It is well known that almost all products have an impact on the environment and most of the time people don’t know which products have less or more impact than one another. I am sure that consumers know that any product which is made, used or disposed of in a way that significantly reduces the harm would affect the environment. We are in this era where everything is environmentally friendly and even though some people might think that is just a trend, I believe that it is very important to take action on it.
I love fashion but unfortunately the textile industry is one of the most toxic industries out there. It is shared between natural fibres such as wool, silk, linen, cotton, and man-made materials such as synthetic fibres (polyamide, acrylic) made from petrochemicals. Most of clothes in our wardrobes contain polyester or lycra. Those are just cheap and easy-care fibres and they are becoming the textile industry’s miracle solution. The manufacture though creates pollution and they are hard to recycle. For example dyeing and printing huge amounts of water and chemicals, and release numerous volatile agents into the atmosphere that are particularly harmful to our health.
Most fashion shows give us the opportunity to see what’s in and what’s not but then chain-stores and mass retailers adapt their ideas for the man and woman in the street. Because of that, many clothes will be thrown away and there is a lot of waste. Therefore, this industry is one of the world’s second-biggest economic activity for intensity of trade. Since there are a lot of brands out there and a lot of competition forces down costs while working conditions, more often than not in developing countries, are far from ideal. Most companies begin to outsource and to reduce their costs as much as they can. To improve conditions for workers and stem pollution, textile producers, manufacturers and distributors are launching the first initiatives built around sustainable development: who knows, ecology may be the next new trend.
The impact of different fabrics
In case you didn’t know different fabrics have different impacts; it all depends on what they are made of. For example, nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals and they are non-biodegradable. Nylon manufacture creates nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Making polyester uses large amounts of water for cooling, along with lubricants which can become a source of contamination. Both processes are also very energy-hungry.
Another one is rayon (viscose) and it is made of wood pulp, which on the face of it seems more sustainable. However, old growth forest is often cleared and/or subsistence farmers are displaced to make way for pulpwood plantations. Often the tree planted is eucalyptus, which draws up phenomenal amounts of water, causing problems in sensitive regions. To make rayon, the wood pulp is treated with hazardous chemicals such as caustic soda and sulphuric acid.
Natural fibres have their problems, too. Cotton is the most pesticide intensive crop in the world: these pesticides injure and kill many people every year. It also takes up a large proportion of agricultural land, much of which is needed by local people to grow their own food. On a more positive note we have the organic cotton which is definitely better.
There are other manufacturing processes such as dyeing and bleaching that require a lot of energy and water and they cause a lot of pollution.
Some of the better choices
Even though that there are more serious environmental impacts associated with fabrics, there are some good choices that we can make. I know that you don’t get this habit of checking the label but making a smarter choice will definitely make a difference in the long run.
Organic cotton: Organic cotton garments are likely to be free from chlorine bleaches and synthetic dyes.
Hemp is a thoroughly ecological crop: highly productive, easy to cultivate and pest tolerant, so needing few or no agrochemicals whilst at the same time binding and enriching the soil with its deep roots.
Bamboo is the latest plant material to hit the eco-friendly fabrics market. It is described as hypoallergenic, absorbent, fast-drying and naturally anti-bacterial and comes from a very fast-growing plant.
Organic wool is increasingly becoming available: it is produced using sustainable farming practises and without toxic sheep dips.
If we all make better choices, we can make a difference in the world.
Eco-Fashion Tips
Buying less and making smarter purchases are both important for a more sustainable fashion industry, though currently the majority of clothing is produced cheaply with little or no consideration for their environmental impact. Since you do like fashion, you won’t give up on the idea of not buying clothes or not being trendy.
Here are 5 ways that you can use to stay eco-fashionable
1. Locally made clothes
Purchasing items that are locally sourced is sometimes the most environmentally-sound decision you can make, because the products are not traveling a distance to get to you, and are therefore not contributing to the massive by products of shipping products around the world. Also you are helping the economy at the same time since the designer that you like doesn’t have to outsource the business.
2. Recycled
Yes, you can actually recycle clothes. Of course that is better to donate them but some pieces are really not wearable anymore. Also check out vintage stores and consignment shops, and keep an eye out for designers who take vintage pieces and overstock fabrics to create new designs. These designers use recycled materials like old T-shirts, ties, scarves, dresses, costumes and curtains to create custom-designed, one-of-a-kind creations. A great brand that does that is Matt & Nat and they are actually based in Montreal.
3. Fairly Traded
This is really about the moral background of your wardrobe. Was it made by people paid a living wage in reasonable working conditions? Fair trade means that producers are paid fair prices for their products, instead of the prices that the market will allow. This means that you will probably pay more for eco-conscious clothing, but you are supporting people who need money for housing, clean water, food, health care, education.
4. Eco-conscious Production
This refers to the process of producing the fabrics, which can be highly energy-inefficient and polluting to the environment. Instead, look for products from wind-powered factories that use recycled waste-water.
5. Organic
Since most of our clothes are made from cotton this demand for cheap cotton has increased crop production, which has also increased pesticide use. Most cotton T-shirts require up to 1/4 lb. of harmful chemicals to produce. You can buy instead clothes that are made of organic cotton for example since it offers fewer chemicals and is grown and harvested in an environmentally-sound manner.
Eco-fashion is all about choosing materials that have been created with the Earth in mind. By taking a long-term view of how our actions affect future generations and making sure that we don’t deplete resources or cause pollution, we can help ensure a healthy Earth as well as maintain a sense of doing something good while also looking good.
BargainistaMtl 