Saturday, 17 April 2010

Is Fashion Friendly To Our Planet?


   I don’t get it, why use materials that drain the planet of its finite energy sources or dye yarns in chemicals that poison the land, the sea, the air we breathe and the garment workers? Because that’s what all the large producers of textiles are doing. However, it is to be said that designers, manufacturers and consumers all around the globe are beginning to realise the severity of the effects of the fashion world on the environment though still not enough action has been taken. People need to realise that the manufacturing process and the disposal is just as, if not more important, than the performance and aesthetics of the product.
  There is an imperative need for industrial products and processes to become sustainable.  The three main principles for conserving the environment are simple:
Avoidance of material which may put the environment under stress.
Avoidance of consumption of materials.
Recycling of used materials.

Fashion changes constantly. The fast-paced changes in the fashion industry results in waste and encourages consumers to buy items unnecessarily. Pressure from advertising and publicity pushes the consumer to keep up with fashion. Designers and consumers should be thinking about the future. Designers need to encourage a longer-term use of products and they should slow down the changing of fashion. All consumers need to change their views from buying because you WANT to buying because you NEED . The manufacturers also have a place in this; they should offer the service of taking the products back after use, and these should then be recycled.
    Clothing should never be thrown away, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” clothing could be sent to less fortunate people, or be  sold to raise money in a charity shop, even your friends or family may appreciate them. If the clothing is completely ruined, the material and components can be recycled separately. Clothes can also be adapted, changing the size, shape, colour etc.
   I believe that we are on the way to viewing clothing and its manufacture differently. Eco labels are being advertised by famous models and top designers are also putting their names to eco fashion, not only is this clothing good for the environment, much of it also raises money for several good causes. The demand for eco friendly clothing is increasing, and will only continue to grow, prices have already dropped and it’s very affordable and available in many high street shops such as New Look and Dorothy Perkins. With the backing of celebrities, top models, designers and stores, the sale of eco fashion will only increase.
   Please remember that everyone is responsible for helping to save the planet, do your bit.
Image 1 - Lazareva Valeria 
Image 2 -malguina_malguina

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