Intro to Sustainable Fashion
Today’s world is more aware than ever about the negative impact that fast fashion has on the environment. But what exactly is fast fashion, and how can you make sure your clothing choices are sustainable? If you’re new to the world of sustainable fashion, it can be a little overwhelming at first. Fortunately, there are lots of great resources out there if you want to learn more about sustainable fashion.
Environmental Impacts of the Fashion Industry
Before you can really dive into sustainable fashion, you should know a bit about the environmental impacts of the fashion industry in general. This will give you a better idea of what we’re trying to fix and why it’s so important. There are three main areas that the fashion industry impacts negatively:
- Energy consumption: The materials used in most clothing (cotton, petroleum-based fabrics, etc.) require a significant amount of energy to produce.
- Pollution: The process of dyeing fabric creates pollution, as do chemicals used in the process of fabric bleaching. Also, when clothes are thrown away they end up in landfills and emit carbon dioxide into the air.
- Water usage: The water used in the washing and cleaning of clothing is another factor that can harm the environment.
Articles and Resources on the Fashion Industry’s Environmental Impact:
Sustainable Fashion Resources:
General Sustainability Resources:
Now that you have a better understanding of what sustainable fashion is and why it’s important, you can take the next step towards becoming a more sustainable shopper. Start by educating yourself about the issues facing the fashion industry. Once you know what you’re trying to fix, you’ll be able to shop smarter, reduce your carbon footprint, and make an impact with every piece of clothing you buy.
