15 pounds of greenhouse gases are reduced for every pound of used clothing. In reality, recycling most other materials, such as glass, paper, and plastics, has a significantly smaller climate impact than reusing textiles. We can reduce emissions from clothing production and disposal by up to 24% if we extend the lifespan of apparel from one to two years.

2,400 gallons of water are saved by reusing one pound of clothing. According to the World Bank, textile dyeing and treatment are responsible for 17–20% of industrial water contamination. Up to 72 chemicals detected in contaminated water are directly related to the methods used to dye textiles. Both wildlife habitats and sources of drinking water are contaminated by these pollutants.

The Council for Textile Recycling estimates that the average American discards 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles per year. One of the main contributors to waste is the fashion industry. For instance, producing simply a T-shirt and a pair of jeans uses more than 5,000 gallons of water.

On a planet with a limited supply, it is not sustainable to extract raw resources to make products that we utilize for a short period before throwing them away. It takes a lot of land, chemicals, and water to grow cotton. Petroleum is used in the production of synthetic fibers like polyester, while fabrics made from wood, like rayon, contribute to deforestation. Our planet's resources are extended and cycled when we reuse clothing.