By Lukáš Vaněček
As Patrick Grant from The Great British Sewing Bee stated: on our planet, there’s an abundance of clothing, enough to last for the next six generations. Each of us probably has at least one bag of clothing at home that has nowhere to go and remains unworn. Unfortunately, we also know that about 70 per cent of discarded clothing ends up in African landfills. What can be done about this?
Circular Economy is the Key
What might be waste for you could be gold for someone else. This is how the circular economy principle operates, aiming to create a closed-loop system. A closed-loop means no material waste. Material considered waste by one company is utilised by another to create something useful. This not only prevents waste and is more environmentally friendly but is also economically advantageous for companies.
Even the largest companies are interested in the circular economy. Why is it so intriguing for them? Firstly, the circular economy is part of Europe’s Green Deal agreement to reduce global emissions, and companies need to prepare for change and adjust their behaviour.
Secondly, instead of paying for the disposal of unused materials and products, another company is willing to take care of it, saving money on both ends. Similarly, we can apply the circular economy to clothing by selling unused shirts, pants, or sweaters to second-hand stores or participating in online swapping groups.
Sustainability in Practice
These methods are also being highlighted by people on social media in various countries. On the Instagram profile @shluk.bunek, influencer and environmentalist Rozarie Haskovcova is followed by over 20,000 users. She provides her audience with tips on how to change their approach step by step in matters that truly make sense and can make a difference with their impact.
“Steps must be gradual, and we don’t have to try to do everything 100 per cent. I don’t do everything 100 per cent, and I’ve been dedicated to it almost my whole life,” she said.
Demonstrating that shopping in second-hand stores is not a bad thing and emphasising the importance of contemplating sustainability, she showcases eco-friendly outfits on her profile.
Take a look at her gallery of eco-friendly outfits:
https://www.instagram.com/shluk.bunek/
Workers in Factories
Are you now asking yourself what will happen to factory workers if we stop buying fast fashion? There’s no realistic chance that the entire world would stop supporting fast fashion overnight. So, there’s no need to fear that all employees would suddenly lose their jobs.
However, as consumers, we can exert pressure on companies and influence how they behave and manufacture products. We may demand, for instance, that employees receive a living wage, allowing them the basics of life: food, drink, and shelter.
On all fast fashion products, there’s a minimum margin of 75 per cent. If all employees in the fast fashion industry were paid at least a living wage, products would, on average, increase by only 1 per cent. We can demand a living wage, mandatory transparency from companies about emissions, water usage, and the product’s manufacturing location. Or we can demand sustainable certification of fabrics.
How can we make these demands? By, for example, purchasing their sustainable alternatives, signing petitions, or voting for representatives with sustainable values. The European Union can play a significant role in this regard, and its citizens can sign the European Citizens’ Initiative. LINK
Prove Facts
Fast fashion is responsible for over 10 per cent of global emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of air and sea transportation. It consumes vast amounts of water, with 92 million tons of textiles ending up in landfills annually, contributing to microplastics from synthetic materials. This highlights the challenging and complex nature of environmental facts since it’s relatively new, and there’s limited research and information available.
Often, calculations or estimates, which may not always be precise, are used. Whenever we encounter a number or fact, we must always be aware of the study’s foundation. What did it include? Emissions? CO2? Or all greenhouse gases? Did it consider water? What type of water? Greywater, green water, blue water?
In a democratic world, we have numerous opportunities to make the world better. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem.
