Fashion is part of modern society. But with the increase in production to meet greater demands, many fashion companies have ramped up production at alarming rates. This increase can be dangerous to the environment and might make the company’s existence impractical in the long run. Sustainability is a key factor in almost all industries, and this is true for fashion also. Many apparels also have eco-friendly options like sustainable sunglasses.
Sustainable Companies
Sustainable fashion can be looked at from two perspectives – from the customers’ POV and the companies POV. The company can employ several methods in all steps, from production to distribution. Every operation run by the company is taken into consideration when considering its sustainability. The steps taken by these companies can also be marketed to let the consumer make a more informed choice. Here are some methods used by fashion companies to improve their sustainability.
Recycled materials – Pre Existing materials can be recycled or refurbished and used to make new articles of clothing. This is advantageous as it does not require new resources to be used up. The means of procuring such material can be optimized to increase efficiency and further increase sustainability.
Eco-Friendly Dyes – The dyes and other treatment processes can contribute to environmental damage as much as or more than the choice of fabric. Many of these processes and dyes involve the use of toxic chemicals. OEKO-TEX certifications are a benchmark for classifying products with eco-friendly dyes.
Low Waste Design – Fashion companies produce a lot of waste, mainly from cutting out patterns on the fabric. Waste is also generated from processes like packaging and transportation. Companies are trying to minimize this by changing the patterns that are cut and optimizing other processes. Some companies even have a zero-waste operation design.
Energy Source – The energy source used to run the factories is also a very important source for environmental concern. Renewable energy is the only way to combat this issue. Many apparel companies like the earlier example of sustainable sunglasses depend mainly on renewable energy to increase eco-friendliness.
Sustainability in Personal Fashion
Even though fashion companies are taking a lot of collective effort to improve their sustainability, consumers are also encouraged to take maximum measures to complement these efforts. Here are some tips on doing this.
Washing etiquette – Wash clothes only when necessary. Laundry accounts for a major share of the total environmental impact produced by clothing. Washing less can reduce water and energy consumption. Avoiding the tumble Drier is also recommended.
Wardrobe Management – Managing the wardrobe is a key part of efficiently organizing clothing. Knowing all the clothing available helps in customizing new outfits rather than buying new pieces. Wardrobe management also includes taking good care of the clothes and improving their longevity.
Buying – Try to include as many second-hand items as possible when shopping for clothes. With thrifting becoming popular, more avenues are opening up to sell and buy second-hand clothing.
Waste Clothing – Never throw clothes out. While proper optimization of buying is key, recycling is as important when it comes to improving sustainability. If the pieces are not damaged to a great extent, they can even be donated as such.
Follow Company Policies – Fashion companies almost always advertise the eco-friendly initiatives that they have undertaken. Consumers can follow and compare such initiatives and invest in a more eco-friendly brand.
Sustainability is a necessity and is hard to achieve unless all people take action both individually and collectively. Protecting the environment should be a key factor in all decisions made.
