- According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
- Technology and digitization can reduce the environmental and social costs of the fashion industry and improve its profitability.
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries in the world, consuming huge amounts of water, energy, and natural resources, and producing tons of greenhouse gas emissions and textile waste. According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater.
But there are ways to make fashion more sustainable, both for producers and consumers. In a recent article by Vogue, six experts from different fields of fashion shared their tips on how to reduce the environmental impact of the industry and promote a more circular and ethical fashion system. Here are some of their suggestions:
- Use more natural and organic materials, such as cotton, linen, hemp, and wool, that are biodegradable and do not require harmful chemicals or pesticides to grow. Avoid synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, that are made from fossil fuels and shed microplastics into the waterways.
- Choose quality over quantity, and invest in timeless and durable pieces that can last for years. Avoid fast fashion, which is cheap, low-quality, and often disposable. Repair, reuse, and recycle your clothes, and donate or sell them when you no longer need them.
- Support local and ethical brands, designers, and artisans, who use sustainable practices and materials, pay fair wages, and respect human rights and animal welfare. Avoid brands that exploit workers, animals, or the environment, and demand more transparency and accountability from them.
- Educate yourself and others about the environmental and social issues of the fashion industry, and the benefits of sustainable fashion. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and follow influencers and activists who advocate for a more sustainable fashion system. Share your knowledge and opinions with your friends, family, and social media followers.
- Be creative and express your personal style, rather than following trends or copying others. Experiment with different colors, patterns, textures, and accessories, and mix and match your existing wardrobe. Learn how to sew, knit, crochet, or embroider, and make your own clothes or customize them.
- Have fun and enjoy fashion, but be mindful and responsible of your choices and actions. Remember that fashion is not only about aesthetics, but also about ethics and values. Fashion can be a powerful tool for social and environmental change, if we use it wisely and consciously.
