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You've probably heard the term \"sustainable fashion\" more and more in recent years. Perhaps you've seen it on clothing labels, read about it in magazines, or noticed brands proudly declaring their eco-friendly credentials. But what does sustainable fashion actually mean? And why should it matter to you?<\/span><\/p> If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you're not alone. The world of conscious fashion can seem complex, filled with unfamiliar terms and conflicting information. But here's the good news: understanding sustainable fashion doesn't require expertise, and making a difference doesn't demand perfection.<\/span><\/p> This guide is designed to break it all down \u2014 simply, clearly, and without judgement. Consider it your first step towards a more mindful relationship with the clothes you wear.<\/span><\/p> At its core, sustainable fashion refers to clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.<\/span><\/p> It's an approach that considers the entire lifecycle of a garment \u2014 from the raw materials used to grow or create the fabric, through the manufacturing process, to how the item is worn, cared for, and eventually disposed of.<\/span><\/p> Sustainable fashion asks important questions:<\/span><\/p> Where do the materials come from?<\/span><\/p><\/li> How are the workers who make the clothes treated?<\/span><\/p><\/li> What impact does production have on the environment?<\/span><\/p><\/li> How long will this garment last?<\/span><\/p><\/li> What happens to it when it's no longer wanted?<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul> \u00a0<\/span><\/p> The goal is to create a fashion industry that works in harmony with people and planet, rather than exploiting them.<\/span><\/p> To understand why sustainable fashion matters, we first need to look at the current state of the fashion industry.<\/span><\/p> Environmental Impact<\/span><\/strong><\/p> The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries around the world. Consider these facts:<\/span><\/p> The industry produces approximately <\/span>10% of global carbon emissions<\/u><\/span><\/a> \u2014 more than international flights and maritime shipping combined<\/span><\/p><\/li> Around <\/span>93 billion cubic metres of water<\/u><\/span><\/a> are used by the fashion industry annually \u2014 enough to meet the needs of five million people<\/span><\/p><\/li> Approximately <\/span>85% of all textiles<\/u><\/span><\/a> end up in landfill each year<\/span><\/p><\/li> Synthetic fabrics release microplastics into our waterways every time they're washed<\/span><\/p><\/li> Toxic dyes and chemicals pollute rivers and soil in manufacturing regions<\/span><\/p>What Is Sustainable Fashion?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>
Why Does It Matter?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>
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<\/u><\/a>Boucher, J. and Friot D. (2017). Primary Microplastics in the Oceans: A Global Evaluation of Sources. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 43pp.<\/em><\/p><\/li><\/ul>