Wednesday 23 May 2012

To Die For

Another post about a great read from the library (but I need to take it back).  This time its 'To Die For: Is fashion wearing out the world?' by Lucy Siegle (2011).  This book is not for the faint hearted, as it delves deep into the fashion industry and exposes the web of environmental and social issues that are getting worse.  I almost didn't finish reading it as it gave a pretty scary account of the fashion industry and made me question why I'm developing a business that is part of it.  She researchers fashion's footprint for water, pollution, oil etc.  You can calculate the footprint of your won wardrobe at www.colour-connections.com/EcoMetrics.  She also looks into the animal industries such as wool, leather, cashmere etc.  Her research into fast fashion are particularly disturbing with its low price tag, and disposable mentality, combined with low-quality fabrics made with unfair work practices and a trail of pollution and destruction (www.labourbehindthelabel.org).  After so much doom and gloom, she then talks about how we can make it better; by being smarter consumers, choosing ethical brands, sustainable fabrics, mending our clothes, recycling garments, and planning our wardrobe purchases. 

This lead me to think more about how I want my business to help the fashion industry move to a more sustainable model.  I aim to encourage my readers and clients to choose sustainable fabrics, clothes that fit and flatter them, pass on garments that can be worn by someone else, and use as rags those that can't.

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