The Fast Fashion Industry is Causing a Public Health Crisis in Ghana
 

Health Crisis in Ghana Due to Used Clothing’s Toxic Textiles

A new report by Greenpeace Africa and Germany showed how fast fashion inflicts ramified and devastating consequences on the people and the planet through the global second-hand clothing trade. The report titled "Fast Fashion, Slow Poison: The Toxic Textile Crisis in Ghana" focuses on this West African country and highlights the environmental and public health damage this unsustainable sector is causing in Ghana.  

As the second largest final destination of used clothing from Europe by volume, Ghana is inundated with about 15 million used clothing items every week. Much of it is from fast fashion brands and chiefly made from synthetic fibers. Half of these clothes reach Ghana with no resale value, and they are tossed out by the stallholders of Kantamanto, the capital's largest second-hand market and one of the biggest on the planet. From there, these low-quality used garments end up in several informal dumpsites in Accra or burnt as fuel in public washhouses. 

The team behind this Greenpeace investigation collected air and soot samples from three of these public baths. These samples revealed that several hazardous chemical substances, including carcinogenic ones such as benzene or PAHs, contaminate the air and surfaces of these washhouses. This contamination jeopardizes the local community's health, which is exposed to dangerous chemicals at levels far above European safety standards.

The impact of fashion overproduction and overconsumption doesn't end there. Through infrared tests, the Greenpeace team discovered that a significant amount of this textile waste is made of petroleum-based synthetic fibers.  Most of these synthetic fibers were mixed with other fibers into blended fabrics that would have prevented European recycling. 

These discarded garments end up in the waterways with countless repercussions for local ecosystems. Because these garments are often made of non-biodegradable fabrics, they are bound to release microplastics and other chemicals into the environment. The clothes amassed in dumpsites are also threatening the local fauna. Their toxic leachate reaches not only the soil, groundwater, and agricultural lands but also lagoons and the Densu wetlands, a Ramsar Site located in the Greater Accra Region. 

The influx of imported and second-hand clothing permitted by trade liberalization policies had also hindered the growth of the "Made in Africa" clothing sector, which before that, was growing in the 1960s and 70s. Despite the many challenges, this industry still has significant potential for sustainable development that benefits the local communities and economies. 

On the other hand, fast fashion, with its mass production and low-quality unsustainable clothing, has changed the face of the second-hand clothing business in Ghana. The environmental injustice taking place in the country goes to show how fast fashion and the dominant production models of the West are an expression of the neocolonialist system that allows these Global North companies to pollute and do so without paying any consequences. The United Kingdom is the largest exporter of second-hand clothes to Ghana, followed by China, with the top 10 manufacturers of unsold garments from the second-hand market being fast fashion brands such as H&M, Primark, and Zara.

Given their responsibility for the ongoing crisis, Greenpeace stressed the need for Global North and its regulators to look at the evidence of the effect of fast fashion and overconsumption in second-hand clothing importer countries and develop solutions in tandem with them. In addition, extended Producer Responsibility agreements that follow the Polluter Pays Principle can also ensure the producers are held accountable for the impact of their products at all points of their life cycle.

«The evidence we have collected shows that the fast fashion industry is not just a fashion issue—it's a public health crisis. The clothes we tested are literally poisoning the people of Accra. » said the report author, Sam Quashie-Idun.«The situation in Ghana reflects a neocolonial mindset where the Global North profits from overproduction and waste, while countries like Ghana pay the price. It's time for a global treaty that addresses this imbalance and protects communities from the harm caused by fast fashion. » added Quashie-Idun, who also highlighted the importance of local solutions. «The Ghanaian government together with the international community should support the development of a sustainable local textile industry in Ghana, which can alleviate the waste problem while providing economic opportunities. »


About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.


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Thinx Period Underwear: An Honest Contributor Review
 

Are Thinx Period Underwear Worth It?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled with uncomfortable tampons or pads, worrying about staining your favorite pair of white jeans, or the frantic panic when you realize you’re out and don’t have a spare tampon in your purse. We’ve definitely been there. Introducing period panties - your eco-friendly solution to all of these problems. 

