Plastech Spring Series: Fast Fashion’s Dirty Secret: How to Refresh Your Spring Wardrobe Sustainably

Welcome back to One Less Bag, where we're diving into Week 4 of our Spring Sustainability Series! This week, we’re talking about something we all love—fashion—but with a twist. As we transition into Spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes, but have you ever thought about the environmental cost of that new floral dress or pastel sweater? Let’s break it down. 

The Hidden Plastic in Your Closet 

Believe it or not, a huge percentage of modern clothing is made from plastic-based fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. In fact, over 60% of the clothing produced today contains synthetic fibers, which shed microplastics every time they’re washed. These tiny pollutants end up in our waterways, affecting marine life and even making their way into our food supply. 

And the fast fashion industry? It’s a major culprit. Every year, 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills, with many pieces worn only a handful of times before being discarded. That’s the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes being burned or dumped every second. 

So how do we refresh our Spring style without contributing to this global waste crisis? 

These stats were compiled by Jess Black regarding textile waste in Australia, but they can be expounded and applied elsewhere in the world.

Spring Fashion Swaps: Thrift Shopping & Upcycling 

One of the best ways to stay stylish while keeping clothing out of landfills is by shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and online resale platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp are filled with hidden gems waiting for a second life. 

Feeling creative? Upcycling is another fun way to breathe new life into old clothes. Turn oversized shirts into crop tops, add patches to worn-out jeans, or dye faded fabrics for a fresh look. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have unique pieces that no one else has. 

Sustainable Fabrics to Look For 

If you’re buying new, be mindful of the materials. Here are some eco-friendly fabrics to look for this Spring: 

• Organic Cotton – Grown without harmful pesticides, using less water than conventional cotton. 

• Linen – Made from flax plants, this durable fabric gets softer with time and is biodegradable. 

• Tencel (Lyocell) – A fabric made from sustainably harvested wood pulp, requiring less water and energy to produce. 

• Hemp – One of the most sustainable crops, requiring little water and no pesticides, plus it’s naturally antibacterial! 

• Recycled Fabrics – Some brands are now making clothing from recycled plastic bottles or upcycled textile waste. 

  
  

Storing Winter Clothes the Right Way 

Before fully embracing Spring, don’t forget to store your winter clothes properly to extend their lifespan. Here’s how: 

✅ Wash & Repair – Clean everything before storing to prevent stains from setting and moths from being attracted to dirt or sweat.  

✅ Choose the Right Storage – Use breathable fabric garment bags instead of plastic to avoid trapping moisture and causing mildew.  

✅ Add Natural Repellents – Skip the chemical mothballs and opt for cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep pests away.  

✅ Fold, Don’t Hang – Sweaters and knits should be folded to avoid stretching out over time. 

One Less Bag, One Big Impact 

By making small changes—choosing sustainable fabrics, thrifting, upcycling, and properly storing seasonal clothing—we can keep thousands of pounds of clothing out of landfills each year. Fast fashion thrives on overconsumption, but we have the power to disrupt the cycle. 

This Spring, let’s step into style with fashion choices that don’t cost the Earth. 🌎💚 

Join us next week for Week 5 of our Spring Sustainability Series, where we’ll dive into Seasonal Eating & Reducing Food Waste! 🍓🥦 Discover how eating with the seasons benefits your health, the planet, and your wallet—plus, get practical tips on cutting down food waste at home. Stay tuned for more ways to live sustainably, one small change at a time!

What’s your favorite sustainable fashion tip? Share in the comments below!