The fashion industry is enormous. It's worth more than 2.5 trillion dollars, and it is responsible for so much waste. Like A LOT A LOT of waste. 

Globally, 13 million tons of textile waste is thrown away each year. Fashion is one of the top five most polluting industries from its supply chains down to it's manufactured disposability.

In the 1940’s the average woman had 9 outfits. In the 60’s people on average attained 10 pieces of new clothing a year. Now, each person buys roughly 70 new garments a year! That's a lot! 

We used to have four seasons, but four seasons isn't enough anymore. In order to keep us spending, retailers have pioneered 52 micro-seasons which means new products and styles are coming out every single week. Their goal is to make you feel like you're out of fashion the moment you wear something. 

Which, in our right minds, we all know is ridiculous. But, when we're influenced by marketers, we're not thinking with our right minds. We're thinking with our subconscious and our feelings. 

Thankfully, there are a few ways you can help reverse this!  

1. Wait- Don't impulse buy

One of the best ways to combat these clever marketing tactics is to simply step back and wait. Give yourself 30 days. If after 30 days you're still thinking about the item and you know that it will add value to your life, then buy it. But, if the 30 days pass and you realize it won't add a lot of value to your life, then just let it go. 

2. Don't chase trends 

Instead of focusing on the newest, latest, and greatest trends - try to stick to classic pieces with classic lines that you can wear season after season. The great thing about fashion is that everything is cyclical. One of the best ways to get the trend for less is to shop for something vintage. 

Of course, thanks to tons of rental clothing services, you can also rent the trend! Check out Rent the Runway 

3. Shop ethically 

When it comes to buying new clothes try to shop ethically. You want to know that the clothing you buy was made responsibly and by someone paid a living wage. 

4. Shop secondhand

The secondhand market for clothing is HUGE. There are so many amazing pieces out there in need of a loving home. 

One of the most eco-friendly things you can buy is something that has already been bought. 

What most people might not know is that there are different levels of secondhand shopping. If you're looking for a treasure hunt - i.e. combing through racks for the gems then definitely hit up your local charity shop.

If you're looking for higher-end pieces and something that is more curated, then you're going to want to go to a consignment shop. With curation, comes a little bit higher price tag, but you don't have to dig! 

Then there's also online thrift stores like ThredUp or even Deepop and eBay. 

What do you do to fight fashion or do you simply not care? Let us know in the comments.