FASHION
What’s the problem?
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluting industries in the world. The production and distribution of crops, fibres and garments used in fashion all contribute to differing forms of environmental pollution. The continuous stream of mass-produced clothes in shops and online is called ‘Fast Fashion’. It is an approach to the design, creation and marketing of on-trend clothing quickly and cheaply.
Production
The constant production of clothes containing polyester and nylon is increasing each year. Polyester is made from a chemical reaction of coal, petroleum, air and water - two of which are fossil fuels. This causes several air pollutants and is non-biodegradable (contributing to the increased waste problem).
Waste
The excessive production of [fast] fashion causes 15.1 million tons of textile clothing waste each year. When textiles end up in landfills, the chemicals on clothes such as dyes, can cause environmental damage through leaching into the ground. Micro-plastics are also released during washing which is leading to polluted waterways and oceans.
What are sustainable textiles?
Consumers are increasingly considering the sustainability of their purchases, now they have a wider choice of fabrics. Things to bear in mind when choosing a textile include:
Impacts of raw materials: how much water and land were used to grow natural fibres like cotton and wool and what was the impact of extracting fossil fuels to make synthetic like polyester and nylon?
Production of raw materials: This includes water and energy for manufacturing, the impact of production and waste and a company’s social responsibility towards its workers and the communities surrounding its production facilities
Chemicals involved: dyes, finishes and coatings may also impact the health of textile workers, as well as consumers of the final product
Material longevity: What happens when this textile reaches its end of life? Is it biodegradable and what is required to turn it into a new raw material?
What can I do?
Change your attitude to shopping
Every new item of clothing has a substantial carbon footprint attached to its manufacturing. But the amount of energy needed to produce vintage clothing is zero. Why not check out local charity shops or pre-loved clothes specialists like Echoes in Little Chalfont. Or some of our suggested fashion apps below!
The 30 wears test
Every time you buy something, always think “will I wear it a minimum of 30 times?” - If the answer is yes, then buy it. But you’d be surprised how many times you say no!
Be more informed
One of the most difficult things about trying to be more sustainable is knowing where to start! And, where to shop. Do a little investigative work to find a handful of brands you love and who are aligned with your values.
Invest in trans-seasonal clothes
Only buy items that you know are going to work for you all-year-round. Don’t spend lots of money on an entire summer wardrobe each year when you live in cold and rainy Britain!
Donate unwanted clothes
Donating your unwanted clothes to a good cause, rather than leaving them hanging in your wardrobe, will help others to be more sustainable by investing in your old pieces. A great way to do this is have a one-in-one-out policy! Why not try using one of the fashion apps below to donate your clothes to!
Look after your clothes
It sounds obvious, but it’s so important! Looking after your clothes means you will replace things less often. Go the extra mile to really ensure your clothes stay their best for longer.
Learn how to repair your clothes
When something rips or breaks, you don’t necessarily have to throw it away. Learn how to repair your clothes and accessories. Think twice before using it as an excuse to buy more clothes!
Quality over quantity
Buying better quality, more sustainable pieces is likely to cost you less money over time than regularly buying a cheap high-street product that doesn’t last.
Adjust how you spend
Change what you splurge on. Instead of spending your hard earned wages on a dress for a wedding or pair of shoes that you’ll only wear on special occasions, spend your ‘investment’ cash on the things you wear every day.
Change your perspective
With more and more brands seeing the importance of an environmental focus, dressing sustainably no longer means compromising on style and beauty - so stop thinking that it does!
Fashion Apps!
The recent burst of coverage around fast fashion shows that shoppers are starting to turn away from unsustainable clothing, finally realising the threat it poses to the planet. But unsustainably made clothes are all around us — so how to begin navigating a more ethical route? Digital apps are disrupting the fashion system and enabling all sorts of new models of consumption. We’ve listed some below that will help your sustainable fashion journey!
Good On You
Using data from reputable organisations like Greenpeace and Carbon Trust, the app gives 2000+ brands an ethical score on a 1-5 scale, considering factors like workers’ labour conditions and use of animal products.
ReGain
Just pop at least 10 unwanted items into a box and take it to your closest UK drop-off point where your clothes will either be donated or recycled, and you can go ahead and shop with a clearer conscience.
Buycott
When you come across a product you want to investigate, just scan the product’s barcode with your phone and the app will tell you if there’s a clash with any of your beliefs. Cool right?
Fat Llama
This is the app for renting (almost) anything from people nearby, at an accessible cost. You can access more, save money and help the planet all at the same time!
Loopster
Reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry by buying and selling second-hand fashion.
Thrift
With the use of technology, their vision is to help individuals turn unwanted belongings into funding for worthwhile causes all over the world!
Baby Bundle UK
An online marketplace that is designed for you to be able to buy & sell new, pre-loved baby clothes and more. Preventing it going to waste.
Dotte
A simple one-stop-shop where parents can buy, sell, donate and recycle outgrown children's clothing. A full circle remedy to the fastest area of fashion.
“For fashion, all materials (including biological materials such as wool or cotton) should first be cycled through the technical cycle loops of reusing, repairing, remaking, and recycling.”
— Ellen MacArthur Foundation