POSTED Mar 29, 2022 - 03:18 PM
The State of Sustainable Fashion in the Philippines
How textile waste keeps on growing each year and what can we do about it.
The State of Sustainable Fashion in the Philippines
Over the past decade, clothing sales is increasing exponentially each year, while clothing utilization continues to decline worldwide.
Imported Garments has been increasing in the Philippines
![](/storage/widgets/hK75E2PJaAmvo9P3zI6JxAITwqBMPDTrssKBSlCT.jpg)
![](/storage/widgets/iMbEmOXx5xCTBvodmfWpzvhjMymq3TmtvZfR8TOF.jpg)
The global increase of clothing sales is evident in the country as garment imports from other countries has significantly increased since 2012 while exports are slowly dwindling down.
Sustainable Fashion has Garnered Attention Over The Past Decade
Because of this sudden increase in clothing purchases world wide, its becoming a global topic that even the Filipinos have become more aware of over the past few years.
Current Consumer Behavior does not Reflect the Awareness of Sustainable Fashion in the PH
![](/storage/widgets/ZtSn9Y8R8NvP6yE4MYEtAYdAgfa8Xn4QSfNeZOle.jpg)
![](/storage/widgets/3EVWeQjVZz2A2gQr5TnPxtb0N9d9itzuRTE43duq.jpg)
29% of Filipinos have thrown away their clothing after a single use while millennials are buying more than 50% of the new clothes they own within the year.
The Repercussions of this Buying Habit are Bigger Than Expected
![](/storage/widgets/KpcvVUBoUy0qgJi46Np49SJqYN5HRAcie4ybu7Nq.jpg)
![](/storage/widgets/RD6FgNm8eTq2oeRyXWxPmI58ropQ28o5tOV7Yeza.jpg)
Graphic from Perils of Fast Fashion, GMA News
Given how much Filipinos purchase and dispose of clothing, just imagine the scale of textile waste being produced by these consumer behavior. Since this buying habit is also being tolerated, clothing production will continue to contribute in water pollution and plastics from laundering.
What should we do?
1. Increase reliance on locally made garments instead of exports, and use sustainable materials like Abaca, Pina, and etc.
![](/storage/widgets/ZrVCawvUertFSrJOnLDqIyDaAh8dwUSwFnoHmWNO.png)
2. Further advocate responsible consumer behavior when buying garments to reduce textile waste and increase reused clothing.
![](/storage/widgets/IP4RRlU1s2FhVzKHmblQbQLrUoVtGo0hfBOffEky.png)
Credits
Clothing Sales vs Utilization Ellen McArthur Foundation
Philippines Garment Imports and Exports Philippine Statistics Authority
Sustainable Fashion Trend Google Trends
PH Fashion Consumer Behavior YouGov Omnibus Survey
Repercussions of Fast Fashion Perils of Fast Fashion, GMA News
Special thanks to Michael Clarapols, Esme Palaganas, and Jonas Marie Dumdum
Visualization Mago Analytics
Read more
![...](/storage/articles/thumbs/6415a6f5b37d8ee33c9c87e1a2c94369.jpg)
What is climate-smart agriculture and how will this help the Philippines?
Climate-smart agriculture isn’t a new concept for the Philippines. Here’s how this is being incorpor... Learn More
![...](/storage/articles/thumbs/5e69f13220e35d3e3361491e08fa3d78.jpg)
The essential role of seaweed in food security and sustainability
Coastal communities have turned to seaweed to sustain both ecosystems and local economies Learn More
![...](/storage/articles/thumbs/57ddfeb21fdb6947dbebd71cc4a36449.png)
How to make offices more sustainable
Creating a sustainable office space doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some factors to conside... Learn More
![...](/storage/articles/thumbs/ce123074e29729f14854c08a6de6b243.jpg)
The era of timber buildings has begun in PH
Timber is making a comeback in the construction industry because of its stable strength, durability,... Learn More