Media coverage today elaborates on the consequences of fashion consumerism in all its forms. The fashion world within this decade has been under scrutiny for the greatest figures for clothing associated waste; accounting for all its production chain. The fast fashion industry is the dominating purpose of such alarming figures. It is estimated that fast fashion has contributed to a yearly waste of 300,000 metric tonnes, if not more being binned directly into landfill or incinerators.
We are sure you are wondering how much is actually being put forward for recycling purposes; in the generation of new clothes, sadly that figure is quite alarming for the moment at only 1%. Thus, with the predicted rise of 63% by 2030 of fast fashion clothes productions, we definitely need to be on the lookout individually and as a collective community in making those figures reduce for matters of longevity. If we do not seek answers we can find that the carbon footprint of the clothing industry will contribute to a world temperature increase of 2 degrees by 2050. So, what are you waiting for? Wanting to know how you can do your bit, as an eco-fashion warrior? Sure, you do-read more to find out our top tips!
Purchase less by utilising more
If you were to actively wear more of your own clothing and reduce your habit of purchasing new garments frequently, you will find that you are making it a less of a likelihood that your clothes will end up in a landfill somewhere. By wearing your clothes for a 9 month longer period, you will have saved and reduced your overall carbon footprint- 8% carbon reduction, 10% water usage reduction and 4% less metric tons of landfill space. These figures are of course based on collective UK spirit and community activeness in sustainable fashion.
Rent your outfits
This may seem like an awkward thing to do, from a hygienic perspective, however this is becoming increasingly popular with many brands like My Wardrobe HQ etc. This brand keeps clothes well and of the highest quality. It allows fashion conscious people to rent an outfit for an event, rather than actively purchase new clothes and just wear them once. Most of the items of clothes are designers and the latest fashion trends meaning you can wear more for less and save your wallet too. Social bees always are guilty of jumping from one event to another and often buying new outfits to go alongside it, meaning this really could be a solution for that no?
Organic fibres
Choosing material fibres that are organic, will ensure that you are not falling into a production that primarily cares for fast and quick manufacturing. Organic fibres like organic cotton, ensure that everything in the production chain is taken care of-from an attention to detail perspective. Therefore, considerations of the labourers and farmers, themselves, right down to irrigation and land use methods. Speaking from an environmental land use point of view, less pesticides, and toxic waste is put into the soil. All methods used are for long term minimal impacts.
Be aware of your fashion labels
If you study the differences between the label variants, you will realise that some fibres contribute a greater good in the environment and will help you reduce the long term affects that the fashion industry can contribute to. For example, bio, synthetic polymers emit only 40% of the CO2 emissions that synthetic fibres emit, meaning you are at a 60% less advantage-it is always good to be fashion conscious and read your labels. It is not just about how they look, but what they are made up of too.
Wash at low temperatures
Washing consciously is something as easy as a click of a few buttons. Therefore, you definitely need to get into habit of washing at lower temperatures. Lower temperature washes, uses less energy and can reduce the overall fibres that get released into the environment, as it doesn’t chemically break them down as much. It will make your clothes last longer too-meaning you can wear them for greater duration and seasons without any reason to dispose of them!
Being actively conscious within fashion, is something that requires effort and long-term input in order to see change and affect. However, seeking knowledge and taking the initiative with us NEA on our journey, we will provide to you the upmost knowledge of what you can incorporate in your everyday life, to make a difference. Together we can achieve everything and anything.
Fatima Elmusbahi
