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ccording to The U.S. Geological Survey, “35% of the microplastics found in oceans can be traced to textiles, making them the largest source of microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans.” As a fashion lover, these kinds of factual and alarming statistics might bring you to a crossroads. If fashion causes all these problems to the earth, why do we bother? But it’s still possible to love fashion and care about the planet too. Sustainable fashion is the perfect way to have both. Sustainable fashion is becoming popular as people learn about the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and society, and what they can do about it.
What is sustainable fashion?
This is a movement towards a responsible and ethical way of producing, consuming, and disposing of clothing. It emphasizes reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry and improving the social conditions of the people involved in its production. From a consumer’s perspective, sustainable fashion means being mindful of the choices we make while shopping for outfits.
Check out 5 ways fashion lovers can amplify sustainable fashion…
#1. Buy fewer, high-quality items
You can make fashion sustainable by buying fewer, high-quality items that will last longer. Ditch the idea of buying cheap and disposable fast fashion items. You can also invest in high-quality pieces made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and linen. These items may cost more initially, but they are likely to last longer and be less harmful to the environment.
#2. Support sustainable brands
Supporting sustainable brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility is another way to herald sustainable fashion. By choosing to shop from these brands, we can encourage the fashion industry to adopt more eco-friendly practices. You can also research brands before making purchases to ensure they are ethical and sustainable.
#3. Rent or buy secondhand clothing
Renting or thrifting is an excellent way to reduce fashion’s impact on the environment. By choosing to wear pre-owned clothing, you can extend the life of existing products and reduce the demand for new items. Renting clothing is also a great option for special occasions or events where we might only wear an outfit once.
#4. Properly care for clothing
Properly caring for clothing can help extend its lifespan and reduce the need to buy new items frequently. Follow care instructions on clothing labels, wash clothing in cold water, air dry items instead of using a dryer, and avoid harsh detergents or bleach. Proper clothing care can help reduce energy consumption, water usage, and the number of items that end up in landfills.
#5. Donate or recycle clothing
You can donate or recycle clothing you no longer need or want. By donating clothing to local charities or thrift stores, you can give new life to your old clothes and support community organizations. Recycling is another option for items no longer wearable. Many textile recycling programs exist that can repurpose old clothing into new items, insulation, or rags.
Here are ways the fashion industry can achieve sustainable fashion
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle: One of the simplest and most effective ways to make fashion more sustainable is by reducing waste. Designers and manufacturers can minimize waste by creating durable and long-lasting products, using eco-friendly materials, and adopting closed-loop systems for production.
- Use of sustainable materials: The fashion industry can reduce its environmental impact by using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, and recycled fabrics. These materials are less harmful to the environment than conventional materials such as polyester, which is made from non-renewable resources and requires significant energy to produce.
- Embrace circular fashion: Circular fashion is a model that encourages the continued use of resources by designing products that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed. The circular fashion model aims to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Brands can adopt circular fashion by incorporating sustainable materials into their designs, using a closed-loop production system, and creating durable and long-lasting products.
- Adopt ethical practices: The fashion industry can make a significant impact by adopting ethical practices such as fair labor, safe working conditions, and living wages for workers. Brands can also work to reduce their carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources and minimizing their use of resources such as water and electricity.
- Educate consumers or end-users: Consumers play a vital role in making the fashion industry more sustainable. Educating consumers about the impact of their choices on the environment and society can help them make more informed decisions. Brands can work to educate consumers about the benefits of sustainable fashion such as reducing waste and supporting ethical practices.
Sustainable fashion is not just a trend, it’s a conscious choice that we can make to protect the environment and promote ethical practices in the fashion industry. By choosing high-quality garments made from sustainable materials, we can reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a healthier planet. So next time you go shopping, choose wisely and let’s make sustainable fashion the new black.
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