My Letter to the editor | VC Reporter | Ventura California 

I would like to recognize and thank you for David Goldstein’s article, Overwhelmed by a Flood of Clothing.  I strongly believe taking action to reduce textile waste is a responsibility for all of us – the fashion industry, the community, and consumers.  

Many of us do not realize the ecological impact of our clothing.  The fashion industry –from raw materials to consumer end-use – has a tremendous carbon footprint.  Forbes has pointed out that it is the number two polluter worldwide, second only to the oil industry.   Sustainable business practices in the fashion industry are a big deal.  We applaud those brands like Patagonia and Levi Strauss & Co who are the few pioneers in the clothing industry that are making a difference in this area.   They not only implement initiatives and ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to mitigating environmental impacts throughout the supply chain, but also build a product ‘end of life cycle’ into their business practices.  

Wikipedia points out that ‘The U. S. is the largest exporter of second hand clothing, exporting over a billion pounds of used clothing every year’. Today’s fashion industry is plagued by over-consumption, all driven by speed and disposability. 

Today, at EDGExpo.com, I talk about independent brands across the globe who are responding to sustainability issues.   Conserving our resources is not easy, but every action counts whether it’s within the supply chain or recycling at the consumer level. 

Rhonda P. Hill
E D G E | Founder
Ventura

Image:  Upcycle fashion firm, Franovik Designs, designs one of a kind fashion using recyclable and organic materials.