Second chance for the planet

Why Buying Preloved Clothes is Better for the Environment

The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental degradation. From excessive water consumption to greenhouse gas emissions and textile waste, the impact of fast fashion is alarming. However, choosing preloved (second-hand) clothing instead of buying new can significantly reduce these negative effects. Here’s how:

1. Saves Water Resources

The production of new clothing requires an enormous amount of water. For example:

• A single cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce—enough drinking water for one person for 2.5 years (WWF).

• A pair of jeans takes about 7,500 liters of water to manufacture (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

By choosing second-hand clothing, we can save thousands of liters of water per garment, reducing the strain on the planet’s freshwater sources.

2. Lowers Carbon Footprint

The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and shipping combined (UNEP).

• Producing a single pair of jeans emits about 33.4 kg of CO₂ (Levi’s Lifecycle Assessment).

• A new polyester shirt contributes 5.5 kg of CO₂ to the atmosphere.

Since second-hand clothing requires no new production, buying preloved items helps avoid these emissions and reduces our carbon footprint.

3. Reduces Textile Waste

The world discards 92 million tons of textiles every year, most of which ends up in landfills (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

• In India, only 20% of textiles are recycled, while the rest contribute to landfill overflow and pollution.

• Synthetic fabrics like polyester take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful microplastics into the soil and water.

Buying second-hand clothing extends the lifespan of garments, keeping them out of landfills and reducing waste.

4. Cuts Down on Chemical Pollution

Textile production involves over 8,000 synthetic chemicals used in dyeing and finishing fabrics (Greenpeace).

• The industry accounts for 20% of global wastewater pollution due to toxic dyeing processes (World Bank).

• Rivers in major textile-producing countries, like the Citarum River in Indonesia, are heavily polluted due to fashion industry waste.

By purchasing preloved clothing, we eliminate the need for new dyeing and chemical treatments, reducing the pollution of freshwater sources.

5. Slows Down Fast Fashion’s Negative Impact

Fast fashion brands mass-produce clothing at an alarming rate, leading to overproduction and labor exploitation.

• 60% of all clothing is discarded within a year of production (McKinsey).
• Many fast fashion brands rely on sweatshop labor with poor wages and unsafe working conditions (Clean Clothes Campaign).

By choosing second-hand fashion, we reduce demand for fast fashion and promote a more ethical, circular economy.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Fashion Future

Opting for preloved clothing is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a greener planet. It saves water, lowers carbon emissions, reduces textile waste, cuts down on chemical pollution, and discourages fast fashion’s negative impacts.

If we all choose to buy just one used item instead of new, we could collectively save 449 million kg of CO₂ emissions annually (ThredUp Report).

By making second-hand fashion accessible and affordable, businesses like Prelo help people make sustainable fashion choices without compromising on style or budget. Ready to make a difference? Start thrifting today!