The fashion industry around the world generates more than a trillion dollars annually. It is a well-known fact that the textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
Therefore, by making the right choice in the methods of production and sales and what one prefers to wear, we can enormously impact society and the environment in a favorable way. The future of fashion calls for sustainability.
WAYS BY WHICH WE CAN APPLY SUSTAINABILITY IN FASHION:
1) Change your attitude towards shopping
“Every new item of clothing made has a substantial carbon footprint attached to its manufacturing, but the amount of new energy needed to produce vintage clothing is zero,” Emma Watson told media.
“Vintage clothing has a huge role to play in making fashion more sustainable and reducing a global footprint that includes the 132m metric tonnes of coal used yearly through the production of new fibers, dyeing, and bleaching of garments and the 6-9 trillion liters of water used by the industry.”
2) Invest in trans-seasonal clothes
Only buy items that you know are going to work for you all year round. Don’t shell out on an entire summer wardrobe each year when you live in cold and rainy London – you won’t pass the 30 wears test. Instead, spend the bulk of your money on pieces that will see you through more than one season. Jeans, T-shirts, classic dresses, timeless coats, and jackets will make for a much more sustainable wardrobe.
3) Look after your clothes so they last longer
It sounds obvious, but it’s so important. Of course, if you buy better quality clothes, they are likely to last longer (and you’re also more likely to treat them better because they were more expensive) but this goes for everything hanging in your wardrobe.
Look after them properly and you will have to replace things less often. From caring for your cashmere to washing your denim inside out, go the extra mile to ensure your clothes stay at their best for longer.
4) Learn how to repair clothing yourself
When something rips or a heel breaks, you don’t necessarily have to throw it away. Learn how to repair your clothes and accessories – or, even easier, pay a professional to do it. Think twice before before using it as an excuse for something new.
5) Go fir quality over quantity
It’s all about planning. Buying better quality, more sustainable pieces is likely to cost you more money than buying a cheap high-street product that doesn’t tick the right boxes.
However, it’s all about changing your mindset. Yes, it costs more, but you’re likely to have it longer and will be buying less per season overall. Buying 10-30 high-quality items a year, rather than 60 cheaper, less eco-friendly pieces will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Basically, save up, invest and buy less.
Impact on environment by fashion has emerged in recent times. Ethical and sustainable fashion is an approach towards sourcing, manufacturing and designing clothes which can minimize the effects or impact on environment.
Nowadays, big brands are influenced by sustainability in fashion and hence increasing their approach towards eco-friendly products.
ANNE CLIEN rightly said: “Clothes are not going to change the world, the women who wear them will!”
I hope you all will pause and ponder to this upcoming agenda for the betterment of the society.
