Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
Working with the summer interns has been a joy. We talked a lot about water conservation, litter prevention, beautification, and recycling.
Stephanie Padilla Milan, one of the interns, researched recycling and found the following interesting information. Have you ever purchased a cute, inexpensive shirt, worn it only once or twice, and then forgotten about it? Maybe it ended up in the back of your closet, in a donation bin, or even in the trash. While it may seem like a harmless purchase, this simple habit contributes to one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges in the world, called fast fashion.
At Keep Liberty Beautiful, we believe that protecting our environment starts with the everyday choices we make. From reducing litter and recycling to conserving natural resources, our mission is to educate and inspire residents to become better stewards of our community.
One area that deserves more attention is the clothing we buy and throw away. Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing that is mass-produced quickly to keep up with the latest trends. Retailers are constantly introducing new styles, encouraging consumers to buy more clothing at lower prices. While these bargains may seem appealing, the hidden environmental costs are enormous.
The fast fashion industry expanded rapidly beginning in the 1970s, as manufacturers moved production overseas, where labor costs were lower and environmental regulations were often less strict.
By the 1990s, companies had shortened production times dramatically, allowing new designs to appear in stores within weeks. Today, online retailers have accelerated the process even further, making it possible to purchase hundreds of trendy items with just a few clicks.
Unfortunately, the true price of these inexpensive clothes is paid by both people and the planet. The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10 percent of global carbon emissions while consuming tremendous amounts of water and using dyes and chemicals that pollute rivers and streams. Many garments are made from polyester, a plastic-based fiber that sheds tiny microplastics every time it is washed. These microscopic particles eventually find their way into our waterways, lakes, rivers, and oceans, where they can harm aquatic life and enter the food chain.
Textile waste is another growing concern. Research estimates that the average American throws away more than 80 pounds of clothing every year. Across the United States, that adds up to millions of tons of clothing entering landfills annually. Worldwide, nearly 92 million tons of textiles are discarded each year, with many items taking decades to decompose due to their synthetic composition.
Every purchase we make has an environmental footprint. When we choose quality over quantity and keep clothing in use longer, we’re conserving natural resources, reducing landfill waste, and protecting the environment for future generations. Making mindful clothing choices is a simple way each of us can help reduce pollution and support a healthier community. Your decisions matter and can make a real difference in safeguarding our environment for tomorrow.
One of the easiest solutions is becoming a more thoughtful shopper. Stephanie pointed out that before buying a new outfit, ask yourself a simple question: “Will I wear this at least 10 times?” If the answer is no, consider leaving it on the shelf.
Reading clothing labels can also help. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or wool generally have a smaller environmental impact than garments made primarily from polyester or other synthetic materials. Another environmentally friendly option is shopping secondhand. Thrift stores, consignment shops, garage sales, and clothing swaps give garments a second life while keeping usable items out of landfills. Not only can shoppers save money, but they often discover unique, high-quality pieces that aren’t available in traditional retail stores.
Thrifting also encourages creativity. Learning a few simple sewing skills can extend the life of clothing with missing buttons or small tears. Looking beyond your usual clothing section or experimenting with different styles, as Mrs. Melinda Schneider did, can uncover hidden treasures while reducing waste.
“Small actions truly add up,” Stephanie Padilla Milan adds. “Choosing to repair, reuse, or thrift instead of always buying new is another way each of us can support a cleaner, greener Liberty County. Sustainability begins with the decisions we make every day.”
The next time you’re tempted by the latest fashion trend, remember that every piece of clothing has a story. Choosing to buy less, wear items longer, repair what you already own, and shop secondhand helps reduce pollution, conserve resources, and protect our beautiful community.
Stephanie found in her research that it’s important to remember: Every ring has a story, every necklace a song, every jacket a winter tale, and every shirt can sing along.
At Keep Liberty Beautiful, we encourage everyone to think beyond today’s trends and consider tomorrow’s environment. Together, we can reduce waste, protect our waterways, and build a cleaner, healthier Liberty County, one thoughtful choice at a time.
For more information about volunteer opportunities and environmental programs, contact Keep Liberty Beautiful at (912) 880-4888, email klcb@libertycountyga. gov, or visit Keep Liberty Beautiful and discover how you can become part of the effort to Keep Liberty County Beautiful.
KLB is still in need of boat captains who are willing to transport our volunteers in the annual beach sweep on August 15 to St. Catherine’s Island.