How to be a sustainable online shopper | Tia Robinson | TEDxAtlanta

Environmental Impact of Fashion Industry - Mass production in the fashion industry leads to one-third of all garments produced never being sold or worn [2] - Textile waste takes between 30 to 200+ years to decompose in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals [6][7] - Overproduction creates unmanageable waste, often shipped overseas, causing environmental injustice in countries like Ghana [3][4][8] Sustainable Solutions and Consumer Choices - Consumers can reshape the fashion industry by demanding better options and asking key questions before buying [9] - Assessing where clothes are manufactured helps evaluate their environmental and ethical footprint, favoring local-based facilities [10] - Brands should implement recycling, take-back programs, and circular practices to minimize their carbon footprint [11][12] - Shifting 10% of clothing purchases to brands that manufacture on demand could eliminate 3 billion wasted unsold garments per year [13][14] - Transparency in manufacturing practices, including factory locations and sustainability initiatives, is crucial for sustainability [15] Call to Action - Consumers have the power to drive positive change in the fashion industry through sustainable choices [17] - Choosing sustainable options can create a future that uplifts fashion, the planet, and profit [18]