Among the most polluting industries in the world is the fashion industry. Here how can we reduce our fashion environmental impact.
It is not easy to determine how long a piece of clothing will last.
In fact, there are already some solutions that can help consumers consume more efficiently. Here are seven eco-tips that can help you become more sustainable if you want to change your consumption model:
WHY IS FAST FASHION SO BAD?
Keeping the price of clothing and footwear very low encourages consumers to purchase them in bulk through fast fashion practices. In addition to contributing to waste, it leads to thoughtless purchases. Is it true that 10 percent of all carbon emissions are produced by the fashion industry? Furthermore, it consumes the second largest amount of water in the world.
The majority of fast fashion clothes are made of polyester, which is a widely used fabric. In contrast to cotton, it takes hundreds of years for it to degrade and emits three times as much carbon dioxide as other fibres.
There is also a large variety of vibrant and beautiful clothing available in fast fashion. There are many colourful clothing items made of toxic chemicals and cheap materials. In the media, this topic is often overlooked.
Fast fashion is plagued by unfair labor practices, which must be corrected immediately. It is a method used by clothing manufacturers and retailers to increase production while keeping costs low.
Slow-fashion practices would be ideal in an ideal world. Making your own or purchasing clothing requires considering the process and materials used in its production, as you might expect. Creating a sustainable fashion industry benchmark would involve producing higher-quality items with the aim of lasting longer, as well as emphasizing worker and environmental welfare.
1) Use fabric that is organic or recycled
Organic cotton, recycled cotton, and polyester clothes are recommended by the French environment agency (ADEME). Recycling can reduce the impact by up to 99%, according to the recycling methodology. Choosing fibers made from natural resources, such as wood and cellulose, is another option.
2) Repair your clothes rather than buying new ones
We buy new clothes every month due to the fast fashion model. The life length of your clothes can be extended if you change the model and fix holes, for example, or if a button is missing.
3) The use of second-hand shops is beneficial
A second-hand shop is perfect for those who are always changing their style or just want to have new clothes. Recycling and reusing clothes are promoted in these shops or their online equivalents.
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4) Wear clothing made from organic flax or hemp
Buying new clothes made from clean fabrics is also a meaningful solution. As a matter of fact, these two fabrics use less water in the fabric manufacturing process than traditional fabrics.
It is important, however, to check how the fabric was colored and where it was made.
5) How reduce our fashion environmental impact: Buy locally made clothes
The important thing is to check the label on the clothes to see where they were made. We are not saying that you must only buy clothes made in your country. Compared to Bangladesh, Italy has a higher chance of respecting social and environmental issues.
6) Choose brands that are transparent
It is possible for consumers to express their opinions through their purchases. When choosing between two brands, go with the one that has a transparent corporate social responsibility policy. The importance of supporting companies that are working towards preserving our environment cannot be overstated. The key to success is transparency.
7) Wash your clothes correctly
Your clothes do not need to be washed at a very high temperature. It is enough to clean at 30°C or 40°C in order to remove dirt. It is also a good idea to avoid washing clothes you have worn only once directly in the washing machine since they are usually not dirty enough to be washed. As a final note, you can also make your own laundry powder that’s 100% homemade and natural if you’re passionate about protecting our planet.
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