Plastic-free and sustainable clothing are big news right now, and for good reason.
People are starting to realise the implications
of our throwaway culture and the massive problems caused by plastic pollution. According to Greenpeace, ‘the industry’s textile production has a bigger carbon footprint than all international flights and shipping combined,’ and that’s before you even consider the impact of the decomposition of the ‘£140 million worth of clothing,’ sent to landfill each year by the UK alone. It's encouraging to see that a growing number of businesses are manufacturing goods that, from start to finish, are better for the environment than those currently on the market; but there’s still a long way to go.
What is plastic-free fashion?
The term ‘plastic-free fashion’ refers to a plastic-free wardrobe, full of garments created from sustainable materials, in sustainable ways. While this may seem like a distant dream given the ubiquity of plastic in both our daily lives and our clothing, there are practical things we can do to achieve this objective. Small changes have been proven time and time again to be highly effective, so reducing our plastic usage, even on an individual basis, could have a significant cumulative impact on the world around us.
Tips for plastic-free and sustainable fashion
One of the first things we can do to reduce the plastic in our wardrobe is to switch from synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester to more natural alternatives. Given the resources needed to produce materials such as cotton in the first place, replacing oil-based materials with organic is not a panacea. But natural fibres are of course biodegradable and materials such as wool, jute, hemp and bamboo are not only sustainable but also versatile and increasingly available.
We can also:
Buy less – before buying new clothes, ask ourselves if we really need them
Buy preloved clothes (apps such as Vinted, Depop, Vestiaire Collective make this super easy)
Opt for quality over quantity
Know our clothes materials
Stay away from plastic-filled fabrics
Avoid garments with plastic or metal buttons and embellishments as they may disintegrate into tiny particles that pollute the environment
Choose materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable
Look for labels that state ‘organic’, ‘fair trade’, or ‘recycled’ to identify garments that are eco-friendly
Donate old clothes
Purchase clothes from sustainable brands
Be informed about sustainability
Be on the lookout for greenwashing
Get creative! Sustainable clothing can be both eco-friendly and beautiful, and a little bit of customisation goes a long way.
In short, there has never been a better time to reduce the use of plastics in our wardrobes. Sustainable fashion is a progressively crucial part of the fashion industry, given that it reduces pollution and waste while promoting sustainability and environmental protection. Yes, they still have a lot of work to do over the coming years, but we can be part of the change. Together, through the choices we make and the attitudes we display, we can send the clear message that the appetite for sustainable clothing is more than just a passing trend – it is a vital necessity.
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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk
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