Our Wardrobes and Sustainabaility

At Breath we strive to create a more sustainable, eco-conscious world by primarily focusing on the problem of over consumption in fashion. Our shirts are hyperlocal, meaning that everything from the design process to the printing of the shirts are done within a few mile radius of communities in the U.S. Southeast, with headquarters in North Carolina. Our 50/50 t-shirts are a blend of 50% up-cycled cotton and 50% recycled PET, with no dyes added as all the color comes from up-cycled cotton. Our 100% cotton tees are USDA Certified Organic Cotton, farmed, milled, cut, and sewn within that 250 mile radius of North Carolina. These are just the beginnings of how we are working to close the wasteful fashion loop. 

This problem of overconsumption, however, does not have only one solution, and there are many steps that we can take to overall live more eco-friendly lives. 

The fast fashion industry is notorious for its harmful and unethical environmental practices. From the massive amounts of water and chemicals used to produce clothing to the mountains of textile waste that end up in landfills, the environmental toll of fast fashion is only increasing with time. As of 2023, the fashion industry contributed to approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. We must also consider the human cost, where most fast fashion brands rely on cheap labor in developing countries to keep prices low and profits high, which leads to poor working conditions, unfair wages, and in some cases child labor. Additional negative consequences are: 

1. Water Consumption: The production of one entirely new cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of water from start to finish of production, equivalent to what one person drinks over a period of 2.5 years, thus contributing to water scarcity.
   
   
2. Textile Waste: The average American throws away about 70 pounds of clothing per year, much of which ends up in landfills. Synthetic fibers used in fast fashion garments can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to long term environmental damage. 
   
   
3. Microplastic Pollution: In addition to general textile waster, many fast fashion garments are made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, which shed microplastics when washed. These microplastics end up in waterways, where they can harm marine life and enter the food chain, circling back to pose risks in our own health. 
   
   
4. Chemical Pollution: Fast fashion relies heavily on the use of toxic chemicals in textile production, such as dyes and finishes, these chemicals not only contaminate waterways but also pose health risks to workers and nearby communities. 
   
   
5. Economic Disruption: The rise of fast fashion has led to the decline of local textile industries in many developing countries, as large multinational brands undercut local producers with low prices and poor pay. 

To take those first steps towards a more eco-conscious we can all try to be more mindful consumers and to especially be more conscious of micro-trends by: 

1. Quality over Quantity: Placing more thought into what is a purposeful purchase and what we are buying on a whim. Investing in quality, long lasting products that will last for years rather than disposable fashion that falls apart after a few wears is another way to reduce our impact on the planet. 
   
   
2. Second- Hand Shopping: With the rise of more sustainable practices, so comes the rise of second-hand websites and stores, which are another alternative to creating fashion waste and allowing consumers to shop preloved products at much cheaper prices, benefitting all parties involved.
   
   
3. Support Sustainable Brands: Brands like Breath prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices, providing transparency in their supply chains. Research which sustainable brands offer the clothing that best fits your lifestyle.
   
   
4. Renting and Borrowing: Consider renting special occasion outfits or borrowing clothes for one-time events instead of purchasing something new that might not be put back into rotation. This reduces the demand for new clothing while still allowing you to experiment with new styles. 
   
   
5. Care for Your Clothes: Extend the lifespan of your clothing by following care instructions carefully, washing garments in cold water, air-drying whenever possible, and avoiding excessive ironing or dry cleaning. 
   
   
6. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry and follow organizations and news that advocate for sustainable fashion practice. 

Perhaps the most important thing we can do is raise awareness and demand change. By supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices and speaking out against those that don’t, we can send the message that we won’t stand for exploitation and environmental destruction in the name of fashion. We should advocate for a fashion industry that puts people and the planet before profits. 

Thank you for reading, 

Breath