Environmentally Sustainable Garment Disposal: Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes

With fast fashion on the rise resulting in an increased demand for cheap clothing, the negative impacts of the global fashion industry are wreaking havoc on the planet. The harmful effects of the apparel industry do not end at production, but extend beyond the post-consumer phase. Consumers are typically unaware of how worn apparel disposal affects the environment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze consumer knowledge of proper garment disposal and its relationship to responsible consumption. To adequately assess the topic, a literature review will be conducted in order to identify consumers’ perceived barriers to responsible garment disposal. In addition, a survey will be distributed followed by a content analysis of a consumer discussion on the environmental footprint of the end-consumer use phase. Findings will reveal overall low consumer awareness levels and a strong correlation between high knowledge of post-wear impacts and proper recycling of clothing. Additionally, the relationship between attitudes, engagement of sustainable practices, and consumer behavior regarding consumption have a direct impact on consumer actions towards the post-wear phase. This study concludes that the availability of knowledge of sustainable clothing practices has a direct affect on consumer engagement in conscious apparel disposal.