Next time you buy clothes...
By Guest Writer posted August 26, 2024 (198 View)
Nothing is more visible and intimate in our everyday living than the clothes that we wear.
And even, perhaps - nothing is more exceptional, precise, identified and fulfilling as the style we choose for ourselves.
Whether it is Streetwear, Couture, Pret-a-Porter, Vintage, Retro, or Fast – the FASHION industry has never been more far-reaching, dig deep into our pockets; and driver of fascination and beauty - as amplified in the social media scene.
And yet, the fashion industry is consequential as ever to the environment. This brings the popularity of “Fast Fashion”, a business model that quickly brings the latest fashion trends from the runway to retail stores at affordable price, under increasing scrutiny.
Researchers at Stanford University found that “a new shirt or pair of shoes may come with a hidden price tag: greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and the mistreatment of workers and animals. The average cotton T-shirt, for example, requires about 700 gallons of water to make. A fast-fashion polyester top is made from petroleum, sheds microfibers, and may spend decades decomposing in a landfill.”
They examine the production processes behind three essential everyday materials: polyester, cotton, and leather to assess environmental impacts from their respective supply chains. Consequential impacts on greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming is telling.
In a recently published white paper, the researchers outline strategies that clothing brands can adopt to increase the lifespans of garments and improve their reusability and recyclability. For instance, high-quality garments with timeless designs may be enjoyed for many years. Switching to single-material composition can make fabrics easier to recycle. And garments made from 100% natural materials are more suitable for composting.
The paper encourages companies to find new ways to generate revenue without producing more garments. One option is to start garment collection or buyback programs in conjunction with opening secondhand stores where consumers can purchase pre-owned items at a discount.
“Slowing down the rate of production doesn’t have to come at the expense of profitability,” according to Barchi Gillai, the associate director of the Value Chain Innovation Initiative (VCII) at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
The important role played by consumers is at the end of the day imperative. “To achieve meaningful results, it is crucial for consumers to take a part in this effort,” Gillai says. “Try to donate items that are still wearable. Consider buying secondhand clothes. And think of renting items needed for a special occasion,” she advises. “If we embrace the need for change and if our shopping habits reflect this understanding, then we can help drive change in this industry.”
If we practice all of these – new fashion terminologies may come to the fore – circular, digital and virtual try-ons, customized, on-demand, secondhand and rental, low-impact dyeing and finishing, sustainable and ethical.
From the high expensive Freitag, to Uniqlo’s recycle collections and Grandy – next time you buy clothes give it a thought......
