The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Not only has fast fashion been an ongoing trend, but a majority of consumers are not aware of the longevity that each piece of clothing entails. There are solutions that already exist to encourage sustainable consumption, and changing our consumption model is more realistic than we think. Here are seven eco-tips that can be useful if you want to become more sustainable: The French environment agency (ADEME) recommends choosing clothes made with organic cotton, recycled cotton, or polyester. According to the recycling methodology, these materials can reduce the impact by 99%1. Another idea is to choose fibers made from natural resources, such as wood cellulose. As the fast fashion industry continues to gain traction, there is a surplus of clothing items being purchased on a regular basis. All of which have a short life span, and end up overflowing the landfills. With this fast fashion model, collections are changing every month and so are our new clothes. It would be beneficial to change this mindset by prioritizing the reparation of old clothing items. For example, when there is a hole or when a missing button. Not only will this increase the life span of your clothes and make them last longer, but it will decrease the number of clothing items entering landfills. If you are in the market for new clothes, opt for second-hand shops. Not only do they promote reusing and recycling, but you are contributing to a circular economy versus continuously purchasing new items.1. Choose Organic or Recycled Fabric
2. Repair your Clothes Instead of Buying New Ones
3. Second-hand Shops are Useful
4. Buy Clothes Made with Organic Flax or Hemp
Another solution is to choose clean fabrics when purchasing clothing items. Organic flax and hemp materials use less water during their fabric process than traditional fabric. However, you must be careful and check where these fabrics have been made and how they were colored.
5. Choose Locally-made Clothes
Choose locally made clothes to support local businesses, as well as to cut down on the distance of transportation. By making it a regular practice to check the label, you are practicing sustainable habits. Although it is impossible to purchase goods primarily from your local community, opt for countries nearby that practice positive social and environmental practices. For example, these aspects are respected more in Italy than in factories in Bangladesh.
6. Choose Transparent Brands
Purchasing power with consumers is more powerful than we realise. If there is an option between two brands, favor the one following a transparent CSR policy. It is important to support companies trying to promote concrete actions to preserve our environment. Transparency is key.
7. Wash your Clothes Correctly
It is not necessary to wash your clothes at a high temperature, therefore choose the cool temperature setting to conserve energy. Also, do not wash clothes after one wear, and opt for eco-friendly laundry powder. This can be found in-store or can be 100% homemade and natural.
For more information on the impact within the fashion industry, read our article: The Environmental Impact of Fashion.
Sources:
1 Tru Earth,
https://www.tru.earth/Environmental-Impact-Of-Fast-Fashion-And-How-To-Reduce-It
As a sustainability enthusiast and advocate for eco-conscious living, I've immersed myself in the intricate web of knowledge surrounding environmentally friendly practices, particularly within the fashion industry. My commitment extends beyond theoretical understanding to hands-on experience and a continuous effort to stay informed about the latest developments.
Now, diving into the article on the environmental impact of the fashion industry, it resonates with the very core of my expertise. The statement that the fashion industry stands as one of the most polluting globally is not an exaggeration but a well-documented fact. My wealth of knowledge on this topic draws from various reputable sources, scientific studies, and firsthand engagement with sustainable initiatives.
The article rightly highlights the prevalent issue of fast fashion, a trend that has perpetuated environmental degradation. Fast fashion not only accelerates the production of clothing items but also contributes significantly to landfills due to its disposable nature. My understanding of this dynamic stems from a comprehensive grasp of the life cycle of clothing items, from production to disposal.
The seven eco-tips presented in the article align seamlessly with sustainable practices that I've championed in my advocacy. Let's break down each concept:
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Choose Organic or Recycled Fabric: The emphasis on organic cotton, recycled cotton, and polyester aligns with the research from the French environment agency (ADEME), which underscores the substantial reduction in environmental impact with these materials.
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Repair your Clothes Instead of Buying New Ones: The suggestion to prioritize repairing clothing resonates deeply with my belief in extending the lifespan of garments, thereby reducing the influx of items into landfills.
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Second-hand Shops are Useful: Second-hand shopping is not just a thrifty choice but a conscious decision to contribute to a circular economy, a concept I actively promote in sustainable fashion circles.
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Buy Clothes Made with Organic Flax or Hemp: The recommendation to opt for clean fabrics such as organic flax and hemp aligns with my knowledge of their reduced water consumption during the fabric process, contributing to overall sustainability.
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Choose Locally-made Clothes: Supporting local businesses and minimizing transportation distances are strategies I endorse to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the fashion industry.
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Choose Transparent Brands: The call for consumers to prioritize brands with transparent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies echoes my belief in the power of informed consumer choices to drive positive change.
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Wash your Clothes Correctly: The advice on washing clothes at lower temperatures, avoiding frequent washing, and opting for eco-friendly laundry products aligns with my practical knowledge of sustainable garment care practices.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates a holistic approach to sustainable fashion, and my expertise seamlessly aligns with the recommended eco-tips, substantiated by a deep understanding of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and practical steps toward positive change.
