What is Sustainable Fashion?
Second to oil, fashion & textile is the most polluting industry in the world. Every state in a garment’s life threatens our planet and its resources. Up to 8000 different chemicals are used to turn raw materials into clothes, including a range of dyeing & finishing process. The goal of sustainable fashion or eco-fashion is to create a system which can be supported indefinitely in terms of human impact on the environment & social responsibility.
We as consumers need to make some smart choices for the betterment of our selves and the environment. Let us recycle and reuse our old clothes. Buy clothes from thrift stores or any shop that sell second-hand clothing. Or donate used clothes to shops, for re-use or re-sale before buying some more.
“Think Globally Act Locally”
Upcycle your old clothes into something new just like Sarvajaya here! She upcycled this beautiful dress from a Mekhla blanket.
“When in doubt wear handmade”
This talented girl made these amazing crochet neckpieces! (let us know in the comment section below if you would like to buy such similar ones)
The festive season has already started in India and will continue till the new year’s celebration, we need to make better decisions rather than just falling straight on the face with trends! Before you head out for more shopping, buy less, choose well and make it last.
Learning what your garments are made of helps you decide what to buy and how to take care of your wardrobe, so it lasts. And knowing how to sew, darn and mend your favourite clothes can be very satisfying.
Something handmade is so much meaningful!
Sarvajaya also upcycled this amazing shirt dress from her mother’s saree and made a cute frock for her daughter from the leftovers!
The textile industry uses more water than any other industry apart from agriculture. It takes almost 5000 gallons just to produce one t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Until the big brands find more affordable ways of creating sustainable clothing, consumers should be more mindful in regards to where they shop and what they buy.
Today’s mainstream fashion industry relies on a globalised mass production where garments are transformed from the design stage to the retail floor in only a few weeks. With retailers selling the latest fashion trends at very low prices, consumers are easily swayed to purchase more than they need. But this overconsumption comes with a hidden price tag, and it is the environment and workers in the supply chain that pays.
Around 10% of the world’s global carbon emissions result from the apparel & textile industry and 25% of the world’s chemicals are used for the textile production.
Let us stop and think about fashion’s environmental impact.
As consumers, we need to shop less (avoid impulsive buys), educate ourselves (and others) about manufacturing & production and prioritize ethical designers in our closets.
♥
Stylist & Blogger: Ingela Biswas
Face: Sarvajaya Choudhuri
Photographer: Sayan Dey