Home
Archive
Newsletters
Video
Blogs
Discuss
About
Search
Donate
Advertise
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • AlterNetYour turn

Support AlterNet
Do you value the information you're getting from AlterNet? Please show your support with a tax-deductible donation.


Feedback
Tell us how we're doing.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Average Household Spent $1,760 on Clothes in 2007 -- Here's One Way to Cut Back

By Stan Cox, CounterPunch. Posted November 29, 2008.


Christmas after Christmas, polls show that clothing, the most popular present among givers, is ranked as the 'most disappointing gift.'

Share and save this post:

      

      

Share on Facebook       

AlterNet Social Networks:
follow us on twitter
find us on Facebook

More stories by Stan Cox

Advertisement
Upcoming AlterNet stories on Digg

A deep recession -- or worse -- is in the holiday forecast, but belt-tightening doesn't have to ruin the festive mood. Here's one painless way to cut expenses while giving the planet a much-needed break: Resolve not to buy any new clothes -- not even a tight new belt! -- for anyone for a whole year, starting now.

Don't worry about disappointing family or friends. Christmas after Christmas, polls show that clothing, the most popular present among givers, is also ranked as the "most disappointing gift" by those on the receiving end.

We've already stockpiled enough clothes to last us for years. The average annual shopping haul swelled from $1,550 per household in 2002 to $1,760 last year. That spending spree was prompted in part by what the Bureau of Labor Statistics says was a 30 percent drop in real apparel prices over the past decade. With cheap imports allowing a dollar to buy more, the physical bulk of garb purchased by the average household has risen 18 percent in just five years.

In America, even in hard times, anyone can be a power shopper. Our national cheap-clothing policy means you can fill your closets to bursting, even if you're not a major-party nominee on a $150,000 budget.

And with a constant need to free up closet space for new purchases, the average American discards 68 pounds of clothing and other textiles each year, the Environmental Protection Agency says.

Although 10 million tons of unwanted duds per year puts pressure on U.S. landfills, it's the origin of the clothes that does the greatest harm. Production of synthetic fabric consumes petroleum, blows out greenhouse gases and spews wastewater bearing organic solvents, heavy metals and poisonous dyes and fiber treatments.

Conventional cotton clothing also comes at great cost. Grown on less than 2 percent of U.S. farmland, the cotton crop accounts for one of every four pounds of pesticides sprayed, Agriculture Department figures show. Things are worse in the global south, where cotton accounts for half of pesticide use.

To curb the soil erosion for which cotton land is infamous, no-till methods have been introduced on a large scale. But they require heavier spraying of herbicides.

The United States brings in more clothes than the next highest nine importers combined. And by allowing our spinning, weaving and sewing jobs to go to Asia and Latin America, we've exported a big pollution problem as well.

Dye effluents often carry toxic metals, among them copper, cobalt, chromium, nickel, zinc, lead, antimony, silver, cadmium and mercury. Bleaching the cloth for a single shirt generates as much as 15 gallons of chlorine-polluted wastewater.

Chemicals used in the industry, including anti-wrinkle compounds, can be carcinogenic. In 2002, Italian and American researchers found that risks of nasal, bladder and gastrointestinal cancers among spinners, weavers and dyers were elevated 28 to 126 percent.

"Green" apparel makers are riding to the rescue but getting lost in a stampede. According to the nonprofit trade association Organic Exchange, the global market for organic cotton clothes grew by $1.4 billion -- 700 percent -- from 2001 to 2007. But in the same period Americans alone increased spending on conventional clothes by $29 billion. Like it or not, virtuous-clothing companies are adding to the bulk jamming the nation's collective closet, not replacing it.

Yes, I know. If Americans started buying just enough new clothes to fit our basic needs, we might deliver a coup de grace to the already crippled retail economy (and thrift-store racks would be stripped bare). But wouldn't it be great to emerge at the other end of the coming hard times with a new, more rational economy, one that isn't addicted to selling mountains of stuff that people don't need or even want?

To paraphrase a retail giant's slogan, we could save money, live better and spend less time on the consumption treadmill simply by not buying so many clothes. That would make for a real holiday bargain.

