Do you have a section of clothes in your wardrobe that you don't wear anymore, that you'll wear again, and that you've worn at most twice because you didn't like them when you got home from the store? Admit it, many of us are like that. Here's how you can do your bit to shape sustainable fashion. You'll see, you don't have to think big!
Let's start at the beginning: why is sustainable fashion important at all?
In recent years, we have heard more and more about concrete measures that can be taken at individual level to promote sustainable fashion. Last year, the European Commission developed a full action plan to
Few people know that textiles is one of the most damaging industries on the planet. The production of garments requires an incredible amount of water - and we know that our finite supply of drinking water should be particularly well looked after.
The environmental impact of textile production and textile waste
Let's look at some more facts about why it is so important to promote sustainable fashion
- 3/5 of all clothes produced end up in landfills within a year
- ... but the synthetics in them do not degrade
- by 2030, the garment industry will produce 148 million tonnes of waste
- nearly 2000 different chemicals are used in the production of clothes (think back to our previous article on toxic fragrances )
- small but important step that 12.5% of the global textile industry has committed to take steps towards sustainable fashion
On the flip side, there are many scary stories about the exploitative workings of the textile industry: child labour, starvation wages, terrible conditions in less fortunate countries. Many of the garments bought at conspicuously low prices are presumably made in China (look for the Made in China label on your clothes). However, this year, Nankai University in China published a study detailing the full-scale exploitation of what are essentially Uighur forced labourers in Chinese textile factories.
So there's no question that the pursuit of sustainable fashion is essential for our planet and our fellow human beings. Take the first steps towards it yourself, we've got some tips from Eszter Mengyán, founder of the HolyDuck blog.
Eszter has dedicated her entire blog to sustainable fashion and eco-style and now has 15 000 followers. Take advantage of the great tips on the HolyDuck blog!
Tips to get you on the road to sustainable fashion
At first, it can seem like a big task to switch from shopping in fast fashion stores. But with a little awareness and a few simple tricks, you can make a big difference to sustainable fashion. Let's look at them:
Shop from your closet!
The most basic step in sustainable fashion is to wear the clothes that are already in your wardrobe. Don't be discouraged by the fact that "you don't have any clothes", if you look through the selection you'll find some super forgotten pieces!
Not to mention that you can create an almost infinite combination of basic pieces - that's what capsule wardrobes are all about. Dive in, get some inspiration from Pinterest and create your own capsule wardrobe!
Change!
In the world of sustainable fashion, it's a win-win to start changing your clothes. Not only can you find new treasures, but you can also get rid of your own unused items that are taking up space in your wardrobe. Plus, it's all part of a super social programme where you can meet new people or spend quality time with a friend, partner or whoever you're with.
With a simple Google search you'll find dozens of options for clothing swap programmes, just pick a location and date near you and go for it!
Update your wardrobe!
Not by buying new fast-fashion pieces, but by sprucing up your existing, tired pieces. You can dye them, embroider on them, sew a patterned stitch, replace the buttons - anything that will make your clothes feel nicer, better, newer.
For winter clothes, a super trick is to de-block (with a de-blocker or a razor), which will really make you feel like you've got a brand new sweater in your hand in minutes!
A seamstress can do wonders
If you have an affinity for sewing, you're in luck, but if you're less handy, it's worth finding a seamstress. With a bit of redesigning and sewing, you can give your old clothes a new lease of life, and make them entirely your own style and shape. And you've already done a lot for sustainable fashion.
Buy second hand!
Do the recommendations of the best-known second-hand clothing chains ringing in your ears? You have many more options: garage sales, online groups, Facebook Marketplace, dedicated websites. And there's the extra thrill of browsing second-hand shops when you find a treasure at a good price - it's a great feeling!
Buy from domestic brands!
We left it at the end, but supporting small domestic businesses is also very important for the development of sustainable fashion! With clothes from local designers, you can also be sure that you won't be confronted with your set on every corner - as you would be with most things bought in fast fashion stores. It can be a real relief after all the uniform shop windows!
Isn't it easy to start on the road to sustainable fashion? If you want more tips, Esther's new book Hello, slow fashion is out, and it's packed with useful information.
A CYCLE range of products developed and manufactured in Hungary are also made with sustainability in mind. Made from all-natural ingredients, these cleaners will help you clean every corner of your home without the fear of toxic chemicals, and help reduce plastic use and carbon emissions.
