Next week, London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks will be in full strut, in three consecutive weeks of mixed textures, clashing fabrics, and loads and loads of waste.
Whilst the colour green was one of last year’s primary trends in London, this year we’re hoping that the focus falls on a different interpretation of the word green; sustainability.
The fashion industry is responsible for a whopping 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, and is the second largest consumer of the world’s water supplies, according to the World Economic Forum. Only oil is more harmful.
With planet-damaging production practices at the top and unsustainable shopping habits on the high street, something has got to give in the way we go about styling ourselves. Here’s a start; our 7 ways to reduce your fashion footprint in 2023.
Know The Carbon Footprint Of Textiles
Textile production requires huge amounts of water and energy to meet demand, and the fashion industry produces more global carbon emissions annually than international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Troubling enough, but what’s worse is that it’s predicted that the manufacture of clothes will account for a quarter of the world’s carbon budget by 2050. That’s shocking, and something has got to give. Indeed, while we’re looking to travel, eat meat and use plastic more mindfully, rarely do we think about our clothes consumption in the same way. The first step to reducing our fashion footprint is by being aware of the scale of the problem. Knowledge is power, and all that.
Forgo Fast Fashion
The news in 2018 that Burberry had burned almost £30 million worth of clothes in an attempt to preserve the brand’s reputation for exclusivity caused outrage. More than anything, it was symptomatic of a wider, worrying trend of recent years; fast fashion, where clothing has become a single-use purchase, destined for landfill after just one wear.
Though the company has since renounced this practice, this so-called ”artificial scarcity” is widespread within the industry. The impact this has on the environment doesn’t need to be spelt out. If you do deem a garment unworthy or unwearable, the bin isn’t the place for it……
Swaps, Second Hand & Repurposing
… Of course, the single most efficient way to reduce your fashion footprint is to simply stop buying new clothes. For some, that may sound like a proposition too radical to bear, but hear us out. There are myriad ways to never have to hit the high street again.
Firstly, suggest to friends a swapping session. We’ve all got those outfits we’ve fallen out of love with, which don’t have anything implicitly wrong with them, they’re just out of favour. Well, snap! So why not gather up the items gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe and see if any friends fancy trying them for size.
Should you have something which still can’t find a body for, donate them to your local charity shop. While you’re in there, have a root around for some new garms; we all know that those vintage finds become your most loved pieces, and it’s money going to charity, so there really is nothing to lose.
Purchasing pre-loved clothing is an excellent way to reduce your fashion footprint. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Depop and Poshmark offer a vast selection of gently used items at a fraction of the cost.
By choosing second-hand, you’re extending the life of a garment and reducing waste, meaning that should you want to shop sustainably and start with women’s denim jeans or another traditionally resource-heavy material, you can do so (relatively) guilt free!
And finally, if you’re handy with the old thread and needle, you could repurpose old items and turn them into something new and groovy. How much more thrifty and rewarding is that?
Read: 6 IDEAL ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe
Rent Special Occasion Outfits
Similarly, for events that require specific attire, consider renting instead of buying. Rental services like Rent the Runway and The Black Tux offer designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price, reducing the need for single-use garments that contribute to textile waste.
Other websites, platforms and apps that offer a similar service include My Wardrobe HQ, Hurr Collective, Endless Wardrobe, Onloan, Rotaro, By Rotation, Wear the Walk, The Devout, Girl Meets Dress, and The Nu Wardrobe.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Not all fabrics were created equal. Nor do they use the same amount of energy in their production. Yep, it’s said that the manufacture of a single polyester t-shirt will generate three times as much CO2 as that of a cotton one. But according to the Pulse of the Fashion report 2018, switching up your polyester for a recyclable substitute will bring about a 60 percent reduction in energy usage and almost half the energy emissions too.
Clearly, it’s time to actively seek out clothes made from eco friendly fabric. By doing so, a change in the production habits of huge fashion companies and manufacturers can be spurred on.
Some eco-friendly fabrics to look out for include:
- Organic Cotton: This cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals, making it much better for the environment. It’s also typically grown in ways that conserve water and reduce soil erosion.
- Linen: Linen is made from the flax plant, which requires fewer pesticides and less water than other crops. Plus, the production process for linen is typically more sustainable than that of other fabrics.
- Tencel/Lyocell: This fabric is made from wood pulp and is produced in a closed-loop process that reduces waste and water usage. It’s also biodegradable.
- Hemp: Hemp is incredibly versatile and can be used to make everything from clothing to paper. It requires very little water and no pesticides to grow, making it a great eco-friendly choice.
Wash With Care
We’re sure that everyone has felt the heartbreak of lifting your favourite t-shirt from the wash, only to realise it’s shrunk or taken on an irredeemable pinky hue. So into the bin it goes, and the disposable fashion cycle keeps spinning. But washing your clothes with care, as per the instructions on the label, will keep them at their peak for longer and negate the need for new items.
Forgo – yep, we like that word today – tumble drying (bad for your clothes and a huge energy guzzler) and of course, use an eco cycle, on a low temperature to lessen the environmental impact of your wash. The green benefits of washing considerately are all-encompassing.
Read: 5 great tips on making your clothes last longer
Support Ethical Brands
As a conscious shopper, you can make a difference by supporting eco-friendly production methods in the fashion industry. When buying clothes, look out for brands that use sustainable fibres such as organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester, rather than fabrics made from synthetic materials, as we mentioned earlier.
Upcycling and recycling of materials are other indicators of eco-friendly production methods. It is also important to choose products that use natural dyes instead of chemical dyes, as these can be dangerous to the environment and human health.
Brands that use renewable energy in their manufacturing facilities and prioritize local sourcing and production will also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Zero-waste production techniques and ethical labour practices are additional factors to consider when choosing eco-friendly clothing.
By supporting companies that engage in these practices, you can contribute to a healthier planet, support sustainable fashion, and encourage the industry to be more responsible with its resources.
Supporting these companies sends a message to the fashion industry that consumers care about the environment and worker’s rights. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and B Corp to identify responsible brands.
And with that, we’re off to learn some simple sewing techniques! Wish us luck…
