Reducing Fast Fashion's Pollution: Tips For A Cleaner Wardrobe

Fast fashion is a rapidly growing industry, with global consumption of fashion increasing by 400% in the past two decades. It is the second-biggest consumer of water and responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions. The fast fashion business model relies on the exploitation of resources and labour to deliver garments at an unprecedented rate. This quick output demands a large volume of raw materials, creating a significant amount of waste, pollution, and degradation to air, water, and wildlife habitats. To address the issue of pollution caused by fast fashion, individuals can embrace slow fashion, support sustainable brands, and practice mindful purchasing.

Choose sustainable fabrics like wild silk, organic cotton, linen, hemp and lyocell

Fast fashion has a massive environmental impact, contributing to climate change and creating massive waste. It is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions. The manufacturing process releases hazardous chemicals into water bodies, causing water pollution, and synthetic clothing contributes to ocean plastic pollution in the form of microplastics.

One way to reduce the pollution caused by fast fashion is to choose sustainable fabrics such as wild silk, organic cotton, linen, hemp, and lyocell.

Organic cotton is a natural alternative to conventional cotton, which requires fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to soil and ocean pollution. Organic cotton farming reduces the use of harmful fertilizers and insecticides, and 80% of organic cotton farms use rainwater, reducing wastewater production.

Linen is derived from the flax plant, which requires little to no fertilizer, pesticide, or irrigation. It is durable and biodegradable, taking as little as two weeks to begin decomposition when buried in soil. However, it is important to avoid chemical dyes when purchasing linen to maintain its natural benefits.

Hemp is another sustainable fabric as hemp plants grow quickly and densely without the need for herbicides or pesticides, and they leave the soil in excellent condition for succeeding crops. The long fibres of the hemp plant require minimal processing to be spun into durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic fabrics.

Lyocell, sometimes known by its brand name Tencel, is an all-natural fabric made from the pulp of eucalyptus trees grown in sustainable forests. The production process uses an organic, non-toxic compound, N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO), as a solvent, and more than 99% of NMMO can be recycled and reused.

By choosing clothing made from these sustainable fabrics, you can help reduce the pollution caused by fast fashion and support a greener future.

Support sustainable brands and retailers that display and act on their values

Fast fashion has a huge impact on the environment, contributing to climate change and creating massive waste. The good news is that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of unsustainable fashion habits, and some brilliant brands are leading a 'slow fashion' movement, challenging throwaway culture and shifting to less harmful materials.

• Check certifications: Verify the legitimacy of environmental certifications used by the brand. For example, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) are vetted certifications.
• Look for long-term commitment: Support brands that demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Check that their values align with your own.
• Transparency: Choose brands that are transparent about their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and pricing. This fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the brand.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Support brands that encourage consumers to reduce their consumption, reuse old items, or recycle them into new garments. For example, some brands have take-back programs where customers can return old pieces to be upcycled into new creations.
• Ethical manufacturing: Opt for brands that provide fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers, and those that source materials responsibly, using sustainable, eco-friendly, or recycled materials.
• Support environmental initiatives: Some brands help consumers connect with environmental initiatives through platforms or apps. For example, the Patagonia Action Works platform allows shoppers to find local organizations committed to environmental projects.
• Shop second-hand: Buying second-hand clothing from thrift shops or consignment stores helps to reduce waste and give new life to old garments.
• Build a capsule wardrobe: Choose versatile, high-quality, durable items that can be mixed and matched. This reduces the need for constant purchases and encourages slower consumption.

Reduce, reuse, recycle: buy less, donate, repurpose, and rent or borrow clothing

Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact, contributing to water consumption, carbon emissions, and pollution. To combat this, consumers are adopting more sustainable practices, such as the 3R (or 4R) approach: reduce, reuse, and recycle, with renting as an additional "R".

Reduce

Reducing the amount of clothing we buy is one of the most effective ways to lower our environmental impact. On average, people buy 56 new pieces of clothing each year, but many items are only worn a few times. We can reduce our carbon footprint by buying less and wearing our clothes until they are worn out. This involves curbing impulse purchases and investing in high-quality, classic pieces that will last.

Reuse

Reuse can take many forms, from repairing and altering clothes to upcycling them into something new. Upcycling is a creative process of transforming clothing into different items, such as turning a dress into a cushion or a jumper into a rug. Additionally, clothing can be donated to charities and retailers offering donation services, such as The Iconic, which has partnered with Salvos and Australia Post for this purpose.

