By Diane L. Murtha
“Sustainability” is a popular topic. It’s the ability to maintain, support, or prevent depletion of our various environmental and economic resources. In simple terms, use what we need today in a way that doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to use what they need. It’s an alternative to wasteful behaviors and a “throw-away” mentality.
Breathing new life into old things is not a new concept. For generations, people made do, creating or repairing items from leftover fabric, old clothes, scrap wood and aluminum, and other home items. Today, many people, more aware of their impact on the environment, are trending back to their roots by reducing consumption, reusing material, and recycling.
There are good reasons to be aware. Millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills around the world each year. Textile production consumes massive amounts of water, and the chemical dyeing process accounts for 17-20% of global industrial water pollution.
Use eco-friendly materials, what you already have, upcycle, repurpose textile items into new creations, and consider second-hand retail options. Also learn about and buy sustainable brands. Look for sustainable certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard, OEKO-EX, and Fair Trade Certified, just to name a few.
In addition to garage sales, thrift stores, and social media pop-up sales, entrepreneurs across the country are establishing both brick and mortar and on-line shops specifically focused on buying back and selling fabric, craft items, clothes, and accessories. Valerie Baker, owner of Pound & Inch Fabric & Sewing Store, Moline IL, has repurposed over 15k pounds of fabric in 8 years. To resale clothing and accessories, look at on-line fashion consignments, like Poshmark, RealReal, and ThredUp.
Upcycle unwanted clothes into something new. Fabric Upcycling Community and Denim Upcycling, both Facebook groups, are great sources of ideas. Repurposing clothes from thrift stores is super popular with 20- and 30-year-olds. Almost any clothing item can be reused. Jeans, neck ties, button-down shirts, T-shirts, and baby clothes, all can be repurposed into quilts, clothing, and other household items. Abby Glassenberg, co-founder and President, Craft Industry Alliance, said, “Young people are very conscious about climate change and are using sewing to help. They are using thrift store finds and visible mending not only as an artistic expression, but as a statement about climate change and sustainability.”
Embracing sustainability doesn’t have to be hard or scary. Try it. Future generations and the environment will thank you.
Diane L. Murtha is an award-winning quilter, fiber artist, and international lecturer and instructor. Quilting for over 30 years, she gravitated to art quilts 10 years ago and discovered she loves challenges. Her quilts are included in books, numerous magazines, and multiple juried exhibits and international shows. She published her first book Artful Insights in Fiber: Quilted Bits of Wit & Wisdom in March 2023. She currently resides in Iowa. Learn more at: www.dianeLmurtha.com