Why Five Garments Matter | Megan Caldersmith | TEDxVictor Harbor

Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion - The average Australian buys 56 garments per year, contributing to a garbage truck of textiles going to landfill every second [3] - Australians contribute 300,000 tons of textiles to landfill annually, representing wasted resources and harmful carbon emissions [3] - 87% of textiles internationally end up in landfill [4] - International textile production nearly doubled from 58 million tons to 109 million tons between 2010 and 2020 [4] The "Five Garment Challenge" Solution - The report proposes a "Five Garment Challenge," urging individuals to buy only five new garments per year [16] - The challenge includes transforming existing garments and swapping or selling unwanted clothes [16] - Shifting from 56 garments to five garments per year could reduce Australia's textile landfill from 300,000 tons to 27,000 tons annually [23] - Globally, adopting this approach could prevent over 80 million tons of textile waste annually [23] Community and Personal Benefits - The "Recycled Runway" event transforms waste into wearable art, fostering inclusion, sustainability, skill-sharing, and community connection [9] - Participants in recycling initiatives report increased confidence, community connection, and a renewed love for fashion [9] - Raising awareness about sustainable fashion can lead to economic benefits, with people saving money or spending it on experiences [10]