How Clean Are Your Clothes?

The hidden cost of the clothes we’re buying.

0 CO²1760–1820
The Industrial Revolution initiates the relentless release of greenhouse gas emissions intothe atmosphere. Emissions are at 280 parts per million.
1940s
First use of polyester fibers
1988
US Senate hears testimony on global warming
1990s
The rise of fast fashion
1994
First e-commerce clothing websites
2002
World produces $1 trillion worth of clothes
2013
Rana Plaza factory catastrophe
2015
Clothing production reaches a value of $1.8 trillion
2022
CO2e at levels more than 150 times higher than in 1850

1850
1890
1930
1970
1990
2010

Call It a Climate Crisis

Half the carbon emitted by burning fossil fuels was released in the past three decades. Releasing carbon dioxide into the air traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

The Industry Is a Waste, And It’s Getting Worse.

Buy. Use. Throw away. Buy more. Fast, disposable fashion is wasteful by design. Consumers buy 60% more items of clothing and keep them for about half as long as they did 15 years ago.*

*According to a 2016 report by McKinsey & Company that looked at consumer spending and clothing production from 2000 to 2014.

16.2 Million

The number of tons of textile waste the US generated in 2014, compared to 9.4 million in 2000.

The clothing industry contributes roughly 2% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Resources Institute.

Apparel workers are among the lowest-paid laborers in the world.

The Greenwashing Problem

The world’s largest clothing brands hide dirty, irresponsible practices and misuse words like “sustainable,” “green” and “conscious.”

Cut-rate prices, overconsumption and a culture of convenience

Lead to…

pollution, labor abuses and waste.

Together, we can change how clothes are made.

We’re Recycling Our Way to Lower Emissions

Recycled material is the greatest input in our gear and allows us to decrease our dependence on oil-based materials, creating moredemand in the marketso other brands can use it, too.

Demand Recycled
We Grow Our Cotton Organically

Since 1996, all of the virgin cotton in our line has been grown organically, without the use of harmful chemicals (and we make clothes with recycled cotton, too).

Demand Organic
We’re Changing How We Grow Food and Fiber

We are investing in and testing ways to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere through Regenerative Organic practices.

Learn More
We Care for Our Workers

We are dedicated to improving conditions for our workers. Over 90% of our product line was made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, impacting more than 90,000 workers.

Demand Fair Trade

Know How Your
Clothes Are Made.

Informed buyers will force the clothing industry to drop their dirty practices. Demand better practices—what you buy is what the industry will become.

Explore Our Footprint