So, we’re constantly trying to do the right thing. You’ve swopped the plastic shopping bags for ecofriendly brown bags. Instead of a general waste bin, we have four containers to separate waste and encourage recycling. We think we are doing our bit to save the environment, only to discover that we are harming it even more.
I’ve been reading a lot about so-called fast fashion. In an attempt to increase awareness on this topic, here are a few ways the fashion industry is affecting the environment and what we can do about it.
1. Waste accumulation
We are living in a fast-paced world where even clothing is mass produced and made cheaper (fast fashion). As a result, we buy more clothing and don’t dispose of the old; appropriately. FYI, non-biodegradable fibers such as polyester which contains plastic particles, make up most of the clothing that we wear today.
What can we do about it?
- Buy less, but better-quality items. An example is to consciously invest in a capsule wardrobe (read our article: How to build a capsule wardrobe)
- Be creative. Give your wardrobe a makeover. Add some bling and if you are lacking inspiration, browse through the likes of YouTube and Pinterest.
- Choose natural or sustainable clothing.
2. Your increasing utility bills
Huge quantities of fresh water are used for the dyeing and finishing process of our clothing. As a matter of interest, most microfiber pollution occurs when people wash their clothes. By owning less clothes, you are already doing your bit to save water and reduce toxins that are contaminating the soil.
What else can we do about it?
- Opt for fibers with low water consumption such as linen and recycled fibers.
- Choose natural washing detergents.
- Purchase easy ironing clothes for minimal electricity usage.
3. Our contribution to sweatshops
In a pathetic effort to minimise costs, many companies outsource their labour to economically developing countries with often, immature labour laws. Repeat incidents over the disregard for basic safety measures, low wages and poor labour conditions in the workplace; has created much conversation but little change.
What can we do about it?
- Increased brand consciousness. Support sustainable brands (several well-known chain stores stock sustainable clothing).
- Understand the entire value chain of the items you buy, from the source to where they are being manufactured.
- Spread the word.
One of the big unknowns is exactly how much microfiber pollution has already seeped into the environment. There are however, solutions and alternatives to mitigate these problems going forward. The first step lies in building awareness and one’s willingness to change certain behaviours. Second to that is the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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