 


Digg!    Share on facebook   submit to reddit    Bookmark on Delicious   Stumble This  

See more stories tagged with: consumption, clothes

Stan Cox is a plant breeder and writer in Salina, Kansas. His book, Sick Planet: Corporate Food and Medicine, was just published by Pluto Press.

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from AlterNet! Sign up now »

Advertisement
Advertisement

 

Comments Turn comments off sitewide Give us feedback »
Comments closed.
The comments for this story have been closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.
View:
Cutting back
Posted by: kepstein7777 on Nov 29, 2008 12:44 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I completely agree about cutting back on consumer excess.

But even if everyone in the US were to cut back, what about China, India, etc.? Consumerism is new and exciting to many of them. Why should they deny themselves when Western economies have been trashing the earth for centuries?

Cutting back voluntarily has many benefits for those who choose it. But ultimately, I think only the cold forces of economic reality will knock any sense into the majority on a global scale.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Not a very practical idea
Posted by: helenahanbasquet on Nov 29, 2008 4:56 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
if you have kids. You can get away with dressing them in second-hand clothes for a few years when they are very young, but you can't go for a year without getting them something new--shoes, socks, underwear. They tend to wear out whatever they don't grow out of. Once they are teenagers they want to fit in with the other kids so convincing them to wear someone else's castoffs is hard. At some schools it's stigmatizing as well.

I suspect the disappointment mentioned in this article refers to the clothes bought by someone else. Once our kids became teenagers we just gave them money--never more than a couple hundred--to spend however they liked, and both kids would usually buy clothes.

This idea is fine for me, though. I never have enjoyed shopping for clothes and most of my wardrobe consists of things either given to me pre-worn or bought second-hand, but I refuse to wear someone else's shoes or underwear.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Black Friday
Posted by: 2thepoint on Nov 29, 2008 5:16 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
An employee at a local Walmart on Long Island, NY was just trampled to death as the store opened on Black Friday.. good luck in cutting back!

How about boycotting clothing from China all together. American clothing industry has almost completely disappeared but one can find made in America in some places. All it takes is a movement - if we want it back bad enough and are willing to pay nearly double the price, we can get it back!

I buy it where ever I can find it!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Black Friday Posted by: Shey
» RE: Black Friday Posted by: 2thepoint
learn to sew...
Posted by: ellie on Nov 29, 2008 5:45 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
making it yourself allows you to choose the fabric carefully... many places have eco friendly fabrics, drag the bag home and follow the pattern directions... well, most of the time the directions are right... you will end up with exactly what you want, it will fit and from experience, home sewn stuff lasts longer, looks better and it will slow down the shopping beast because if you have to make it, there's no instant gratification withdraws to deal with...

home made will cost way less in many different ways, human labor, environmentally and of course cash cheaper...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: learn to sew... Posted by: corgyn
Why does Christmas have to be the only time to cut back?
Posted by: maxpayne on Nov 29, 2008 7:59 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Spending occurs all year round. Just cutting back during Christmas isn't gonna solve jack. Sure, I am disgusted with the over-commercialization of Christmas but that doesn't mean no giving gifts.

P.S.: Yes, I'm all for being creative and reasonable spending.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Neurotic "needs" to please
Posted by: AMERICAN VETERAN on Nov 29, 2008 8:42 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Anyone who spends like that is suffering from a neurotic "need" tp please and to do a self fullfillment of being important to the recipient.

Several years ago, I was part of a family of two adults(questionable.lol), two kids and a dog.
We exchanged a couple of things such as lures and other fishing stuff.

The very best part of the entire evening was a gift to my then wife(what a cussword).
I wrapped a little dog turd in a little lure box and labelled it to her marked "Love, Bandit".

It was the best of the "gifts" and, we all got the biggest laugh out of it.
If that doesn't bring a smile to your face, your sense of humor is dead.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Find out who is selling rubies from Burma/Myanmar
Posted by: fanny666 on Nov 29, 2008 3:04 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Apologies for the tangentially related post.

A lot of people know that the diamond business fuels war in Africa. The same is true for rubies, some of which end up supporting the murderously undemocratic regime in Burma/Myanmar.

Find out more about blood rubies from Burma.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I know I'm gonna get flamed for this...
Posted by: Starfall Deception on Nov 29, 2008 6:34 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...but I have to say it: I love to buy shit. I love to buy shit for myself, and I love to buy shit for other people. I support capitalism.

