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Print articleSustainability is big business in the world of food and food packaging. We are told what is fair trade, organic and are taking greater notice of food miles. But what about clothes? Are we, as consumers, as concerned about what we should and shouldn't be picking from the rails? Do we ask ourselves the same penetrating questions over a t-shirt as we do of a banana? Probably not.
According to the report 'A review of the sustainability impacts of the clothing industry' there are a number of things we should be doing as consumers. Here are their top 10 tips:
1. Planet organic ? look out for organic cotton. It uses less energy, water and chemicals.
2. No sweat ? make sure the people who make your clothes are paid a fair wage and have decent working conditions. Check out the Ethical Trade Initiative
3. Retro rage ? new clothes are old news. Look out for one-off items in your local vintage or charity shop.
4. Badger brands ? find out what your favourite brands are doing about cotton production, working conditions, animal welfare, air miles or whatever else concerns you. Contact them via their websites or ask in store.
5. Reinvent yourself ? give your wardrobe a new lease of life by adapting existing clothes instead of buying new ones. Try adding new accessories and cunning combinations.
6. Keep it cool ? wash your clothes at low temperatures to save on electricity and bills
7. Avoid the rough and tumble ? avoid the tumble dryer. Again, save on electricity and bills
8. Pass it on ? give your old clothes to charity shops or find out where you can leave them to be recycled.
9. Show off ? if you've got it, flaunt it. Tell your friends how to dress sustainably so that they can do it too. It worked for dolphin friendly tuna and for CFC-free sprays. It can work for clothes too.
10. Enjoy ? going sustainable on your clothes won't just get you looking good. It should make you feel good too. Have fun!
