Clothing

Believe it or not, the garment industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Manufacturing clothing is responsible for a significant chunk of the greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and textile waste that we contend with today.

The fashion industry is responsible for roughly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. When we learned this, it really reshaped how we thought about buying our clothes.

The majority of the harm comes from the production of synthetic fibers, like polyester and nylon which are made from oil. The extraction, transportation, and processing of oil into petrochemicals all contribute to releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

But not all “natural” fibers are easy on the environment.

My heart broke a little when I discovered how much chemical processing and energy consumption was needed to turn sustainable bamboo into ultra-soft viscose fabric.

But like many things, there are safer more sustainable bamboo clothing options like Bamboo Linen and Lyocell. It just requires some due diligence and research, some of which we have already done for you on this site. Yay!

The Benefit of Promoting Sustainable Clothing

Joining affiliate programs for sustainable clothing brands is a great way to shift the industry in a more positive and eco-conscious direction. Eco Clothing brands that emphasize the use of natural and recycled materials, like organic cotton, recycled clothing, hemp, and mercerized bamboo are less harmful to the environment without sacrificing in high-quality design.

The major concern is also these materials are also being processed. The dyeing and finishing of textiles often release harmful chemicals into water bodies. These chemicals can harm aquatic life and make water unsafe for drinking and even bathing.

It takes around 700 gallons of water to produce one new cotton shirt and 2,000 gallons of water to produce one new pair of jeans. The fashion industry also produces a significant amount of textile waste. Each year, around 85% of all textiles produced end up in landfills or incinerators. This waste can release harmful pollutants into the environment. This is why affiliate programs for clothing resale, thrift, and consignment are a favorite of ours! They actively help reduce the ‘fast-fashion to-landfill’ cycle that currently exists.

What to Look For

Some of the key elements we are looking for when considering listing a sustainable clothing brand’s affiliate program on Green Affiliate Programs are if the brand is making the following a priority:

• Reducing water use. The fashion industry can reduce water use by using more efficient dyeing and finishing processes. It can also recycle water.
• Minimizing waste. The fashion industry can minimize waste by designing clothes that are more durable and less likely to be discarded. It can also encourage consumers to repair and re-wear their clothes.
• Offsetting emissions. The fashion industry can offset its emissions by investing in renewable energy for it manufacturing.
• Utilizing non-toxic materials and ingredients.

Income with Positive Outcomes

A massive groundswell in interest for sustainable clothing is great news for all of us who love planet Earth and earning commission on referred sales!

People are becoming much more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and are making it a priority to invest in products that align with their values. This increased demand for sustainable clothing has given birth to a wide array of exciting brands and companies with share-worthy products. The bottom line is that consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable clothing. Tapping into this demand is a no-brainer for the eco-minded affiliate marketer.