I do have to mention, though, that I never buy people clothes. Because even if you know a person's style, each piece of clothing is made different, so you're never sure what size to get.

So I usually end up buying clothing for myself. I don't really buy clothes as much as I used to (I worked in a clothing store), but I can't see how anyone can go an entire year without buying any clothes. Like, you're probably going to need socks, and hand-me-down socks don't exist-- all socks get holes in them, fast. And the idea of hand-me-down underwear is disgusting.

I'm not against hand-me-downs. Some of the best shit I have is hand-me-down. I'm saying that clothing wears down, gets holes in it, gets an accidental bleach stain, tears. It doesn't last forever. So you're going to have to buy some new clothing each year. The key is to not buy as much.

But you're still going to have to buy. And I love buying. :D

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

make it last
Posted by: vetus schola on Nov 30, 2008 4:23 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Clothes are disappointing because any old thing is chosen as a gift, often in the wrong size. My family and friends know me well and if I receive clothes, it is often something much appreciated. I have a 30 year friend that I buy a couple of cool rock band t-shirts and jeans for each year. He is a disabled Army veteran and his clothing budget is non existent. He truly appreciates these gifts.

I am a woman and I hate buying clothes. Really. I like things that are functional, not flashy. I have had the same wool coat for 6 years now. I had to reapir a seam this year but it is still in very god condition. I purchased a nice down coat on sale earlier this year for my son and told him expect to have it a long time, through college. I will not be buying another. I have a pair of hikers, work boots and a black pair and brown pair of simple oxford dress shoes. I've seen the amount of "outfits" and dozens of pairs of shoes American women buy, forget about and toss in the trash or give to Goodwill. It is a terrible waste. Don't get me started on baby outfits!

I will be getting married next summer and plan on finding a nice, simple used wedding dress to wear.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Shopping Excess
Posted by: MEL810 on Nov 30, 2008 6:35 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Every year Americans go on a shopping orgy at Christmas. Clothes, for the most part, are the least of it. How about big screen TVs, Nintendo, Wiis, etc.? Do most of us really need all that stuff?
Apparently some of us are so 'stuff' and shopping addicted that we are willing to stand out in the cold and dark for hours, even bringing our small children with us, just to get bargains. A few of us are so crazy that we don't care if we maim or kill or get arrested in the pursuit of our "Black Friday: bargains.
Who are we trying to impress? Certainly not Jesus, who Christmas is supposedly to really be about anyway.
I don't have that many people to shop for and overall, I have never spent much more than $150.00 total for Christmas gifts. I often spend much less than that.
As for the peer-pressure driven teens and children: Adults shouldn't let kid & teen peer pressure drive their spending habits. That's the inmates running the asylum. After all, that peer pressure for 'brand name' stuff is driven by advertising aimed at sucking in new consumers at an early age.
I do buy some people clothes: My male housemate has requested certain functional clothes for a gift. He won't shop for himself.
But for everyone else, I don't get any clothes except accessories: a scarf, gloves, etc..I found some really cute neck wraps and gloves at the dollar store this year.
As to not buying from China, etc.: I just can't afford most new clothing unless it is that cheap Chinese stuff. I can't sew (I've tried & I'm awful & I hate it!)and I can't find everything I need at the thrift shop,although about 3/4+ of my wardrobe is thrift stuff.
So as much as I'd like to do the green, ethical shopping thing at all times, my wallet (probably also made in China- I got it at a consignment shop.) says no way.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Please send me your used clothes!
Posted by: EMB on Nov 30, 2008 8:55 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My name is Erica and I am asking people in this thoughtful community to send me their hand-me-downs. I live in Brooklyn, New York, and am trying for a decent office job but cannot afford the wardrobe. If anyone could help me with clothing it would be incredible for me and probably a kiss from an Angel for you...I am very average in size...5'5' tall and regular(size six?), size 8 foot. My address is 7022 Ridge Blvd. Apt.B 12, Brooklyn, NY, 11209. My phone is (718)924-1385. I have never previously shared this information but I feel confident that something positive will come of this. I hope someone with an open heart and an overflowing closet will decide to help.
Thank you,
Erica.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Please send me your used clothes! Posted by: fluffmuffinmom