Fast and Furious: How Fast Fashion is Hurting the Environment?
Fast fashion trends are ever-changing and we indulge in them without thinking of their long-term impact on the environment. Before we get to how fast fashion hurts the planet, let’s understand what it is. Fast fashion refers to the mass production of clothes that are in vogue. These clothes are inexpensive and manufactured using low-quality materials. They are designed to last for a short time and sent to a landfill at the end of their brief life. The fast-fashion business model is based on selling more products to generate higher revenue. Therefore, retailers constantly need to offer new collections to consumers, creating more waste.
The Impact of Fast Fashion on The Environment
According to a report by the United Nations Environment Program, the fashion industry produces 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions - more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The report further advises that textile dyeing is the second-largest polluter of water globally. For example, takes 2000 gallons of water to manufacture a typical pair of jeans. Besides the toll on the environment, there is a human cost involved as well - textile workers are made to work in appalling conditions and paid minimal wages.
The UNEP report suggests that the number of times a garment is worn has rapidly declined by 36% in the last 15 years. This means that the fast fashion garments either gather dust in your closet or go to a landfill, a huge waste in both scenarios.
How to Shop in an Eco-conscious Way?
While we love having a wardrobe that is full of clothes, it is time we start thinking before we buy. If you are looking to live an eco-conscious or sustainable lifestyle, then putting thought into the clothes you are buying is a great place to start your journey. Besides being thoughtful about your purchase choices, buying well-made clothes greatly reduces their environmental footprint. So, invest in clothes that are made of organic, high-quality material in classic styles that you will wear for years to come. Clothes that last for a long time reduce the number of new clothes you need to buy and also the use of resources. It further reduces the waste caused by the disposal of perfectly good but unwanted clothes.
How Blue Canoe Challenges the Damage Caused by Fast Fashion?
Natural plant fabrics: All our fabrics are made with natural plant fibers. We use organic and sustainable cotton and bamboo that are grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Less water: Sustainable and eco-conscious clothing not only involves the use of organic fabrics but also water conservation. Water is our most precious natural resource and wasting it can lead to water shortage and ecosystem damage. Therefore, at Blue Canoe we strive to use less water to manufacture fabrics. We save water by using organic cotton instead of conventional cotton.
No Toxins: As we mentioned earlier, mainstream fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. From the use of pesticides on crops to the use of petroleum-based fabrics such as polyester, the fashion industry adds to environmental distress. At Blue Canoe, we shun the use of chemicals and help preserve the planet.
No Toxic dyes: Since the health of our planet and customers is our primary focus, we refuse to use any toxic dyes in our products. Fast fashion companies usually use toxic dyes that require high water usage with unused dyes ending up in our waterways. To tackle this issue, we use only fiber reactive dyes that can only be used to color natural fibers. The production of fiber reactive dyes requires less water and creates less waste.
Made in the USA: From fabric to finish, we are a made in USA company. By working nationally, we help reduce trade deficits, leave a smaller transportation footprint, and meet the highest environmental and labor standards.
By supporting Blue Canoe, you support sustainable, eco-conscious living!
Blue Canoe. Support Ethical fashion!
