At RENUE, we believe that fashion and the planet can coexist—but only if we choose better. This Earth Day, we’re pressing pause to reflect on the hidden cost of our clothes and how each of us can take small steps towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.
The truth is, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world—contributing to carbon emissions, water pollution, landfill waste, and even microplastic contamination. That cute new top? It might have travelled thousands of miles, used thousands of litres of water, and shed plastic fibres into the ocean before ever reaching your wardrobe.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
The Impact of Fashion on the Environment
- Water Waste: It can take over 2,700 litres of water to make one T-shirt. That’s more than one person drinks in two years.
- Carbon Footprint: The fashion industry accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined.
- Textile Waste: Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or buried in landfill.
- Microplastics: Washing synthetic fabrics like polyester releases plastic fibres into waterways—ending up in the ocean, marine life, and even our food chain.
How You Can Make a Difference
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being more intentional—one choice at a time.
✦ Buy Less, Choose Well
Opt for pieces that are made to last. Slow fashion > fast trends.
✦ Rewear with Pride
The most sustainable clothes are already in your wardrobe. Style them in new ways, repair what you love, and normalize outfit repeating.
✦ Wash Wisely
Wash on cold, air dry, and use a microfibre-catching laundry bag to reduce your environmental footprint.
✦ Shop Circular
Swap with friends, rent for special occasions, and resell or donate instead of discarding. Rent the dress. Borrow the jacket. Try a capsule wardrobe. These UK-based rental platforms make it easy:
- For The Creators – maternity + occasionwear done beautifully
- Sign of the Times – luxury designer rentals, minus the price tag
- Bundlee – a brilliant option for sustainable baby clothing
- Hurr – fashion-forward womenswear rentals, from partywear to everyday pieces.
✦ Support Transparent Brands
At RENUE, we create with intention.
- Our collections are made using natural, plant-based fabrics from TENCEL™ Lyocell, chosen for their regenerative nature and lower environmental impact.
- We produce in small batches, reducing overstock and encouraging slower, more thoughtful consumption.
- All of our packaging is 100% recyclable, and we proudly use zero plastic— from our biodegradable bags down to the tape on your parcel.
- And when it comes to style? We design timeless pieces made to last beyond a season.
We’re not here to guilt you, we’re here to empower you. The health of our planet is our health. This World Earth Day, let’s wear that message—literally.