fashion
Fast-fashion… you probably heard of the it, and might have participated in it: those cheap, mass produced clothes. The excessive production of clothing results in an overuse of natural resources, the production of which often results in air and water pollution. For instance, 90% of cotton grown for textiles is genetically modified and relies on pesticides. These chemicals contaminate nearby water supplies and acidify soil. The dyes used in the textile making process also contaminate water supplies. Furthermore, the production of synthetic fabrics releases nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
But there are alternatives: the following fashion stores were chosen for their sustainable initiatives in reducing the production of new clothing. The shops chosen largely fall in two categories:
But there are alternatives: the following fashion stores were chosen for their sustainable initiatives in reducing the production of new clothing. The shops chosen largely fall in two categories:
- Second-hand clothing: buying used clothes or repurposing existing clothes helps reduce the demand for new clothes, and thus decreases the natural resources used and wasted in the production of new garments.
- Clothing made from eco-friendly material: buying clothing made from natural fibers and recycled materials reduces the waste and pollution produced by the fast fashion industry. In addition, these garments can be more durable, reducing the need to buy new clothing frequently.