| THE DIRT
Even your favourite pair of jeans have an ecological footprint..
The following story of the life of a pair of Jeans has been adapted from a BBC UK article. "The Journey of a pair of jeans from cotton plant to rubbish tip" 1. Growing the cotton
. Cotton uses almost a quarter of the world's insecticides despite only using 3% of the worlds arable land.
. The insecticides used in cotton farming can harm farm workers and the environment. 2. Weaving, dying, bleaching and softening the fabric
. Synthetic chemicals are often used to give clothes their 'soft feel'
. These chemicals are often toxic to workers and the environment if not used and disposed of correctly.
. Completed jeans are likely to contain residues of these chemicals which the wearer may absorb via the skin and lungs.
3. Sewing
. Clothing is often manufactured in the poorest countries in the world.
. This can be a positive influence, providing steady income to communities, however in some cases the working conditions are unsafe and unfair, with workers wages not providing enough to cover the costs of basic food and healthcare.
4. Transportation
. The humble pair of jeans may be made of components from more than 5 different countries. This excessive transportation uses petrol, oil and diesel in the process. 5. Cost
. Clothes are getting cheaper and your 'bargain' is most likely reflective of a workers low wages somewhere along the clothing chain. 6. Disposal
. Changing fashions and low prices have provided us with the ability to have a large disposable wardrobe. When you do 'dispose' of your jeans remember they end up in landfill and the chemicals that were used in processing will leach back into the soil and in many cases, our waterways. Ethical purchasing is easier than you think, here are our top 6 tips:
1) Opt for organic cotton, hemp or bamboo clothing all of which have less impact on the earth.
2) Choose fair trade / sweatshop free items.
3) Buy second hand or from designers who incorporate recycled fabrics in their garments.
4) Source local designers, who have their garments manufactured locally.
5) Buy high quality classic items that will last for years rather than months, and look after your clothes well to extend their life.
6) When you have really finished using your clothes, give them to someone who will continue to wear them!
G SPOT
For more about some ethical fashionistas visit the BLOG.
COME CLEAN
Become a green fashionista with these ethical ideas........... Ethical Threads is a fashion store with a difference! Their wide range of stylish clothing and accessories (shoes, bags & jewellery) are sweatshop free, made from divine sustainable fibres like hemp, organic cotton and bamboo or beautifully handcrafted using recycled materials. Ethical Threads proudly represents eco-conscious designers who have the same ongoing dedication to promoting Fair Trade practices as they do.
Sara Victoria is an Australian boutique designer specialising in unique and luxurious organic wears. Experience the collection of knits and wovens from organic cotton and wool, hemp, silk, flax, alpaca, bamboo and llama and various combinations of these. Beautiful to wear garments that make a difference. www.saravictoria.com.au Looking to make environmentally responsible decisions but still want bright, attractive, stylish, comfortable clothing? Margaret River HempCo have the perfect answer with great clothing for the whole family. Experience the superb look and feel of natural hemp, bamboo and cotton fabrics. Do the right thing tomorrow . visit their beautiful shops in Margaret River or Fremantle; or online at www.hempco.net.au for eco-friendly shopping therapy.
Tierra Ecologia is a textile and fashion company committed to environmental
integrity and ethics in business. Their latest "eco logika" creation , the
Okinawa Shawl, is hand crocheted by a small group of Vietnamese women according to fair trade standards. Using only recycled denim that has been stripped and respun, this shawl is an exquisite addition to the ethical wardrobe.
www.tierraecologia.com Choosing local designers is a great way to reduce the impact of your clothes, we LOVE, Joveeba. Designer Ali Cotton, ensures all the Joveeba clothes made in Perth and most of the fabric is also printed and milled in Australia. Check out Joveeba for beautfiul, wearable and sensual clothes.
Visit www.fairwear.org.au for more info on fair trade in the fashion industry.
In the UK visit www.peopletree.co.uk for some ethical fashion inspiration. |
