What fashion teaches about goodbyes and starting over | Sheila Estaniel | TEDxFolsom

Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion - Only 16% of donated clothes are reused, with the remainder being incinerated or landfilled [4] - Kenya receives over 300 million synthetic garments annually, contributing to plastic pollution in the Nairobi River [4][5] - By 2050, textile waste production is projected to exceed 150 tons per year [5] - A typical garment is worn approximately 7 to 10 times before disposal [18] Circularity and Sustainability Solutions - The fashion industry needs to reimagine the whole system to prioritize waste prevention [7] - Circularity, a model that keeps materials in use for as long as possible, involves designing better goodbyes, building support systems, and redefining value [8][9] - Designing clothes for second lives includes choosing durable fabrics and trims that are easily repairable [11] - Technology, such as AI and GPS, can help scale individual behavior by providing guidance on clothing disposal and routing materials efficiently [14][15] Policy and Cultural Shifts - California passed the nation's first responsible textile recovery act, holding brands and retailers accountable for fashion waste [7] - A cultural shift is needed to value rewear, remove the stigma from buying used, and celebrate second acts for clothes [19] - Consumers can support secondhand and upcycling designers, test circularity tools, and donate wearable clothes [21]