We already should know that the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon build-up and producing 5 times more C02 than the aviation industry. This isn’t the only environmental threat coming from this industry. The clothing industry size has an equally large carbon footprint.

In this blog, we will highlight the main issues from the clothing industry and how you can be a better fashion consumer to support this slow movement.

In society today, there has been an increase in the rate of consumption, this is due to mass production and distribution of the clothing industry. We are able to purchase and replace clothing instantly and as a result, we are consuming low-quality products that do not last very long.

Here are some issues contributing to the environment:

Excessive volumes of water usage
Use of pesticides
Use of toxic materials (fabric dye)
Use of electricity

Mass production results in cheap low-quality garments which are replaced by newer trendy styles.

How to be a better fashion consumer?

Now is the time to consider our purchase choices. The sooner we make an effort, the quicker we can move to a cleaner future.

So what is slow fashion? It’s a movement focused on sustainable choices and improving social cultures around the clothing industry so both producers and consumers are incentivised to take a more ethical approach to fashion.

Buying Second Hand

To be a sustainable consumer it’s as easy as buying second hand, shopping from smaller producers, buying quality garments with a longer lifespan. You are more likely to find a longer life expectancy with sustainable garments.

Spend Time Researching

Research your favourite brands to find out if they are contributing positively or negatively to the planet. Are they doing their part in improving their production process? Are they being sustainable?

Understanding your fabrics

Avoid polyester and nylon. Aim for cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Read our previous blog to understand more about sustainable fabrics.

Look at the business’s transparency

This part includes asking the retailers about their environmental policies. The more transparent, the more credible they are, and this can help you find the right businesses supporting slow fashion. However, if the amount they disclose about how they produce their clothes is close to nothing then this shows they may not be as sustainable as you think.

Recycle and Reuse

Instead of throwing out your old unwanted clothes, simply donate them to your closest charity store or give them to a family member. You’ll be feeling great by helping someone else in need so you are putting your actions to a good cause. Circulating your clothes can really help make a difference in the environment. Some brands like Kowtow offer recycling programmers so garments can be given a second life.

Buy Good Quality

Focus on buying fewer clothes that are of good quality. You are guaranteed longer use of that garment and in the long run, you can save more money compared to when you constantly need new low quality, cheaper clothes. You’ll spend less but you’ll also waste less buying quality goods.

Fast Revolution

Fashion Revolution is a great resource to figure this out. They focus on 5 key areas to score retailers - Policies and commitments, governance, traceability, know, show and fix, and spotlight issues.

In this guide, we discussed the major impacts of the clothing industry on our environment. We include some tips on how to be a better consumer that you can try out. We know by taking little steps, you can make a huge difference to the planet.

Try at least one of the things we mentioned whether it’s buying fewer quality pieces or recycling your clothes. Then, you’ll slowly notice you will be doing the entire list.

Hundred Line's guide on how to be a better fashion consumer

How to be a better fashion consumer?