We’re all well aware that traditional tampons and sanitary pads aren’t exactly planet-friendly. Made out of plastic, they stick around in landfills for thousands of years. Also, the chemicals and synthetic fragrances aren’t great for your bodies either - for example, a recent study found that tampons from several different brands may contain toxic metals like arsenic and lead. Reusable period panties can be used for years - which means less waste. If you do want to stick with disposable products (at least initially), we recommend trying out biodegradable or natural options (check out Viv, Natracare, or Cora, amongst others!). Menstrual cups are another great eco-friendly option.  

There are so many great brands making period panties these days. We’ve been long term users of the Thinx hiphuggers and wanted to share our ~ honest ~ thoughts with you guys.

A Review of their Comfort Stretch Hiphuggers Period Underwear

Pricing in at $36 for a pair of their Comfort Stretch Hiphuggers, this may seem like a pricey upfront investment, but trust us - it’s worth it in the long run. These panties are super durable and long-lasting - ours are running on 4 years and are still going strong! They’ve started to lose a little bit of their elasticity, but that is after 4 years and they still have a while to go. If you think about all the tampons or sanitary pads you would have used in that time the price evens out faster than you would think! 

Our favorite feature of these Thinx panties is how absorbent they are. Seriously, they feel super secure and you won’t need to worry about leaks. You can keep them on for up to 12 hours without any issues. If you have a very heavy flow you may want to supplement with a panty liner for extra security, but for most people the panties are enough! 

When it comes to care, it’s super easy (and really not gross at all!). After use, rinse out your panties in cold water and just throw them in the laundry with dark colors. Thinx does recommend not using the dryer, but honestly we have been and haven’t had any issues. If you want to be more careful, you can definitely hand wash and air dry too. 

We’re not saying Thinx is perfect. Their panties are made from polyamide and polyester, which are not organic or biodegradable materials. Many of you may also have heard about the class action settlement against Thinx in 2023 after tests found that their products contained PFAS. 

However, this is not a dealbreaker. Thinx denied the claims, and also agreed to take measures to ensure that PFAS aren’t intentionally added to their panties going forward. Experts acknowledge that the presence of these substances don’t necessarily mean the products are unsafe to use, and also noted that PFAS are present in virtually any water, stain or wrinkle-resistent material. All Thinx underwear is OEKO-TEX certified, which means it’s free of harmful chemicals (as per a Swiss research organization).  

PS - if you’re not happy with your Thinx purchase (and we will be very surprised if this is the case!), they have a 45 day return or exchange policy. 


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Sustainable Living Tips: Composting At Home
 

Composting at home 

Messy, complicated, and smelly - we can’t lie, we’ve all had these thoughts when we think about composting at home. But it doesn’t have to be that way! We have some ideas that will make incorporating composting into your daily routines a breeze - and yes, this is possible even if you live in a city like NYC!

First up - why bother composting? Composting reduces the amount of household waste that eventually ends up in landfills or combustion sites - when this organic waste decomposes in landfills, it releases a ton of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Burning waste at combustion facilities releases CO2, another greenhouse gas. Secondly, it feeds your plants and keeps your gardens (or indoor plants) happy, nourished, and blooming.  

There’s a few different ways to compost - starting with lowest lift to most intense!

  1. If you have no outdoor space at all and aren’t able to compost at home (or are a beginner and want to start with baby steps), you can collect and drop off your weekly organic waste at your nearest city compost drop offlocation (NYC, LA, and Chicago all have compost services!). Hot tip: Store your waste in a plastic bag in the freezer if you’re worried about the smell! Definitely review your local compost rules on what they accept and don’t, but the general guidelines we outline below should apply to most sites.

  2. Create a super compost. If you’re limited by space, we highly recommend this mini compost/fertilizer which you can set up on your balcony or a smaller outdoor space. It contains a blend of the most fertile matter that decomposes faster than regular compost, making it a highly nutritious superfood that your plants will absolutely LOVE - but heads up, this one does smell a bit, so make sure you’re using a tightly sealed bucket or bin! Just add crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and tea leaves (but make sure there’s no dairy, sugar, or anything else in the mix), and onion and banana peels (chop up the peels for faster results) to the bucket, soak in water for a week and you’re good to go! This mix will be pretty runny so you can pour a tiny bit into your garden or pots.

