In an ever changing world, why are we not able to change? Or at least try to change?
Fashion is the highlight of my world but how can something so creative, innovative, so expressive, so vibrant so joyful be so harming to our planet?
There used to be a time when the seasons would impact the change in styles and trends of clothes, but now although there are still seasonal changes, there seems to be weekly rejuvenations. New pieces are shown to us so frequently that we can’t help but race to the shops and pick up the new trends, hoping that we will at least wear it once??!!
So is it our fault or the fault of the brands, shops and media using Tik Tok and other social media outlets to attract us to fabulous pieces in the Fashion Houses leading us to buy more and more?
The glamorous façade of the catwalk hides the true reality! From the consumption of resources faster than replenished to pollution and waste, the race to find the latest styles and trends has left an irreversible mark on our planet.
Can you believe that the global fashion industry is worth over £2 trillion and brings the UK more than around £30 billion a year in revenue. But not only this, it is estimated that 150 billion garments are produced every year. Now imagine that 85% of all discarded textiles are burned or dumped in a landfill rather than recycled (equivalent to one garbage truck full of clothes every second!).
Many brands make ‘false or misleading claims about their practises and products to create a positive image’. They use ‘greenwashing’ to make consumers believe that they are an ethical company. An example of this is when brands advertise the use of recycled cotton or organic cotton in their products when actually there is only a small fraction.
The thing is that its not just the environment that is affected by the fashion industry. There are millions of people who work in this industry, some in poor conditions, with minimal pay. The question is how easy is it to find a job away from these poor conditions?
Now let me talk more about the impacts……….
The phenomenon that is Fast Fashion has completely transformed the way we consume clothing. I mean, it offers affordable and ‘on trend’ pieces at an unprecedented rate. The quick production and disposal of ‘cheap’ clothing contributes significantly to the depletion of natural resources, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This constant demand for new styles has resulted in a ‘throwaway’ culture leading to garments being discarded after being worn only a few times.
The thing is some brands will keep making with no care of where the pieces end up!
The fashion industry is so dependent on natural resources such as water, land and fossil fuels. I mentioned cotton earlier, and this is the most widely used fabric, but in the process of cultivating cotton, an extensive amount of water is used. Along with that, the extraction of oil for synthetic fibres and the energy-intensive production processes contribute to environmental damage.
Did you know that the process of textile dyeing releases so many harmful chemicals into the waterways which impact the eco systems and pose health risks to us humans. The substantial amount of textile waste generated each year is so alarming. Landfills are overflowing with discarded clothes and most made from non biodegradable materials that either do not decompose or decompose slowly.
Change can only happen if we work together! Becoming more aware of the affects of fashion can change the way we think and therefore lead to more conscientious decisions.
Now although the fashion industry has played a major role in its effect on carbon emissions and our environment, it is still a business! By becoming more sustainable in their practises will have a positive effect and guarantee survival in the industry.
The fashion industry’s potential for positive change is as significant as its impact. We are becoming more aware of the consequences of our fashion choices and there is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. By supporting eco conscious brands and adopting mindful consumption habits we can together bring the fashion industry towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Together lets make STYLE and SUSTAINABILITY a priority.
A Road to Sustainability…….coming next!
