The practice of waste management is the top priority in the Fashion and textile industry. The emergence of the latest trends each day, changing the attitude of the consumers, and easy online access has made dumping of old clothes very easy. The industrialization process of the fashion industry has led to overproduction of garments. This leads to the creation of pollution to a next level. The solution of this very problem is hiding in the problem itself.
Just as we say charity begins at home, so does sustainable management. If each one of us tries to create less waste then only any measure will become effective. So if you want your wardrobe to be as sustainable as possible, here’s what you can do:
- Buy less Buy better: It may sound cliche but buying natural fabrics instead of synthetic ones is a better option as it is skin friendly and long-lasting. It can be a little expensive but then it will be of premium quality also. Before buying any product you can ask yourself, Do you really need it? How many times will you use it? What will you do after you are done using it?
- Invest sustainable fashion brands: Big brands have also started taking green initiatives. Global Brands like H & M, Hugo-Boss are using eco-friendly products for making garments, accessories, and home decor items. These Indian brands such as no-nasties, doodlage, B-Label are making clothing items from bio-based fabrics. Since all of us are part of the smart generation, before investing your money one can do a simple google search and buy their outfits.
- Can also buy preloved and vintage: These days there are so many websites where you can buy preloved or second hand products in a condition which is as good as new. In India, you can find websites such as flyrobe where you get simple ensembles from the designer ones. Also one can rent from here and wear a new outfit every time you require for a shenanigan.
- Know the Fabrics: Before buying anything look for what you are putting your money into. For example: polyester fabric not only creates skin issues but also it affects the environment as it’s a synthetic fiber which uses excess water and harmful pesticides in production process and also creates too much waste. Going for organic fabrics such as cotton and silk can be beneficial in monetary as well as socially.
- Take care of the existing ones: Put in a little effort for the maintenance of your clothes. Wash them as per the instructions and don’t wash them often. Always separate your whites from the coloured one. This way there will be less requirement for you to put in your hard earned money.
These are the practices that should be undertaken for creating a sustainable Fashion industry. But eco-friendly practices have to start from the textile industries because that’s where the fashion industry starts. Currently the textile industry is trying to be as green as possible. Few practices that industries are trying to follow are:
- Water conservation: Fabrics like organic cotton use less water than conventional cotton. It uses 91% of water from lakes and rivers. This helps in reducing water footprint. Big names in the fashion industry are saying a big no of the production of synthetic fabrics like polyester.
- Say no to hazardous Chemicals: Textile and fashion industry require different types of chemicals starting from cleaning of fibers, manufacturing of fabrics, dyeing, making colors brighter and so many other processes are undertaken which need chemicals. The start-ups and bigger brands have started diverting towards the production of more and more bio-based fabrics where use of chemicals like formaldehyde, azo dyes, organotin compounds, is a big no-no.
- Eco-friendly production practices: Textile industries are moving towards cleaning the production process. Using organic or natural dyes instead of acidic ones and plants are installed for proper treatment of chemical waste before dumping in water or on land. A new wave of scientific clothing is being developed utilizing nanotechnology, including fire-proof, self-cleaning, and water-resistant items. In addition to reducing energy thresholds in textile production, nanotechnology also contributes to a greener future.
- Creating awareness about the 3 R’s-reduce, reuse and recycle: It is one of the most important practices that every brand owner should encourage and make a separate department who can take care of this. Just like in Indian households the earlier generation used to believe in reusing the clothes among the family members and recycling or upcycling the products. Not only is it a pocket friendly practice but also it creates less pollution. Brands like Bethany Williams, Ecoalf, and doodlage are created out of waste. So many other brands are there that are doing so.
- Creating awareness: Last but not the least creating awareness about green consumerism and eco-friendly practices is also the responsibility of the brands itself. Brands such as H & M have started spreading awareness by launching their new collection under the name LOOP. In addition to reducing the size of the shoe box, Nike has taken initiatives to recycle the cloth hangers, collect extra clothing from the public, and recycle and use the yarns for new apparel and footwear. Also the Government of Netherlands has introduced the concept of circular economy in the denim industry.
In a nutshell: sustainable and ethical fashion is an approach towards sourcing, manufacturing and designing clothes which maximizes the benefits to the fashion industry and society at large, while at the same time minimizing its impact on the environment. Recycling and upcycling as a concept is spreading and brands are tipping their scales in this direction and so does a common man. Each one of us has to make better choices. It may affect our pocket in the short term but in the long term it will be a greater good for our environment and upcoming generations.
In a nutshell: sustainable and ethical fashion is an approach towards sourcing, manufacturing and designing clothes which maximizes the benefits to the fashion industry and society at large, while at the same time minimizing its impact on the environment.