Sustainable Fashion: Upgrade Your ‘Drobe with These Eco-Friendly Materials Stat!

We often hear that the fashion industry is considered to be the second largest polluting industry in the world. There is a lot of debate regarding that but one thing is for certain, fashion—being the ginormous industry that it is—needs to immediately address the multifaceted challenges it faces when it comes to areas of concern like production and sourcing of raw materials, use of plastic, to chemical run-offs, carbon emission, as well as waste disposal and management.

A few years ago, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report of 2019, caused anguish to the industry, when it revealed that it takes 7,500 litres (approx) of water to make a single pair of jeans, which is equivalent to the amount of water an average person drinks over a period of seven years. Fast fashion certainly came under the scanner like never before, as this business model encouraged individuals to buy and discard clothes frequently that add to the already overflowing landfills. As a consequence, both internationally and in India, many fashion brands and designers made conscious efforts to go the slow fashion way. They are now using greener processes and trying to recycle and upcycle their waste.

Undoubtedly, the concerns about sustainability and clothes are legit and justified, and the larger fashion industry has massive ground to cover in order to diminish its impact on the planet. But as saying goes, ‘Charity begins at home’, and believe it or not, changing your own consumption patterns and fashion label preferences can go a long way in preserving our home planet. Plus, opting to wear fabrics that have a lower carbon footprint and are biodegradable can certainly help you adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, without burdening the planet. So, here are some suggestions we have to get you started...

Lyocell: One of the most popular sustainable materials made with wood cellulose, is it sourced from organic and renewable sources, processed via low energy and water systems, and can be recycled up to 99.5 percent.  

(L-R): Feel The Energy Shirt Dress, PAUSE; A-line lyocell blend dress, H&M 

 

Tencel: Do not get confused, this is the brand name used to trademark garments made from modal and lyocell fibres. Many homegrown and mass fashion brands are now turning to it for manufacturing their apparel.

Austin Tencel Co Ord, Amala Earth 

 

Coconut Leather: An ideal vegan leather created from tender coconut water and the soft white flesh of the drupe, this innovation was created by homegrown label Malai in 2017.

Unisex wallets and expandable tote bag, both Malai

 

Piñatex: Who thought that pineapples could lend themselves so resourcefully to leather substitute that can be morphed into cool bags, shoes, and the works.  

Ditya Cluthes, BEEJ

 

Cork: No longer just a vino stopper, this versatile material is used by a number of brands to make belts, bags, and accessories that are equal parts chic, recyclable, and biodegradable.         

  

(L-R) Unisex Cork Laptop Pro Sleeve, BEEJ; The OH Birdy Belt and The OH V Birdy Phone Bag, both Outhouse Jewellery