Is Fashion Sustainable and Do You Care?

By March 27, 2011 FASHION

As L’OREAL Fashion Week wrapped up in Melbourne we had an open discussion with industry leaders asking “Is Fashion Sustainable”. Fashion on the surface we think of the clothes we wear, the colors we wear then we throw them out or pass them on. But have you ever thought about where they go from there? I most certainly didn’t.

Now I am aware of it however I will make a conscience effort when I do buy my clothes from here on in, will you do the same if I told you…

  • 80% of fashion is having environment impact
  • We only wear clothes on average around 20 times before it’s thrown out
  • Clothes are “dumbed down” so they are no longer able to last
  • $20 million worth of clothes is thrown into landfill per year
  • 10 million runners are sitting in our landfill with no where to go
  • Every time we buy that cheap $10 top we are contributing to slave labour or unethical practises and/or standards.
  • Less then 4% of our income is spent on clothes however we have more now then ever before
  • Clothes made in the early 1900’s are still wearable today however this is not the case in today’s market…not by a long shot
  • Our energy rating would be cut in half if we washed less

It’s human nature that we care about what we consume, then we think about what we put on our babies skin however we don’t really make that connection and link it to ourselves and what we wear let alone where it goes. The material we use makes a huge impact to the environment so much so that Marks & Spencer will be using sustainable fabrics by 2020. Lingerie designers in Europe do not want to be associated with unethical conduct with labour and the environment. Opting for using quality materials and they are made by qualified people in their field.

This has not yet filtered into Australia however I believe it’s not because we don’t care but more because we don’t know. What do you think?

On a positive note did you know that if you wear clothes that are made from eco friendly materials they hold their color and shape so therefore last a zillion times longer?

The Clothing Exchange holds events where you trade your clothes so you get new for nothing essentially.

Fair Trade gives you all the information you need to know about decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

SOSUME is an Australian made fashion label that is made from eco friendly materials that is still cutting edge fashion.

Wardrobe Wonderland is a passionate advocate in slow.ethical.sustainable.fashion

What are your thoughts on this?

 

Join the discussion 5 Comments

  • Suzie says:

    I think you’re right Renee, it’s not that we don’t want too, we are just not aware of the environmental impact.
    Thanks for your article it’s definitely educated me!
    On a more positive note I have always spent my money on well made, beautiful material, designer piece just not often……So now I can say to my other half this expensive item is for the environment! lol

    • bustingout says:

      I like to think so too Suzie, maybe not everyone would change how and what they buy however I think I large majority would. I’m with you I now send extra on quality clothing that doesn’t date 🙂

  • I wrote a post just the other day on this topic – about how to avoid the pitfalls of Junk Food Fashion http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2011/03/are-you-weapon-of-mass-consumption.html I’m really keen to help people stop creating more landfill and wasting not only the earth’s precious resources, but also your hard earned money on clothing that is barely worn.

    I absolutely love clothes and their ability to express our creativity, but it’s best when we choose wisely and with considered thought, rather than just buying for the sake of new.

    • bustingout says:

      Awesome thanks Im I can’t wait to read it and thank you so much for sharing, I must say I consider myself quite environmentally conscience and aware however I didn’t even think about the fashion industry.

      Rx

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