyday pieces such as jeans instead of buying an outfit you’ll only wear once for special occasions. In order to be more eco-friendly, we should buy one pair of high-quality jeans that will last, since one pair of jeans uses 7,000 liters of water and creates 950 grams of waste.

• Get thrifty my friend!

  Making your shopping habits more sustainable and fun by shopping vintage is an excellent idea! You can also shop the resale market through platforms such as Depop or eBay if browsing vintage stores aren’t your thing.

• Mend and make do!

  If you have clothing that no longer fits or requires repairs, consider if it can be altered or repaired. You could take the challenge on yourself or hire professionals to do the work for you. If your clothing no longer fits your style, can it be altered and upcycled to update it? Or could it even be completely transformed into a new garment?

• Do your research!

  Check the sustainability policies of your favorite brands before updating your wardrobe. Being informed before you hit the shops will make sustainable shopping a lot easier since many brands are opting for sustainable methods, fabrics, and materials.

• Look after the clothes you already own.

  Looking after your clothes means they’re likely to last longer. From hanging up garments properly to washing jeans inside out little steps will reduce the need to replace items – so before you pile everything into the laundry in one go, take time to read the labels!

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