Eco-fashion: stylish solutions that help the planet

Modern fashion has a significant impact on the environment, and production processes in the textile industry are becoming increasingly resource-intensive. Making one pair of jeans can require as much as 8,000 liters of water, and carbon dioxide emissions from textile factories account for about 5% of all global pollution. Also, due to the chemicals used in dyeing fabrics, water ecosystems suffer, and the annual amount of clothing sent to landfills exceeds 80 million tons.

With the growing popularity of “fast fashion,” where items quickly become outdated and are updated several times a year, environmental damage is significantly increasing. Many cheap fabrics contain plastic, which pollutes the oceans with microplastics when released into the water.

What is sustainable fashion?

Eco-friendly fashion (or sustainable fashion) is an approach aimed at reducing harm to the environment and consuming wisely. The main principles of this approach include:

• Use recycled materials (e.g. recycled polyester, recycled wool and other recycled fabrics).
• Durability and high quality (choosing items that will last a long time, despite changing trends).
• Second-hand and vintage (recycling of clothing, which reduces the need for new products).
• Ethical production (fair treatment of workers and support for artisans).
• Use of safe dyes (natural and environmentally friendly dyes that do not harm nature).

In addition, there are such areas as upcycling (recycling old things) and clothing exchange through special platforms.

How does conscious fashion impact nature?

Reducing the need for new products helps reduce environmental pollution. For example, buying second-hand clothes can reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Here are some facts:

• Every kilogram of recycled textiles reduces CO₂ emissions by 6 kg.
• Extending the service life of clothing by 2-5 years helps reduce the need for new materials.
• Reducing demand for fast fashion helps reduce carbon emissions.
• The use of recycled materials helps to save natural resources.

Conscious fashion also encourages the development of new recycling technologies, making processes more accessible and efficient.

Which fabrics are considered eco-friendly?

• Organic cotton - produced without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Linen - resistant to decomposition, decomposes quickly in nature and requires less water.
• Hemp - does not require pesticides, is resistant to pests and is very durable.
• Bamboo is a biodegradable and natural material from which fabrics and other products are made.
• Recycled polyester - made from plastic bottles, reducing plastic waste.
• Vegetable leather - replaces natural leather and does not require the exploitation of animals.
• Tensel (Lyocell) is a fabric made from eucalyptus wood with minimal impact on nature.

How to create an eco-friendly wardrobe?

1. Minimize the amount of clothing. Create a wardrobe of quality items that will last a long time and will not go out of style.
2. Buy second-hand clothes. For example, in Megahand stores located in Kutaisi, you can find stylish and high-quality items that do not harm the environment.
3. Recycle old clothes. Many companies offer the opportunity to recycle old things, turning them into new ones.
4. Try upcycling. It is the process of recycling old items into new garments and helps reduce waste.
5. Avoid synthetic fabrics. Synthetics take a long time to decompose and release microplastics during the washing process.
6. Support environmentally conscious brands. Choose companies that use natural materials and minimize harm to nature.

You can also participate in clothing swaps at swap parties or purchase items from local designers who use recycled materials.

Conscious fashion is the trend of the future

The transition to more conscious consumption can significantly reduce pollution, conserve natural resources and create a unique style. Second-hand clothing, the use of recycled materials and minimalism are not only trends, but also contributions to a more sustainable future. Every conscious choice helps preserve the planet for future generations.