Environmental issues are on many people's minds and can easily turn into worries about whether an individual can actually make a difference in a global problem. With all the discussion around the environment, it’s a good time to reflect on our daily choices and ease climate anxiety with concrete actions.
Improving the situation is the sum of many factors and changes in different areas of life. At Emmy, however, we focus on the clothing industry and aim to introduce a new, more environmentally friendly model for acquiring and using clothes to international markets.
Did you know these facts about clothing production?
In 2017, over 24.5 million tons of cotton were produced worldwide. Many may be surprised at how much this kind of fast fashion-based clothing industry actually burdens the environment. For example, producing just one cotton T-shirt can use up to 2,700 liters of water and causes over 20 times its weight in CO2 emissions.In addition to clothing production, a major problem is their ever-shortening lifespan. In Finland, about 70 million kilos of textiles are discarded each year, which means about 13 kilos of textiles per Finn, from babies to grandparents. 13 kilos of textile waste equals about 50 individual garments—so for a family of four, up to 200 items of clothing end up in the trash or textile recycling each year.
The potential of used clothing
Wardrobes are therefore full of clothes that rarely see the light of day. As much as 60% of newly purchased clothes end up gathering dust in the closet. By putting those sleeping clothes back into circulation, you can reduce the need to produce new ones and help improve the environment. The Emmy online store makes it easy to both buy and sell used branded clothing.By using Emmy:
1) You reduce new production and thus save natural resources
A garment’s emissions are always generated in two parts. First, emissions come from the production of the product and its supply chain. Second, emissions are caused by the use of the product, such as washing and textile waste. By buying used, you can especially impact the first part. In addition, the product’s lifecycle is extended, making full use of the textile’s potential and delaying its end as waste. At Emmy, we always strive to think about a garment’s lifecycle as far as possible.2) You promote recycling and reduce textile waste
Extending the use of a garment in its original form is always a better option than just recycling its material for reuse. Selling a garment for money makes it more likely that the product will go to active use and real need. Clothes that cannot be sold are recycled by Emmy to charity or for recycling.3) You steer consumption towards more sustainable choices
The environment benefits when unnecessary consumption is minimized and quality clothes are bought only as needed—whether new or used. We favor sustainable style thinking: buy brands and materials that stand the test of time and suit your own style. This further increases the demand for high-quality brands that last from one user to another!So far, Emmy has helped save:
Over 297 tons of CO2 emissions Over 594 million liters of water In addition, more than 53,600 garments have been donated to charity (Data as of: 18.3.2019)The planet cannot withstand the current level of consumption. Water and raw material use, as well as carbon dioxide emissions, are predicted to double by 2050. So our small everyday choices make a big difference. If everyone tried used clothing or bought even half of their clothes second hand, we would already be taking a huge step forward for the environment!
Want to join the effort? Invest in Emmy!
Emmy, in cooperation with Invesdor, is organizing a public share issue to raise at least €500,000 for the company’s growth, development, and internationalization. The funding method is crowdfunding, so anyone can participate. The subscription period ends on 25.4.2019.By investing in Emmy, you become a shareholder in a rapidly growing business supported by megatrends. As a customer-owner, you also get benefits: a -15% discount code for all purchases and free shipping for all sales batches. The benefits are personal and valid until the end of 2020!
Investing is easy and reliable on the Invesdor platform, and the subscription can be paid conveniently by credit card or online banking credentials.
INVEST IN EMMY HERE
Sources used: Movinga, WWF, UN Environment, STJM - At the Forefront of the Circular Economy II, Carbon Trust