For fashion to be truly sustainable, the industry will need to continue building commitment around protecting the planet, people and eco-systems; ultimately, organizations and designers consistently reviewing their processes to implement sustainability.
Did you know, nearly 20% of global wastewater is produced by the fashion industry (ucuce.org)? However, the industry hasn’t always been like this … prior to the early 2000s fast-fashion boom, clothing was produced at a much slower rate, and organisations used sustainable production systems.
In an ideal world…
Fashion would be circular, so it should be recycled when clothing reaches the end of its life. Although changing our behaviours will take some time, there are plenty of ways you can start being sustainable.
How to Contribute to Sustainable Fashion
- Buy Quality
Good quality material is often derived from natural fibers like cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk that are all biodegradable, essentially great for the planet. - Purchase Preloved Clothing
Fast fashion is highly disposable; once you wear it your likely to move on to another style. Alternatively, instead of buying brand new items, purchase preloved, to delay clothing going to landfill. - Repair & Restore
When you find a rip or lose a button instead of throwing it out, repair it! Simply grab a needle and thread and restore it. - Recycle, Reinvent, Resell!
So, when you’re ready to change your style, you can:- Reinvent your clothing by creating something new!
- Recycle – If you can’t reinvent it, check your local recycling plants to recycle the correct way.
- Resell to earn some extra money from your old clothes! Create an account on a reselling platform i.e eBay or Poshmark. Then start selling!
- Swap or Donate
You can always swap, borrow, or donate your clothing when you want to change your style. There are plenty of swapping events; however, ensure your safety during COVID-19.
Author: @fashionresellerdiary
