The stuff that we buy can have a big environmental impact that we are often unaware of.
Clothes account for a surprisingly big part of this. The Fashion industry is reckoned to be responsible for about 10% of carbon emissions (more than the aviation and shipping sectors combined). It is also behind serious water pollution issues in developing countries where waste water from dyeing fabric is dumped directly into rivers. Moreover there often being questions about how fairlythe people making garments are treated. According to surveys nearly half of the typical British persons wardrobe goes unworn anyway!*
There are lots of things we can do to lower our impact- here is a small selection:
• Simply buy fewer new clothes.
• Buy second hand – in charity/vintage shops or also on online sites.
• A stitch in time– I have a favourite pair of jeans about to go at the knee – I have promised myself to figure out how to patch them up before it’s too late!
• Try to buy good quality clothes that will last for longer. This should prove cost effective in the long term.
• When buying new clothes consider buying ones with higher ethical credentials. For example it is possible to buy from brands who use recycled polymer fibres for coats, or who use organic cotton which has a lower environmental impact and doesn’t expose farm workers to harmful pesticides. It is also possible to buy some items of clothing which are FairTrade.
If you want to know more please do come to our online event on Sustainable Fashion on 11th October at 7.30pm – you can register here.
Since this month’s EcoChallenge is to go Charity shopping here are a few tips on how to get the most out of it. And do remember to donate good-quality items of clothing you are no longer wearing too!
*Source: Can Fashion Ever Be Sustainable? (BBC website