The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion
10% of the fashion industry contributes to global carbon emissions.
2,700 liters of water is used to make one cotton t-shirt.
6.5 million metric tons of microfibers are released into the environment globally every year.
How Surf Cowgirl is Different
Surf Cowgirl prioritizes the need for sustainable fashion in a world full of fast fashion. Our brand connects directly with marine life while having locations in Outer Banks and Wilmington. Two times a year we host a ocean clean up pop up with other small boutiques to help promote community clean up. We outsource our cotton used in our clothing from a small farm in Suffolk, Virginia, prioritizing our eco-concious fabric. In addition to that, all of our grahic printing is done in house.
Sources
The Hidden Cost of a Cotton T-Shirt. Global Society World News. (2024, June 12). https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/the-hidden-cost-of-a-cotton-t-shirt.
Li, J. (2025, August 19). Fast fashion and emissions: What’s the link? Earth.Org. https://earth.org/fast-fashion-and-emissions-whats-the-link/.
Microfibers Facts and Figures. Ocean Conservancy. (2023, March). https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Microfibers_factsheet_FINAL.pdf.