How can mending clothing benefit the environment?

Mending clothing offers several significant environmental benefits, all of which are encapsulated in the correct response. By repairing garments instead of discarding them, it directly contributes to reducing clothing waste. Textile waste is a growing concern, as discarded clothing often ends up in landfills, where it can take years to break down.

Additionally, mending decreases the demand for new fabric production. The textile industry is resource-intensive and often associated with high water and energy usage, along with pollution. Extending the life of existing clothing diminishes the need to produce more textiles, thus conserving resources and reducing the overall environmental impact.

Lastly, mending can promote the recycling of materials. Many clothing items can be repaired using scraps or leftover materials, which might otherwise go to waste. This practice not only improves sustainability but also encourages a circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed.

Overall, each of these elements—reducing clothing waste, decreasing the need for new fabrics, and promoting recycling—works synergistically to create a positive impact on the environment, making the choice that encompasses all of them the best answer.