    If it’s in your budget, Mill’s Food Recycler creates nutrient-rich grounds for your garden overnight!! 

  3. If you have the luxury of a backyard or any large outdoor space, you can set up a whole home compost setup. You can go down either the hot or cold composting routes. For cold composting, all you need to do is start collecting your organic waste in a pile or a bin - this can take up to a year to decompose. Hot composting is quicker (3-6 months), but requires a little more attention - you’ll need to periodically add water to your compost and give it a nice stir. If you want to go all out - add some worms for vermicomposting! 

Things you can compost:

A general guidance for a healthy home compost is the right mix of greens, browns, water, and oxygen. Greens are your source of nitrogen, and include food waste (fruit and veggie peels, coffee, tea, stale bread, egg shells), fresh grass, weeds, or plant clippings, or fresh manure. Think fresh, moist waste. Browns are the carbon source - think dry product that provides structure and bulk to your compost and prevents it from getting too wet and smelly. This includes wood chips, dry leaves or weeds, and shredded paper. Typically, we recommend three parts brown to one part green, but see how your compost is doing and adjust as needed (add more brown if it’s starting to feel too wet or smelly, or green and water if it gets too dry).

Things you cannot compost:

  • Any animal products - this includes leftover meat, bones, milk, or cheeses. This can attract rodents or other bugs and is not a good idea to include in your home composts.

  • Cooked leftovers - oily or fatty foods don’t do well in the compost and anything cooked in oil or butter is a no-go. 

  • Shiny or glossy paper

  • Definitely also stay away from pet droppings as these can carry diseases that you don’t want spreading!

  • Compostable bags or cutlery - these may work for industrial compost facilities but generally don’t do well in home composts

How to use your compost

You know your compost is good to go once it’s brown, crumbly, and relatively dry. All you need to do is top your flower beds or pots with a couple inches of the compost and a little bit of water - then sit back, relax, and watch those plants thrive! 


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12 Organic and Sustainable Bath Towels for an Eco-Friendly Bathroom (2024)
 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

The Best Sustainable & Organic Bath Towels

In today's world, where sustainability is increasingly valued, organic cotton bath towels have gained popularity among those who seek both luxury and environmental friendliness in their bathrooms. Crafted from cotton that is cultivated without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, these towels provide a purer and safer option for both your skin and the environment.

Why should you choose Organic Cotton Bath Towels?

According to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Material Sustainability Index, the environmental impact of conventional cotton production from cradle to gate (so basically, not considering cotton as a garment and its post-consumer ‘after-life’) is so significant that it’s the fifth most impactful material of all. After silk, alpaca wool, cow and goat leather, conventional cotton has the greatest eco-impact when considering global warming, eutrophication (which can lead to dead-zones), water scarcity, fossil fuels, and chemistry.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton crops can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural proteins to protect them from insect infestation and crop destruction, but not with the cocktail of toxic chemicals often sprayed over conventional cotton crops. 

This not only helps to protect farmers, but the environment, too. Eutrophication occurs when water is overly enriched with nutrients, often due to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which can result in dead-zones in water, where life struggles to persist. The same Sustainable Apparel Coalition data shows that eutrophication is reduced in organic cotton as compared to conventional cotton production. 

We can go on and on about the benefits of choosing organic cotton, but if you want to learn more, we suggest checking this post out here. It also dives into the different types of organic cotton like GOTS, Fair Trade, and Recycled Cotton.

Our Top picks for Organic, Sustainable bath towels:

1. Under the Canopy

Price: $17 - 32

This company is deeply dedicated to promoting a cleaner planet and advancing the home goods industry.

They proudly comply with six specific certifications—FAIR TRADE, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, C2C, RCS, and FSC—demonstrating their unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Their business model prioritizes sustainability at every stage, ensuring that all their products are crafted ethically from eco-friendly materials.

