Sustainable fashion: how,when and why?
Lately we’ve heard a lot of massive topics as global change and we assisted with many environmental disasters. Most of these problems are due to human activities. So what’s the point when we talk about industries, in particular about fast fashion industry?
Why is it so important to be aware about what we buy?
The textile industry is one of the most harmful industries for the environment. The production process for one t-shirt is for example around 2000 litres of water. Moreover, the chemical substances used for clothes coloration are highly polluting and dangerous for our skin. Beside the fashion industry and pollution link, we have to consider an essential element: the consumer’s choice. It’s essentially a consumer society, so it’s quite difficult to change our habits. Fast fashion industry gives people the opportunity to buy anything, at a low cost and of course, low quality. The best way to stop supporting it, would be to simply not buy a thing..but BUY LESS that’s better quality. It’s easy to say but very hard to do. So let’s talk about some more respectful ways to have a functional, chic and ethical wardrobe:
1. Vintage and Secondhand: there is a vast range of shops that wants to give to old clothes a new chance and identity. Price range is affordable for anyone and we have the opportunity to discover unique pieces. Moreover, retailers are very careful about quality.
2. Handmade clothes: buy less buy better. Handmade is all about passion, craftsmanship and saviour faire. This type of production respects ethics and workers. Deciding to buy a handmade product means to support the artisans (small production business ) their skills and values.
3. Textile sector certifications: there are some certifications (GOTS,OCS,FAIR TRADE) that are useful to recognize the textiles deviating from biological agriculture. This type of production is respectful for environment and local workers.
So when we choose to buy certified clothes or handmade, we help not just the artisans but also the environment. At the same way, buying vintage moves the reuse process, giving a second life to clothes. Moreover, the vintage is also funny. You could discover some precious and original stuff.