Sustainability

Question 1

What is fast fashion?

Answer 1

Fast fashion is affordable/cheap fashion designs inspired by the catwalk, which are then quickly manufactured and sold in shops within a very short timescale. Low prices and high availability fashion brands like H&M, Temu, Shein and ZARA are common go-to shops/online shops when picking out new clothes.

Question 2

What are environmental aspects to fast fashion?

Answer 2

The fast fashion industry is second only to oil as the world’s largest polluter

Huge water waste

High carbon emissions - 10% of world’s CO2 emissions

Large amounts of landfill waste

responsible for contamination of oceans, rivers, freshwater sources and soil

The source of approximately 20% of global waste water

Question 3

What is sustainable fashion?

Answer 3

Sustainability; the reduction of all aspects of design and manufacturing activities linked with fashion that have a negative impact on the environment or the lives of humans.

Question 4

What are ways that we can support sustainable fashion?

Answer 4

Organic farming - producing crops like cotton without using harmful pesticides & insecticides that don’t impact soil/contribute to deforestation/pollute soil or waterways

Use of natural dyes that won’t impact waterways

Fairtrade/Vegan/Cruelty Free products that ensure a living wage for the workers that produce them

Buy products that are locally sourced and made to avoid air miles

Choose textiles that are made of biodegradable fibres so they will decompose

Avoid buying clothes made of synthetic fibres that won’t degrade in landfill

Choose textiles that are made from recycled fabrics

Avoid fast fashion where possible as these clothes tend to be less well made and don’t last as long and may be thrown out sooner

Buy slightly more expensive clothes that are better made and will last longer

Buy garments that can be washed at lower temperatures so saving energy

Avoid leather, suede or fur fabrics from animals - protecting wildlife

Use more environmentally friendly products to wash your clothes which will help to protect waterways and underwater life

Repair or upcycle clothes when they are damaged rather than throwing them away

Buy second hand clothing or hire clothes for particular events that you won’t use again

Eco friendly packaging

Buy organic products