We are at a turning point. If we are not careful, the world will be dismal. Every industry is making an effort to reduce carbon emissions, in an effort to achieve a circular economy, and the fashion industry is no different, accounting for 10% of carbon emissions.
An emphasis on the circular economy and sustainable fashion is prevalent to change. A circular economy is an economical system that promotes the reduction of waste and renewal of resources, an attempt to try and prevent global warming and the effect on the earth’s atmosphere.
Another key concept, sustainable fashion, is a movement aiming to help the environment by reducing waste from the fashion industry and renewing items.
What is sustainable fashion?
Before we become familiar with sustainable fashion, we need to understand the underpinnings of the ideology. So, what are they? We need businesses to use materials that are comfortable, safe and environmentally friendly.
As a result, nobody will be put in danger when wearing clothes. Examples of good material to be used would be denim jeans, fibre, and bamboo textile. These materials are considered to be good because they a strong and have high durability.
Next, we need to consider business models. This includes sharing, swapping, renting, and repairing clothes. In doing so, people can get the feeling that they have new clothes without, having to go out and waste money on a new pair of jeans. We need solutions. This means we create clothes with patterns that can be used repeatedly.
How do we become more sustainable?
The real question is: how do we be more sustainable with fashion? A popular way is to buy for the wardrobe you have, not what you want. For example, if you have dark colours, keep it dark. Do not buy something that you cannot pair it with because you will not wear it.
Relating to this, employ the 30-wears test. This allows the item of clothing to be well-loved instead of being a two-wear and discard the item.
Another idea would be to buy items that can be worn throughout the year- meaning they can be used for more than one season. This allows for a greater opportunity to wear clothes. Linking to this, repair clothes yourself, allowing greater durability. Similarly, look after your clothes. Make sure you read the label and follow the correct washing procedures. If not, your clothes may disintegrate.
Following on from this, pick quality over quantity. As a result, this allows for more durable clothing which lasts longer. The main issue associated with this approach is that people do not have the time or patience to invest in repairing and maintaining clothes, buying a new pair of jeans would be more time-efficient.
The idea of sustainable fashion is one step closer to a circular economy, however we need everyone to partake in this behaviour. Governments could set up shops or banks to take clothes and ban waste bins for clothes, unless they are past a certain point of being unrepairable. The idea of sustainable fashion is one step closer to a circular economy. However, we need everyone to partake in this behaviour.
Governments could set up shops or banks to take clothes and ban waste bins for clothes, unless they are past a certain point of being unrepairable.
However, we must consider whether a circular economy is a viable idea or dream. There are companies in the UK that are taking action towards this dream, including shops like FatFace.
The more companies and people around the world that take part in the movement, the less material people will be throwing away. Be smart, save clothes, and save the planet!