According to estimates, it takes around 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of blue jeans. The 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh killed 1,129 people. The fashion industry is reportedly the second-largest polluter in the world (just behind oil). Fast fashion: you know the damaging impact both on the environment and on the people making your clothes, but it can be hard to know where to begin making a significant change to the industry. It’s sort of like going vegan but feeling pretty hopeless about the impact when everyone else is still eating meat and dairy.
The journey towards conscious buying can often feel like a dance of two steps forward, one step back. Is shopping in the sustainable section of a high street store at all impactful? Is buying less and better quality the answer? Do I need to avoid shopping completely? However, every small action does make a difference. There are countless ways you can challenge yourself to make conscious choices, leading to a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.
One such campaign helping to make these decisions clearer is Fashion Revolution. A not-for-profit global mission, it raises awareness around the true cost of fashion through an annual April 24th campaign. We asked Sarah Ditty, head of policy at Fashion Revolution, to give us a beginner's guide to making a real difference in the fashion you consume.
Ask Questions
"The first step is simple: Ask questions! Fashion Revolution encourages people to use social media to ask the brands they wear #whomademyclothes. This urges brands to be more transparent about their practices.
You might even take this question a step further and write an email to the brands you love and ask them questions about who makes their clothes, under what working conditions, how much their workers are paid and what environmental impact is involved.
You could also ask your MPs and local politicians questions, such as: 'What are you doing to ensure that the people working in fashion’s supply chains — at home and abroad — are protected and paid fairly?' We have made an easy postcard template for you, download it here."
Educate Yourself
"The next big step is to educate yourself. Watch The True Cost, it’s on Netflix. Read up! I recommend starting with Safia Minney’s new book Slave to Fashion, Andrew Brooks’ Clothing Poverty: The Hidden World of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Clothes and Fashion Revolution’s white paper."
Change Your Shopping Habits
"Finally, you can change your wardrobe habits and make better shopping choices. Buy only what you actually need. Only buy something if you know you are going to wear it over and over again for years to come. Buy one nice thing instead of five cheap ones. Look for good quality because it will last you longer. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Soil Association or other organic labels.
Opt for natural or recycled textiles instead of polyester (made from oil), nylon and other synthetics that will never biodegrade. Support smaller independent fashion labels working in a sustainable way. Shopping is like voting in many ways, so try to spend your money on brands you believe are doing the right thing. Shop vintage and give clothes a second life. Swap with friends instead of throwing out your clothes.
If your clothes are broken, fix them. Doesn’t fit properly? Get it tailored. Sick of the style? Add something new to it, such as a patch, fringe, embroidery or pom-poms. Never throw your clothes in the bin! Did you know that most of your clothes can be recycled somehow? Recycle that one weird sock and even your pants, too – seriously. Your borough council should be able to tell you where you can recycle your clothes, so call and ask them. If all else fails, you can still use your unwanted textiles as cleaning cloths or rags."
Find out more on how to become a Fashion Revolutionary, here.
Further reading
11 Brands Working On Making Our Wardrobes More Ethical
These Brands Prove Sustainable Fashion Isn't Boring
... or find everything in 'Fashion Conscience' here.
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