The fashion industry, is one of the largest industries out there, but that's not all it is. Arguably one of the worst pollutants out there, and regardless if you would define and connect yourself with fashion, you should still be wary of what you buy. Considering that fashion and clothing is such a broad, wide issue, I will be splitting the topic up and writing numerous posts on it. This being the first of what should hopefully, be many posts on the clothing topic, I have decided to focus on the textile aspect of clothing. So let's begin! First things first, why should we be doing this? As the fashion industry is such a large pollutant, we should all be doing our part, in order to prevent further damage. And in order to choose a sustainable piece of clothing you should be looking at that label. To do this you can either go the easy way, and download an app (GoodGuide, Free2Work, Shop Ethical!, aVOID, The Higg Index), or you can check the labels before buying (there is also usually a tab on online shops). Here are some fabrics that you should be considering as replacements... Recycled Cotton - a staple due to its flexibility and breathability. Cotton takes up a massive amount of resources, and by reusing it, you are ensuring it is not all for waste. Try also looking for organic cotton, when recycled isn't available Organic Hemp - an adaptable material, used across the fields; in makeup, food and even construction material. Hemp is a great substitute as the growing process doesn't use very much water, and pesticide isn't used. Organic Linen - another material that's stood the test of time; linen. Like hemp, it doesn't require a lot of water, or pesticide to grow. On top of that, the flax plant, where linen's from, is all used and nothing is wasted. In order to be as sustainable as possible, buy linen that isn't dyed, as it's fully biodegradable. While here are some you should be avoiding... Acrylic Fabric - is a plastic, meaning it's made of petroleum, and other toxic chemicals. When washed it releases microplastics into water systems, which eventually can cause health issues for animals. Lycra / Spandex - made with synthetic fibres, its typically mixed with multiple other fibres to keep it elastic, and is extremely toxic to make. It also releases microplastics, and consumes a high amount of energy. Polyester - the most common of all toxic materials, and is typically found in cheap, and low quality clothing. Unfortunately it doesn't end there as polyester is heat sensitive, quick to static, not biodegradable, easily loses quality, and is high energy consuming. Synthetic Materials - you should generally just avoid synthetic materials, as they are "unnatural" and usually highly unsustainable. Want to become more educated on the issue? Check out the sources, and links below: Sources Good On You (link) Go Climate (link) More resources Green Choices (link) Independant (link)
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At the moment you are what you eat is a big deal. Being one of the biggest industries on the globe, and producing the unjust amount of waste it does, we need to be careful what we consume. Read on to discover what you can do to help.
1. Eat a more plant based diet Apart from the health benefits, eating a more plant based diet reduces the freshwater withdrawal, and deforestation levels produced in the meat industry. 2. Choosing not to eat so much meat Cutting down on the animal products you consume highly benefits the planet. The animal industry, particularly those involving cows, are some of the highest pollution emitters there are. What with the high methane quantity released from cows, to the deforestation and high amounts of water needed to sustain livestock, the meat industry is not benefitting any of us. 3. Carefully choose your seafood Although fish is extremely healthy, the method it is obtained is not so. The fish industry harms the planet as many fish species face overfishing, or are caught in not so eco-friendly ways. Check out the Seafood Watch's list on what fish to avoid (link), and what to indulge in (link). 4. Choose local Transporting across the globe, not only makes it more expensive, but it also releases greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. By choosing local produce you are building up the local economy, supporting local businesses and stunting carbon emissions. 5. Be mindful when it comes to what you eat and choose It might sound silly to you, but being mindful when you eat can play a big difference in how much you consume. Just by focusing on what you eat, and not creating distractions while a meal occurs, you can help your body focus on your hunger signals, and reflect on how your food came to be and how it is helping you. Even by actually thinking about your food can help you realise how much food you really need. Check out my food page for similar articles, on nutrition, supplements and even some recipes Based off of Harvard T.H Chan's article, '5 tips for sustainable eating' Want to become more educated on the issue? Check out the sources, and links below: WWF (link) NCTE ( The Daily Meal ( |