The fashion industry has been put in the limelight among climate change activists and members of the general public concerned about the effects of climate change as a result of its intensive use of resources and the large quantities of waste it creates. The statistics are indeed worrying, as data estimates show that the apparel sector is responsible for 10% of the global carbon emissions. In 2020, the average EU citizen had a textile consumption carbon footprint of 270 kg, for which approximately 390 kg of materials were used. If these numbers sound difficult to believe, you should know that approximately 20% of the global clean water pollution is believed to be the fault of the fashion industry as a result of the dyeing and finishing the garments require.
Recycling rates remain very low, with only 1% of clothing being recycled. This is both the result of a lack of a reliable recycling infrastructure for this area, as well as part of the fact that the technologies that can turn clothing into new fabric and fibers are still in their early stages. The average European discards roughly 11 kilograms of textiles every year, almost 90% of which are incinerated, something that naturally exacerbates air pollution. But exporting to other countries is also not the solution, as the arrival of large quantities of clothes exacerbates waste levels and can even lead to the degradation of the natural environment. Some of this clothing has the price tags still attached.
Shoppers are urged to be more sustainable with their shopping habits, banish trends, and only buy items they know they’ll wear. Several challenges have appeared in the online world, including buying only five new items a year or none at all. While it is essential to change as an individual consumer, brands must also do their part for change to become more likely.
Sustainable materials
The use of sustainable fabrics and materials is naturally a prerequisite of an eco-friendly fashion label. But it can be difficult to determine what exactly constitutes sustainable fabric. Synthetic clothing materials can cause microplastic pollution, as the fibers are not biodegradable and won’t disappear for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, depending on the conditions. However, some natural materials can also be unsustainable, albeit for different reasons. Cashmere is one of the most noteworthy examples since although the goats can provide fleece with no problem, there are the issues of grassland degradation and climate change to take into consideration, which bring down its sustainability level.
As for cotton, it is one of the staples of the fashion world but also recognized as a water-guzzler that takes up a lot of land and uses large amounts of pesticides. Organic cotton represents a break from these habits, being grown and manufactured in a way that minimizes environmental impact. Recycled materials are another great option. All companies can get balers and compactors, such as the ones from Mil-tek, to take care of their plastic and paper waste, but fashion brands can also create garment recycling policies and projects where they collect used fabric and give it new life. The process has lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to the use of virgin materials, and fewer resources are used in the manufacturing process as a whole.
Viscose, a fabric made from wood pulp, is also sustainable since cellulose is 100% biodegradable and won’t linger in the environment indefinitely. Lyocell is also the result of wood pulp that is dissolved in an amine oxide solution, making it entirely compostable.
Policy changes
Recycling and repurposing items are widely recommended to consumers as well, but it’s essential to remember that simply having less is of tremendous help. Aside from the rise of minimalism as an aesthetic, concerns about overconsumption have become increasingly elevated among the public, with many looking to change their own habits. Even influencers, a cohort directly associated with their promotion of an endless array of products and brands, have joined the ranks, coining the term “underconsumption” in a push against rampant consumerism.
Brands that want to show their commitment to sustainability can start by creating fewer collections and better-quality garments. This isn’t simple since, for many, it requires a definitive change of their fundamental business model. Some clients may also be disappointed and unhappy with the change, but you might also be able to attract a new demographic, one that is always on the lookout for an ethical brand. Reducing waste, such as finding ways to recycle excess materials and use them for new products, is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. With constant, sustained efforts, your brand could even earn the zero-waste designation.
Supply chain transports, whether those involved during manufacturing or the ones that take online shopping items to the customers, can become more environmentally friendly through the integration of low-emission vehicles. Lastly, you should focus on continuous improvement since sustainability is an ongoing process. Regular assessments let you discover ways in which you could reduce your impact and become better for the planet.
Community
Protecting the environment and biodiversity is just one aspect of sustainability; the other is focused on ethics and the importance of community. Being transparent about sustainability is very important. Remember to provide a realistic picture of your development since it will take time and effort to become better at environmentalism. Honest communication will establish you as trustworthy in the eyes of your customers and shareholders and demonstrate your genuine commitment to sustainability apart from a marketing gimmick.
Your employees should benefit from a healthy office culture that allows for the creation of a sustainable work-life balance, fair wages, and an atmosphere in which nobody feels pressured or unfairly criticized. Supporting sustainable initiatives in the community and working with organizations that aim to assist environmental causes can extend your impact beyond your own procedures. Moreover, you can also start educational initiatives for your customers to keep your clientele informed about the latest sustainability practices and what they can do to become more eco-friendly.
The fashion industry is one of the most ubiquitous market niches in the world, which is precisely why its environmental impact has often remained overlooked. However, there’s no denying the fact that the sector plays a large role in the pollution and degradation of natural landscapes and that a lot more could be done to ensure that these negative effects could be reduced or even wholly eliminated.