They strive to make conscious consumerism more accessible to everyone by offering affordable, inclusive, and undeniably stylish products.


2. Pact

Price: $65 - 85 for 2-pack

All items produced by Pact are crafted using organic cotton and are fully certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Furthermore, their towels are manufactured in Fair Trade-certified facilities, ensuring the provision of safe working environments and the promotion of local communities. Additionally, they give you the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of your shipment, enhancing the eco-friendliness of your shopping experience with them.


3. Made Trade

Price: $48 - 118

One of the top destinations for sustainable bath towels is Made Trade, an online store specializing in home goods.

They offer a wide range of environmentally friendly bath towels from respected brands such as Coyuchi, Minna, and Anatoli.

What’s great about Made Trade is that they ensure each product aligns with at least one of the following values: Sustainable, Fair Trade, Heritage, USA Made, or Vegan.

They even display specific symbols next to each product, making it easy for customers to identify the categories that the towels fall under. This way, you can make an informed choice based on your values and preferences.


4. Sunrise Bliss

Price: $15 - 20

I absolutely love these towels. They are so good that even when I'm away from home, I find myself missing them.

This is especially true because I have long hair, and these towels are an absolute must after taking a shower.

What I really appreciate about them is how absorbent they are, making it so much easier to dry my hair.

Another great thing about these towels is that they are made from GOTS Certified Organic Cotton with low impact dyes, which makes them environmentally friendly. Plus, they wash very well, so I can enjoy them over and over again.


5. Anact

Price: $35

A towel made from hemp and organic cotton! A fiber I’ve been rather excited to see have a comeback is hemp. Hemp fiber has so many benefits; it’s silly we haven’t been able to grow it for years.

Unfortunately, at this point, there are still a few obstacles to combat, such as access to quality fiber seed, processing equipment, and market size before it becomes widely used. However, this brand is based in my town Jax, FL, and they make an excellent towel set!


6. Coyuchi

Price: $68 - 102

Coyuchi offers an extensive range of towels, from luxurious plush to elegant Mediterranean styles, catering to a wide variety of preferences.

What I find particularly appealing about Coyuchi is their commitment to illustrating the positive impact of purchasing their products. For instance, when you buy The Cloud Loom Organic Towels, you're not only acquiring a high-quality product but also contributing to saving 1,190 days of drinking water, avoiding 5 miles of driving emissions, and farming 114 sq ft of land without pesticides. Given these eco-friendly factors, Coyuchi stands out as one of the top choices for home linens.

It's definitely worth considering adding a robe and bath mat to your purchase when selecting their towels!


7. Boll & Branch

Price: $49 - 69

Boll & Branch offers a range of luxurious towels all made from high-quality 100% organic cotton.

These towels are crafted using a 2-ply organic cotton yarn and have a high pile height, giving them a substantial and plush feel.

What's more, Boll & Branch uses a unique, chemical-free tumbling process to fluff up the yarns, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.

You can take advantage of their 30-day trial period to test out their products, but based on the positive reviews, you're likely to fall in love with them.

If you're interested, they also have a selection of bathrobes available for purchase.


8. April Notes

Price: $95 Towel Set (1 Bath Towel, Hand Towel, Wash Cloth)

At April Notes, they create timeless home textiles made from natural materials, including linen & organic cotton.

From the fabrics they use to how they design, craft, and deliver the products; they work to advocate for a more mindful home.

Their sourcing of earth-friendly materials minimizes the environmental impact, while the on-demand model eliminates textile waste.

From the smallest button to the plant-based packaging, April Notes pushes the envelope on sustainability, evoking feelings of happiness, comfort, and warmth.


9. American Blossom Linens

Price: $89

These towels are not only made in the USA, but they also use US-grown organic cotton!

They are produced in a state-of-the-art facility in Georgia that is dedicated to "Weaving a Better World®".

Every step of their supply chain takes place within the US, upholding their commitment to local production. Additionally, these towels are designed to offer the ideal combination of plushness and softness.


