By Eden Nia Griffiths
Sustainable and eco-friendly fashion are terms used to describe a movement which involves changing the way we look at fashion. As consumers weÔÇÖre becoming increasingly more aware of the overwhelming demand for what is known as ÔÇÿfast fashionÔÇÖ which is damaging our eco systems. Fast fashion involves synthetic materials being mass produced to meet consumer demand, but it comes at the ultimate cost to our planet due to factors such as microplastic pollution, energy consumption and an increase in carbon emissions. To tackle this problem there are many things we can do as consumers to help the cause.
#1 Fabric Choice
There are a wealth of materials and fabrics available to us, easily divided into two categories. Natural fibres and Synthetic fibres. Natural fibres include organic cotton, linen, hemp and rayon and are biodegradable meaning if they were left in the ground they would eventually disintegrate into it. Synthetic fibres such as polyester and acrylic are man-made fabrics that when washed, shed what we know as microplastics into our watering system. We all know the importance of reducing plastic consumption and by switching to more natural fibres we can ensure that we help to achieve this.
#2 Where to Buy
Preferably from local retailers to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. If youÔÇÖre unable to afford direct from retailers, then sought out bigger┬ábrand names second hand online and in charity shops.
Another more affordable option is to look out for ranges in high street retailers which feature mix blend pieces using the more sustainable fabrics mentioned.
#3 Washing
Helping the environment doesnÔÇÖt end at what you purchase, and if youÔÇÖre wardrobe is already stuffed full of garments made from non-natural fibres then the way that you wash your clothes is even more vital. Firstly you can purchase a specialist washing bag designed to put clothes in when washing to prevent microplastic shedding from synthetic fibres.
Secondly regardless of what your garments are made from, washing at 30 degrees for less duration helps to decrease energy consumed. You can purchase organic washing powders made specifically to work at optimum at lower temperatures. This is not only good for the planet, but great for your bank account too!
Lastly by switching to an energy supplier in your home that specialises in renewable energy you can ensure your using good clean energy when washing your clothes.
#4 Online Purchasing
When purchasing products online┬ávisit a carbon emission calculator website to find out just how much CO2 gas your producing to get your purchase from A to B, and how much money it would cost to neutralise your carbon footprint by putting back into┬ácharityÔÇÖs and organisations which specialise in helping us to neutralise and decrease our carbon footprint.
#5 Recycling and Upcycling Your Wardrobe 
Once you feel your clothes have lived their full life and youÔÇÖre ready to pass them on, make sure you consider the following;
Reworked ÔÇô In fashion reworking is a term used to describe changing a garment to give it a burst of new life. Look online for workshops near you or YouTube tutorials to get you started!
Charity Shops ÔÇô Charity shops are of great benefit and prevent our clothes from ending up in landfill. However, do be aware many charity shops are at capacity, so just be sure that getting rid is a last resort!
Clothes Banks ÔÇô Clothes banks are great for clothes that are no longer wearable, and you can find your nearest clothes bank by looking online.
Composting ÔÇô If youÔÇÖre already top of the class and have a wardrobe filled with clothes made from natural fibres then well then you. If youÔÇÖre able, create your own compost in your own back garden and when your done with your clothes you can cut them up into small pieces and place them into your compost, so they can return to the soil.
It may seem like an overwhelming amount of information but by just putting a few of these measures into practice we can all help to ensure weÔÇÖre doing our bit to protect the planet. DonÔÇÖt forget to check your labels! And treat yourself!
This article is part of our new ‘Fast Fashion Features’ series – involving the regular uploading of articles focused around the topic of Fast Fashion. If you would like to contribute, please email us at fashion@quenchmag.co.uk