As winter sales sweep us away, it's important to uncover the truth behind fast fashion. The fashion industry is one of the most harmful industries, as the carbon emissions from countless international flights and shipping routes are enormous. The ecological footprint of fashion is large, resulting in the planet "paying the price".

Around 5 million tons of textile products are discarded each year in the European Union. The agenda of the European Commission promotes the education and awareness of citizens regarding this unsustainable cycle. The Commission states that its goal is for all textile products available in the EU market by 2030 to be durable, recyclable, and produced with respect for social rights and the environment.

The answer, then, to this major problem is "sustainable fashion".

What you can do:

• Shop for clothing and products made from recyclable materials.
• Visit your nearest "thrift shop". After all, you will find unique vintage pieces that maintain a timeless character, in contrast to fast fashion items.
• Prefer to procure clothing that was manufactured in the area you live or the nearest location.

Source: Avant Garde