For over a century, denim has established itself as one of the most versatile and popular staples of fashion. Developed as a material that could endure hard work and tough conditions, denim (particularly blue jeans) quickly caught on as a symbol of the rugged, independent American.

Today, people can buy jeans as cheap as $20 and as expensive as $200+ and are worn by everyone from blue-collar workers to supermodels — they’re so popular that over 450 million pairs are sold every year in the U.S. alone.

As our society becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, the sustainability of our beloved denim staples has been called into question.

So, let’s learn more about denim’s sustainability and how our shopping choices can help cut back on waste!

Is Denim Sustainable?

Historically, the answer has been “no” for a few big reasons. The production of denim is particularly wasteful and destructive, especially when it comes to water. Here are some of the biggest problems when it comes to denim and sustainability:

Water Usage

Traditionally, manufacturers have used more than 1,800 gallons of water to make just one pair of blue jeans. Most of this water is used to cultivate the cotton that makes up the denim material. To put that amount of water in perspective, 1,800 gallons of water weighs as much as four cars!

More water is used later on in the manufacturing process and even further down the road when we wash our jeans at home. As 2.7 billion people around the world experience water scarcity at least one month a year, it’s time to think critically about where we buy our favorite denim items.

Water Pollution

Another major issue in the denim manufacturing process is the dyeing of the fabric. To give our jeans and jackets that famous blue hue, lots of harmful chemicals (and even more water) are deployed, and even more are used to achieve the “distressed” look we all know and love. All of this waste creates a toxic sludge that leaches into water supplies and has caused widespread contamination in China, where pollution threatens the well-being of those who live near factories.

What You Can Do to Help

Examining the cost of “fast fashion” can turn up some ugly truths, but there are so many opportunities to cut back on waste while staying true to your fashion tastes. Let’s go over some ideas to help get you started!

Make Your Jeans Last Longer

Remember, jeans were originally created to endure the toughest working conditions! That means yours should last you many years (even decades, depending on the quality). Plus, they’ve been in style for over 100 years, so we all know they’ll always stay trendy. With that said, keeping your jeans in good condition can reduce the need to buy new ones every year. Here are a few tips and tricks to get more life out of your denim:

• Don’t toss your jeans into the washing machine unless they’re truly dirty
• Follow the wash instructions that come sewn into the jeans
• Keep them smelling fresh by spraying a mix of baking soda, essential oils and water
• Wash them in a cold cycle, and hang them to dry inside-out

Recycle Your Denim

Jeans should last a long time, but when you grow out of them, or when they become damaged beyond repair, you can still find a use for the material! If your jeans or jacket no longer fit, you can always donate or consign, where someone else can enjoy them for years to come!

For jeans that are beyond repair, there are hundreds of DIY ideas for repurposing old jeans that include:

• Headbands
• Patchwork blankets & throw rugs
• Dish rags
• Pouches or purses

Shop Responsibly & Buy Used Denim

When it’s time to buy your next pair of trusty blue jeans, do some research! Now that you know the environmental impact of denim, you can shop responsibly and support companies who are transparent with their process. Many companies have begun prioritizing methods that cut back on water waste, recycle and reuse denim, and more.

Another great way to shop for jeans responsibly is to buy them used. Thrift and consignment stores stock their inventories with trusted brands and quality items, so you know you’ll be getting lots of life out of your purchase. If you’re on the market for a new pair of blue jeans, head over to your local Turn Style — the earth will be glad you did.