10. Takasa

Price: $75 - 90

Based in Vancouver, BC, Takasa idedicated to using exceptionally high quality materials and socially conscious manufacturing processes.

The company focuses on creating premium products for individuals who prioritize beauty, durability, and ethical sustainability.

Takasa's line of products is meticulously crafted using certified GOTS organic and Fairtrade Cotton. Additionally, the company measures its environmental footprint, provides a carbon offset certificate, and goes the extra mile by planting a tree with every single order.


11. Saatva

Price: $145 (2-pack)

Saatva is a mattress and bedding brand that focuses on sustainability and responsible sourcing.

All of Saatva's products are handcrafted in the United States using responsibly sourced materials.

The brand has established partnerships with 19 different factories across the United States, ensuring that, on average, its products travel less than 100 miles from the factory to your home.

This significantly reduces Saatva’s carbon footprint.

In addition to its environmental efforts, the company regularly donates mattresses to those in need and supports various reforestation projects.

Although their towels are not organic, they are all OEKO-TEX Certified and are available in two styles (waffle and plush) and three neutral colors.


12. Delilah Home Goods

Price: $60 for 2-pack

These luxurious towels are skillfully crafted in Europe using only the finest 100% organic Turkish cotton, which is Global Organic Textile Standard Certified.

The cotton is spun into exceptionally fine yarns and then expertly loomed into long, two-ply, double loops to fully leverage the extraordinary length of the fiber.

The result? Towels that are incredibly absorbent, soft, and up to 50% thicker than the majority of towels on the market.

Get ready to experience a level of coziness and warmth like never before!


Tips for caring for and maintaining organic cotton bath towels

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and continued luxurious performance of your organic bath towels. To keep your towels in top condition, follow these simple tips:

  1. Wash regularly: Wash your organic cotton towels regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, odors, and stains. Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent and avoid using fabric softeners, which can reduce the absorbency of the towels.

  2. Avoid high heat: Dry your organic cotton towels on a low or medium heat setting to prevent shrinkage and damage to the fibers. Alternatively, you can air-dry your towels, which is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient option.

  3. Fluff and fold: Regularly fluffing and folding your organic cotton towels can help maintain their soft and plush texture. You can also consider adding a few wool dryer balls to the dryer to help keep the towels fluffy and prevent them from becoming compacted.

  4. Store properly: Store your organic cotton towels in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will help prevent fading and preserve the integrity of the fibers.

  5. Avoid bleach: Steer clear of using bleach on your organic cotton towels, as it can weaken and damage the fibers over time. Instead, opt for gentle, eco-friendly stain-removal methods.


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Labor Day Weekend Sales at Our Favorite Sustainable Brands
 

Image: Pact

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better fashion industry. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

Sustainable Brands Labor Day Sales

In the world of sustainable fashion, the common complaint is that most sustainable brands are not budget-friendly. It's true that the price tags of sustainable fashion items can be surprising, especially when compared to the low-cost alternatives we are used to. Unfortunately, the reason behind this stark contrast lies in the exploitation of garment workers and the pervasive use of petroleum-based fabrics in the fashion industry. Today, the value of the fashion industry seems to be centered around the sheer quantity of cheap clothing pieces that brands can sell, or that consumers can purchase, rather than the quality and ethics behind each garment. Shockingly, it's estimated that the average woman buys over 50 pieces of clothing each year, with the majority of these being fast fashion items. These cheaply made garments often end up being worn fewer than 10 times before being discarded or donated due to their poor quality or fleeting trendiness. It's essential to remember that fashion can coexist responsibly with our planet and its people. We encourage everyone to cherish what they have, consider secondhand options, and support sustainable brands when possible. So, if you were planning to splurge on multiple fast fashion items this weekend, why not reconsider and opt for quality over quantity? Take advantage of these weekend sales to support brands that are striving to make the fashion industry a better, more sustainable place for all.

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plus up to 70% off sale

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buy a case, get one free

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15% off select bundles

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25% off sitewide plus 2 FREE Eco-Rest Pillows with mattress purchase

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take an extra 10% off markdowns with code MARKDOWN10 plus free shipping

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30% off select styles


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