The October 12, 1961 Evening Capital (Annapolis, Maryland) ran a story titled, "Disposable Clothes Seen Just Around The Corner." Excerpts appear below.
A research laboratory cuts its big laundry bill way down by sending dirty smocks, coveralls, etc., to the garbage pail. A housewife convinces her husband that her new party dress is a good bargain because she'll be able to wear it four times before throwing it away. Vacationers, ready to head home, stuff campsite trash and bedding into pillowcases and throw them into the campfire.
Disposable clothes are here - still being tested, but very much alive and kicking.
The article goes on to talk about the American public's issues with waste.
Part of the problem is one of salesmanship. Disposable clothes are still a novelty and command novelty prices. In addition, the American public is still hamstrung by the idea that waste is bad.
See also:
Closer Than We Think! Throw-Away Clothes (1959)
We Are Animals, Says Mr. Edison (1910)
Miss A.D. 2000 (Chicago Tribune, 1952)
Big Laughs Coming (1922)
"hamstrung by the idea that waste is bad"?
ReplyDeletethink of all those great ideas never realized because of petty environmental concerns....
I had a paper dress or two in either 1967 or 1968. I remember it had smiley faces on it! I kind of wish I had a photo of it now.
ReplyDeleteWe use disposable paper overall still! They are used when handling stuff like asbestos.
ReplyDeleteWe have these. It's called "Old Navy."
ReplyDeleteThank god we've overcome our backwards thoughts that waste is bad! It's too bad we're still hamstrung by the idea that the sun is good. I think we really need to snuff that big ole fireball out before it burns another sunbather!
ReplyDelete--Bonnach