Why bother with Eco fashion?

Clothes are a great way to express your personality and style but lately there has been more of a focus on whether your clothing is Eco friendly or ethical. You used to be able to pop to the shops and buy some new clothes, now there are now so many more issues to consider. It has all become quite complicated with organic clothes, recycled fabrics, natural fibres and Fair Trade, but why are we bother with Eco fashion at all?

Here we explain some very good reasons for choosing your clothes carefully.

Ethics - the fashion industry is infamous for its poor treatment of workers in developing countries. As companies compete to produce low cost throwaway fashions, the farmers and workers suffer. Ethical issues associated with clothing manufacture include poor pay and working conditions, child labour and physical abuse. In areas where cotton is farmed pesticide poisoning is also a major problem.

Sustainability -the world only has a certain amount of resources. If we use all of the resources there will not be anything left for future generations. Manufacture of synthetic clothing uses oil which is a non renewable resource. Waste is also a key sustainability issue. As clothes are used for only a short period of time before being thrown away, the amount of textiles in landfill grows.

Pollution - the textile industry is high on the list of offenders for pollution. The factories making textiles and clothing often release harmful effluents. Pesticides used for the growth of cotton are also serious pollutants. Another source of pollution is landfill where dyes and chemicals are washed out of textiles that have been thrown away. Pollution can effect flora, fauna and impact the whole ecosystem. It can also pose health risks to humans.

Global warming - Carbon dioxide emissions are caused by the burning of fossil fuels. In order to produce and transport clothing energy from fossil fuels is used. Fast fashion has a more damaging effect on the environment because each piece of clothings carbon footprint is large in relation to its life span. Textiles in landfill also produce the powerful green house gas methane.