Did you know that 10% of global carbon emissions are from fashion production? The damage fashion production contributes to the ocean is equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles; it dries up and pollutes water sources; almost all textiles go to dumps, and half a million microfibers are washed up into the ocean.
Several brands can design, manufacture, and deliver new garments in just a matter of weeks. This results in the fashion industry producing a terrible amount of waste. That’s why as you stroll along with fashion outlets, you must be aware of your purchase’s environmental impact. In a new sustainability survey, 70% of consumers in the UK, US, Australia and China said that they would pay more for products and services that are eco-friendly. There is clearly a market for environmentaly friendly fashion.
As a consumer, here are some alternatives you can do to tackle the neglected environmental impact of fast fashion.
Excessive water consumption
The fashion industry uses 10% of the water resource used industrially to run factories. One cotton shirt needs approximately 3000 liters. Not to mention, chemicals are used to dye textile materials, and these toxic chemicals end up in the ocean. Unfortunately, the wastewater is highly toxic and cannot be treated in most cases.
It is important to note that the small ways you do to conserve water consumption helps. Whether you are showering, watering your plants, or doing laundry, find ways where you can lessen your water consumption. Bringing your dirty laundry to a laundry service is one of the ways to reduce water usage.
Only shop from sustainable and ethical brands.
The best way to know and assure yourself that your clothing choices do not harm the environment is to purchase from sustainable and ethical brands. Sustainable brands are attentive to the supply chain when they produce and sell their products; they source recycled materials.
Moreover, they promote fair working practices for their workers, providing them adequate living wages and working conditions. You will know this through the mission and values of a brand.
Buy less often, buy only high quality.
Apart from brands convincing consumers that they need new trendy clothes, fast fashion has made their pieces affordable. Over time, the amount of fashion pieces people have consumed has skyrocketed.
Moreover, some of these cheap clothes are made from cheaper materials that do not hold up, making us buy more. Cheap clothes, when laundered frequently, wear and tear easily. Although how it is laundered at the laundry delivery service, its material still matters. Thus, only buy high-quality clothes that are sourced from sustainable practices.
Practice eco-friendly laundry
You have to learn how to launder your clothes properly to ensure they last longer. Laundry detergents also have a negative impact on the environment. Instead of using ones with harsh chemicals, go for eco-friendly ones.
This is helpful, especially when you buy secondhand clothes; they need more care and laundry to preserve their fabric condition.
Final Thoughts
Fast fashion really impacts the environment, and even when slow fashion has been introduced, it would be pointless if the consumers were unaware of the situation. Consumers can reduce consumption by buying secondhand, investing in high-quality and sustainable clothes, and practicing eco-friendly laundry.
- About the Author
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I’m Iskra Banović, editor of Blufashion and the voice behind its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are my playground, but I’m just as likely to share the messy side of it all, like the time I tested a “must-have” skincare gadget and ended up with glitter stuck in my hair. I love turning trends and everyday finds into something useful (and fun) for real people.
