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‘Going green’ might sound like a glossy marketing term, but the reality is that when it’s backed by concrete actions, going green equals ‘making a positive environmental impact’.
Reduce Water Waste
2.2 Billion people worldwide do not have access to clean and safe water.
Sometimes making the biggest difference involves making one simple change. That can look like denim brands recycling water during the dyeing process or investing in new technologies that use less water in an effort to reduce water waste or pollution. Or, focusing on materials like organic cotton instead of conventional cotton can reduce waste use and pollution since the run off water won’t be contaminated with pesticides.
As conscious consumers we can make the same impact by supporting these brands that make a conscious effort to reduce their water waste and use. When it comes to areas outside of fashion, trying solid (water-free) shampoo bars is another way to support better water use. According to some sources, concentrated beauty products like solid shampoos are better for the environment since the average liquid shampoo is 75% water.
Reduce Our Reliance On Fossil Fuels
Countries must decrease production of fossil fuels by 6 per cent per year, between 2020 and 2030, if the world is to avert “catastrophic” global temperature rise
A majority of the clothes that you’ll see made by fast fashion retailers are polyester which is a type of plastic-based material made from fossil fuels. Some studies show that 80% of clothing produced by fast fashion retailers is made from plastic-based materials. But, fast fashion brands aren’t the only group of brands relying on this material for its versatility, pleasing price and availability. In 2017, a New Textiles Economy Report estimated that across various industries polyester production uses 342 million barrels of oil yearly.
When brands ‘go green’, one of first areas of interest are the materials used. This could result in a designer choosing tencel or organic cotton over polyester materials. Or, they might rely on recycled polyester or nylon instead of virgin materials. Both options can drastically reduce the fashion industry’s reliance on fossil fuels. This same idea of finding alternatives for plastic-based materials can also be applied to other industries as well. Bamboo from sustainably managed forests can replace plastic for toothbrushes. Plastic packaging can be replaced with compostable recycled paper materials. And, our reliance on fossil fuels can gradually decrease.
Support Living Wages
The minimum wage in California is $15/ hour. The average wage of garment workers is $5.15 / hour.
Cheap clothes and cheap labor often go hand-in-hand. In the race to produce the cheapest and largest quantities of new styles, supply chains often succumb to slave labor. In the fashion industry alone, this has impacted millions of lives who suffer poverty wages, unsafe working conditions and work weeks that can extend to 40+ hours all for the cost of a $5 t-shirt.
Progress has been to ensure the living wages and labor laws are being upheld across supply chains. Human rights activists have fought for (and won) stronger legislation around living wages for garment workers in Los Angeles. Brands are sharing #WhoMadeMyClothes to transparently advertise the wages that they’re paying their workers while inspire others to do the same. And, living wages are highlighted so that consumers have a better understanding about what garment workers are earning for making a $30 t-shirt.
Reduce Landfill Pollution
We create a lot of waste. In the U.S alone we tossed 146.1 million tons of municipal waste into landfills in 2018. Twenty-seven million tons of that was plastic that is estimated to take hundreds of years to decompose while emitting greenhouse gases that are warming our atmosphere. But, if we take steps to reduce landfill pollution we can make a big positive impact.
- 1,200 pounds of organic garbage could be composted by the average American instead of being thrown away.
- One ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees and 350 gallons of oil.
- 14 plastic water bottles can be recycled to create the insulation for a ski jacket.
- 95% of textiles have the potential to be recycled or reused.
These are just a few of the ways that green or ethical choices can make a positive impact on our lives, our environment and the lives of others. Some of these choices are made by brands in their quest to create sustainable products. Other choices can be made by conscious consumers like you and me to support brands going green and even find ways to make those same green choices in our everyday lives ourselves.
Guide: Where To Recycle Your Clothes From The Comfort Of Home
Read more about going green:
Ditch The Landfill. This Brand Will Recycle Old Clothes For You.
5 Easy Eco Resolutions To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
So You Wanna Go Zero Waste But Don’t Know Where To Start…
We’re Learning To Recycle Better With A Zero-Waste Expert