Recycle

Recycling clothing can involve renting or borrowing outfits instead of buying new ones. Rental services like GlamCorner, Your Closet, All the Dresses, and The Volte offer affordable, eco-conscious options without compromising style. This circular economy approach reduces waste and provides access to luxury fashion.

Repurpose

Repurposing involves giving pre-loved clothing a new life. Clothes swapping is a great way to refresh your wardrobe while reducing waste. Buying vintage or second-hand clothing is another way to repurpose, allowing you to create a unique and creative wardrobe at a lower cost.

Avoid synthetic clothing, which contributes to ocean plastic pollution in the form of microplastics

Synthetic clothing is a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution in the form of microplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are extremely small, ranging in size from 0.05 to 5mm. Due to their small size, they are challenging to filter out and can end up in the ocean, causing harm to marine ecosystems and animals, and even humans.

Synthetic textiles, such as polyester and acrylic, are made from plastic fibres. When synthetic clothing is washed, it releases microplastics into the wastewater. These microplastics can pass through wastewater treatment plants and eventually reach the oceans. According to the Marine Pollution Bulletin, a 6 kg wash of 100% polyester clothing can release up to 496,030 10µm of microplastics. This is equivalent to a full drum of laundry containing 20 to 30 football team shirts or shorts.

The release of microplastics from synthetic clothing during washing is caused by the mechanical and chemical stresses that the fabrics undergo in the laundry machine. These stresses lead to the detachment of microfibres from the yarns that make up the textile. The use of detergent and fabric softener also contributes to microfibre release, with powder detergents increasing friction and causing more fibre breakage.

To reduce the impact of synthetic clothing on ocean plastic pollution, it is essential to be mindful of the types of clothing we purchase and how we care for them. Consumers can choose to buy clothing made from natural fibres or support brands that use sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. Additionally, reducing the number of times synthetic clothing is washed and choosing low-temperature washes with liquid detergents can help minimise microfibre release.

Together, we can take action to reduce our contribution to microplastic pollution and protect our oceans and marine life. Small changes, such as being mindful of the clothing we buy and supporting sustainable practices, can make a significant collective impact.

Advocate for environmental reform and hold fast fashion companies accountable

Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact, contributing to water pollution, plastic pollution, and climate pollution. The fast-paced manufacturing process of the industry contributes to nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of global wastewater. The production of plastic fibres into textiles requires large amounts of petroleum, and the growth of cotton, a common fast-fashion product, necessitates pesticides that are hazardous to farmers' health.

To advocate for environmental reform and hold fast-fashion companies accountable, individuals can take several actions:

• Support environmental organizations: Join forces with organizations like Earth.Org and its NGO partners, which are dedicated to educating the public, supporting conservation efforts, holding responsible parties accountable, and advocating for effective solutions. Your support can amplify their efforts and drive positive change.
• Embrace sustainable habits: Make sustainable choices in your daily life, such as reducing single-use plastics, choosing eco-friendly products, and opting for sustainable fashion. Small changes can have a significant impact.
• Be vocal and educate others: Spread awareness about the climate crisis and the importance of environmental stewardship. Engage in conversations, share information, and inspire others to take action.
• Check certifications: Verify the legitimacy of environmental certifications used by brands. Look for certifications like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
• Support sustainable brands: Buy from brands that align with your values and demonstrate a long-term commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
• Let retailers and manufacturers know your expectations: As an informed consumer, you can help hold fast fashion companies accountable by advocating for transparency and curbing your consumption. Choose thrift and consignment options, contributing to a circular economy.
• Get involved in policy and legislation: Advocate for policies that address the environmental impact of the fashion industry, such as regulations on labour rights, environmental standards, and sustainable practices. Support initiatives like the UN's Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, which aims to halt environmentally and socially destructive practices in the fashion industry.
• Demand transparency and accountability: Encourage fast fashion companies to be transparent about their supply chains, environmental impact, and efforts to improve sustainability. Hold them accountable for their actions and inactions.
• Practice slow fashion: Slow fashion advocates for manufacturing that respects people, the environment, and animals. Choose versatile, high-quality, and durable items that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for frequent purchases.

Frequently asked questions