5 Ways You Can Influence a Circular Fashion Industry
It is easy to say that we need to change from a linear economic system to a circular one, it is much more difficult to do it(Janez Potocnik, co-chair International Resource Panel)
Have you heard of the rise of the circular fashion industry?
It’s a concept that’s designed around a regenerative system. Every piece of clothing or garment remains in circulation for as long as possible before being used as biodegradable material for plants or other organisms in our ecosystem. In other words, it relates to products that should bring no harm to society or the environment.
Many fashion labels have already joined the cause. However, they can’t reduce this trend alone. It’s up to us as consumers to also do our part. If you’re wondering how you can contribute to the growing circular fashion industry, then here are some good places to start.
The Problem with Today’s Practices
The process from designing a piece of clothing to the moment it hits the shelves can have severe environmental impacts. During the production stage, just some of the harm includes water wastage, pesticides, and a dependency on oil in synthetics. Then the garment needs to get transport which involves excessive energy use, unfair working conditions, and over packaging. It’s why we need to explore a better way.
What is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy refers to an alternative to the traditional process of making an item, using it, then disposing of it. In a circular economy, resources are reused for as long as possible before the item is disposed of in a sustainable way to grow new materials.
What is a Circular Fashion Industry and How Can You Contribute?
When we refer to the circular fashion industry, it’s about changing production practices and consumer behavior to attempt to get the most life out of a piece of clothing. Some brands have already begun implementing changes, but you can also help by following some of these steps.
- Shop Second-Hand First
Many fashion labels are producing clothes made of textiles and materials that can last for many years. While the feeling of a crisp new shirt or fresh new jeans might feel good. What’s even better is picking up items from a second-hand store that are often in just as good condition as what you would normally buy in a new store. Plus, it’s usually cheaper.
2. Think About Renting Instead of Buying
Have you ever been to an event that’s required a slick-looking suit or a stunning gown? Now think about how many times you wear this piece of clothing after the extravaganza you attended. If you plan on donning a particular item for one night only, then consider renting it instead, as this can play a considerable role in producing a circular fashion industry.
3. Buy Clothes Made of Sustainable Materials
If you do prefer to buy your clothes, then another way to contribute to the circular fashion industry is by choosing products made of sustainable fabrics. Some examples of this include recycled cotton, organic hemp, Econyl, and Qmonos. Many of these materials are sourced ethically, reduce waste, and are biodegradable.
4. Choose Brands Contributing to a Circular Fashion Industry
There are several eco-friendly and independent brands that specialize in clothes made from sustainable materials. However, there are also more prominent labels that are also doing their part to create a circular fashion industry. For example, Adidas has begun producing clothes made of recycled materials and has a strategy to build a biofabric that can be used as compost when the item is no longer needed.
5. Spread the Word
One of the best ways you can contribute to the circular fashion industry is by spreading the word with your friends and family. You can even share this article with your social media following so more people can learn about how they can reduce the number of clothes and textiles that end up in landfills every year. The more individuals who are shopping second-hand, renting clothes, and buying items made of sustainable materials from both independent and well-known brands will go a long way to protecting our environment.
If it can’t be reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.(Peter Seeger)
Where Can You Find Out More?
If you want more tips on contributing to the fashion industry's environmental footprint reduction, then make sure to read my previous article speaking on the Real Cost Of Our Wardrobe and follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
