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A review by elcilor
Worn: A People's History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser
Worn: A People's History of Clothing has convinced me to pay closer attention to the clothing I purchase. As a vegan, I already avoid leather, wool, and silk, but this book reveals that cotton and many synthetic fabrics also have disastrous impacts on humans and animals. The story about viscose, which can be harmful to factory workers, was particularly compelling. The relentless pursuit of cheap clothing due to capitalism has devastating consequences for both people and animals.
The clothing industry takes a heavy toll on the environment, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of water pollution (especially in dyeing processes), and the release of numerous microplastics into sewers and oceans from synthetic fabrics during washing. Additionally, cotton alone accounts for 24% of insecticide use. Not to mention the existence of sweatshops, where factory workers endure monotonous and strenuous work for meager wages. These facts prompt me to delve deeper into ethical clothing choices that prioritize the well-being of both humans and nature.
While I wished the book delved into the suffering of sheep in the wool industry, it was still a compelling read. The author explores various locations within and outside the U.S., presenting a captivating narrative about clothing. The section on the origins of Paris's chic fashion culture was particularly enlightening. The book also provides an interesting insight into small groups of people embracing a romanticized return to the roots of clothing-making, contrasting with the overwhelming mass of the global clothing industry.
The clothing industry takes a heavy toll on the environment, contributing to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, 20% of water pollution (especially in dyeing processes), and the release of numerous microplastics into sewers and oceans from synthetic fabrics during washing. Additionally, cotton alone accounts for 24% of insecticide use. Not to mention the existence of sweatshops, where factory workers endure monotonous and strenuous work for meager wages. These facts prompt me to delve deeper into ethical clothing choices that prioritize the well-being of both humans and nature.
While I wished the book delved into the suffering of sheep in the wool industry, it was still a compelling read. The author explores various locations within and outside the U.S., presenting a captivating narrative about clothing. The section on the origins of Paris's chic fashion culture was particularly enlightening. The book also provides an interesting insight into small groups of people embracing a romanticized return to the roots of clothing-making, contrasting with the overwhelming mass of the global clothing industry.