Green Fashion
There is no doubt that one of the largest consumer industries in the world is fashion but what is also no secret is that it plays a hefty role in the detriment of our planet.
Whilst there are problems within the industry itself causing this drain on our planet’s resources, like fast fashion cycles, high output factories and unsustainable clothing production practices, we the consumers need to take some of the responsibility. Taking a long hard look at how often and where we shop would be the first step and secondly how we care for our clothes when we have purchased them.
The great news is that these days there are a number of eco and ethically minded designers and this number is forecast to grow as consumers become more aware of our ecological footprint.
So below we list some simple measures that you can start adopting to reduce your fashion footprint today.
Declutter: Mindfulness is not something we typically associate with fashion, but how many times have you purchased an item without actually mentally consulting your existing wardrobe, only to realize a month or so later that you actually already had something similar that you hardly wear? So a great first step to avoid this over indulgence is to re-organize your closet which ever way you see fit, whether it be by color, categories, whatever works for you but segregation will make you see your clothing clearly and easily identify the items you currently have.
Mindful Shopping: Understanding what you’re buying and who you’re buying it from is a must today. It is wonderful that designers are producing high fashion items at low cost but if that dress costs $15.00 then you can bet your bottom dollar that it is more than likely not going to be well made resulting in it falling to bits in little or no time, forcing you to buy again. Purchasing a more expensive item that is well made will ultimately reduce overall consumption. Do your research online and find out what your favorite company’s practices are (if they don’t make them readily available, that’s also a sign that something is likely wrong).
Try Hand Washing: The typical washing machine uses 45 gallons per load of laundry (even high-efficiency ones use 15-30). For the average American, that amounts to half of our daily water usage. Consider alternate approaches to cleaning your clothes. Whilst it takes a little more time than just throwing it in a washing machine hand-washing your items in the sink will ultimately reduce water consumption and it is often better for the garment itself, meaning it lasts longer. With regard to your favorite jeans have you ever considered not washing them at all? Did you know that you can place them in the freezer overnight (no not joking!) but the cold kills the bacteria which is actually what causes odor, this also ensures they don’t lose their color or shape.
Hanging It Out To Dry: As per the washing machine you can apply the same logic to how you dry your clothes. A clothes dryer accounts for 12% of energy used in a typical household. Consider going back to the “old fashioned way” of hanging them out on a clothes line. Once again, clothes will last longer and I must admit I used to love the way clothes smelt when I collected them off our clothes line as a child. Nothing nicer than freshly washed and aired clothes!
Become A Leader: If you start making these changes personally and share with your friends and family then you have become an influencer. It’s what’s known as the power of one. If one individual changes the minds of five around them, and each of those five people do the same, that’s how real change occurs. All you have to do is start walking the walk!