Are you looking for a way to be stylish and stay sustainable? It is possible to have fashion and be mindful of the environment at the same time. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the fashion industry is impacting our environment, and what you can do to reduce your own Fashion Footprint.
1. Fashion Footprint: Embarking on an Eco-Chic Journey
Going green is no longer a nusiance – it’s an accessible way of life. We’re all well-aware of the simple steps we can take to live more sustainably – from carrying a reusable water bottle to buying fewer single-use plastics. But what about our fashion choices?
Our apparel is something we wear everyday and when it comes to green fashion, it can be hard to decipher which products are truly sustainable from those that are merely “green-washed.” Here’s a quick guide to help you begin your journey to a more eco-friendly closet, one piece at a time.
- Choose Natural Fibers. Opt for clothes made from organic materials like cotton, wool, linen, and hemp. Not only are these materials better for the environment, but they’re also known for their long-lasting durability and breathability.
- Read Labels. When it comes to responsible purchasing, it helps to read labels. If the clothing is made of synthetic fibers, check the ratio of recycled materials to new materials. Companies should also provide transparency about sound manufacturing practices.
- Shop Secondhand. Whether you browse your favorite thrift store or hit up the virtual marketplaces, it’s incredibly easy to find gently used clothing. You can find one-of-a-kind items, too – all while indulging your eco-friendly side.
Ready to explore more eco-friendly fashion options? Maybe a pair of vegan shoes? Check out some of the amazing brands that are doing their part to create a better fashion economy – the planet and your wardrobe will thank you!
We’re all on different stages of the sustainable fashion spectrum, but it’s never a bad idea to re-evaluate our wardrobe – and our choices. So get ready to embark on an eco-chic journey – the planet, and your wardrobe, are waiting!
2. Unveiling the Environmental Secret of the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has a major impact on our environment but it is often overlooked and underestimated. The non-stop innovations in the industry and the continuous production process can have serious detrimental effects on our planet.
Water Pollution is a major issue when it comes to the fashion industry. Dyes, bleaches and other chemical treatments used, when combined with wastewater runoff from the factories, can create hazardous water pollution. This can affect local ecosystems and canonsequently, lead to a decrease in quality of life for the surrounding population.
Carbon Emissions from the transportation process is yet another environmental issue related to the fashion industry. It consists of shipping raw materials to production sites and to other countries and the transport of finished products to the stores. All these processes require a large energy output, resulting into massive carbon emissions, contributing to the overall global climate change.
Consumer Behaviour is another element that can have a huge impact on the environment. Fast fashion is a primary contributor to the pollution caused by this industry, with clothes being thrown away after only a few uses. The producing process has an adverse environmental impact at each step, and the lack of responsible disposal of clothing has created a worldwide pile of clothing waste.
The way forward for the fashion industry is through regulation and setting standards for fashion labels and manufacturers. At the same time, we all have a role to play in reducing the environmental impact of fashion. Some ways to start: sourcing sustainable materials, choosing recycled fibres, buying less and choosing clothes that will stand the test of time.
- Educate yourself and be aware of the fabrics and other materials used for making clothes
- Reduce your fashion consumption by buying items you know you will use and love for a long time
- Look for sustainable fashion labels and support them
- Try to buy second-hand or vintage clothes
3. From Runways to Landfills: Fashion’s Trailing Environmental Footprint
It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-of-a-kind designer couture piece or a mass-market piece – no matter how flashy – fashion has been leaving a destructive environmental trail for many years. Have you ever stopped to think how the clothes you buy get from high-end runways to your closet? The ugly reality is that fashion is among the dirtiest industries in the world.
The latest reports find that the global fashion industry generates 1.2 billion tons of CO2 every year – that’s more than air and maritime travel combined! Manufacturing processes such as washing, dyeing and printing are responsible for over 70-80% of that carbon emission. Demand for ever-faster fashion has not only turned fashion into a “fast and disposable” commodity but it has also led to water misuse and contamination.
What happens to those clothes at the end of their life span? Unfortunately, chances are that they end up in landfills. Nearly 1/3 of the clothing produced each year is simply discarded, releasing toxic chemicals that can harm both people and the environment. The UK alone throws away an estimated 500,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing every year, which could cover an area the size of Hyde Park.
The industry is still playing catch-up; however, some fashion brands are trying to bring the luxury industry into the 21st century by introducing responsible and eco-friendly production lines.
Here are some actions we can all take to help:
- Invest in well-made and sustainable pieces
- Donate or resell your items
- Be resourceful and find new ways to layer & accessorize existing pieces
- Shop for vintage fashion & second-hand designer brands
- Take part in a clothing swap
It’s every consumer’s responsibility to do their part in propelling the industry towards innovation and sustainability. To make a real difference, we must all actively participate and embrace the planet-friendly fashion revolution.
4. Dressing with Consciousness: Unraveling the Environmental Impact of Clothing
As we become more conscious of the impact of our lifestyle choices, clothing is increasingly becoming an area where we can make a tangible difference for the planet. On average, a garment is produced with seven times its weight in the various substances used to create it, and in the process of making and shipping, combustible materials are released into the atmosphere, adding to global warming.
The extent of water or energy emissions of a piece of clothing varies depending on from what material it is composed and the processes used in creation. Synthetic materials take more energy to produce than natural ones due to its more complex manufacturing process. Additionally, even natural fibers have a greater environmental footprint than others, as correct choice of material is key.
- Organic Cotton: This fabric is cultivated without the use of fertilizers and chemicals, meaning that less water, soil, and environment are contaminated and less hazardous emissions are released into the atmosphere.
- Linen and Hemp: These fabrics are made from plants that require fewer resources to grow. Linen is strong, lightweight, long-lasting, and naturally decomposable.
- Recycled and Upcycled Materials: Old and worn-down clothes can be converted into valuable fabrics such as polyester, thread, and yarn. The result is a much more sustainable production process.
However, despite the impact of the material on its environmental footprint, the way it is used is just as important. Durability and style are key factors that must be taken into consideration to prevent the cycle of clothing overconsumption and overproduction.
Choosing clothes that can last us for a longer time and going for timeless designs are something we can do to reduce our footprint. However, there is also the option to go for secondhand clothing. Visiting thrift stores or opting for clothing rental companies are great ways to reduce our environmental impact.
By now, you’re an expert on the fashion footprint and its impacts. So, the next time you reach for that new ethical dress or toxin-free shoe, know that you’re helping in saving the environment, one fashionable step at a time.
