Climate change is occurring, garbage production is expanding, and the globe is on the verge of an ecological disaster. You may not realise it, but our favourite clothes have a direct impact on this. The fashion industry comes second in terms of pollution behind the oil industry.
Clothes were once considered a luxury item. Only the wealthiest aristocrats could afford to sew new clothes on a regular basis. Natural, biodegradable components were used, and the fabrics were made in tiny batches. But now consumers have the option to buy new goods every day and throw them away the next day; thanks to the rise of fashion industry, population increase, and the emergence of fast fashion brands.
The concept of ethics emerged in the backdrop of cheap labor and quantities of textile waste. Because the entire nature of the fashion industry is to constantly make and sell new items, ethical fashion appears to be an oxymoron. However, there are still several measures to lessen the textile industry's harmful impact on the planet.
It all starts with the materials you choose. Some raw materials are harmful during the manufacturing process, while others accumulate in the environment and do not dissipate. Organic cotton and safe lyocell are becoming increasingly popular among brands. Animal skin is being phased out in favour of more environmentally friendly alternatives such as pineapple or apple skin. It is important to understand that clean materials are not only about natural components but also about the absence of cruelty in the treatment of animals that give precious wool and silk.
The recycling issue is that if the materials are mixed with others, it is exceedingly difficult to implement. For example, if the product is wool + acrylic or cotton + polyester rather than 100 percent wool. In addition, the metal zipper or plastic button must be separated from the goods.
The amount of water utilised and the toxicity of chemicals, as well as the efficient use of energy resources and the carbon footprint, are all important aspects of production. Ethical factories are now seeking a way to limit their usage of non-renewable natural resources.
It is also critical to consider the factory workers' well-being. Low costs for goods are frequently the result of worker exploitation and low pay in third-world countries.
But that's not all; clothing travels a long distance from the factory to your doorstep. Air transport, for example, has a far bigger carbon footprint than ground transportation. Don't forget about the packing as well. It is preferable to use recycled cardboard or other alternatives instead of throwaway plastic.
Of course, consumers make the biggest contribution to the ethics of the fashion industry. Do you pay attention to the composition? How old are the clothes in your wardrobe? How often do you buy or throw things away? It is incredibly important to cultivate awareness when buying!
A quick guide on approaching clothing in a more ethical manner:
1. Try to extend the life of your items by focusing on quality rather than quantity.
2. Create a wardrobe that has everything in its place and can easily be combined with the rest.
3. Look for multipurpose designs that may be used to create multiple outfits.
4. Do not purchase a new piece unless there is a compelling cause to do so. There are a variety of options, including buying vintage and even renting. There's also the possibility of repairing.
5. Give 100 percent compositions preference. In this case, cotton and flax will be able to dissolve in nature. Synthetics can be melted down and wool processed!
6. Donate items to those in need rather than throwing them out unnecessarily.
7. Finally, generate demand for ethical clothing. The less you buy from fast fashion labels, the more worthy alternatives become available.
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