3 Keys To Get Started In Circular Fashion
Circular fashion is an alternative to a model of rapid consumption of garments that, due to its production model, has generated a negative impact on the environment.
Circular fashion emerges as a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion or fast fashion. Photo: Unsplash
LatinAmerican Post | María Fernanda Ramírez Ramos
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Leer en español: 3 claves para iniciarte en la moda circular
Rising sea levels, rising temperatures, and depletion of natural resources are just some of the consequences of pollution and climate change, largely caused by unsustainable consumption patterns.
Circular fashion emerges as a sustainable alternative to traditional or fast fashion. It is a production system that is part of the concept of the circular economy. In other words, it adopts sustainable and responsible production processes that optimize the use of resources. As a result, the impact on the environment is reduced, waste is reduced and existing materials are used that can be reused.
The latest report from the Global Fashion Agenda conducted research showing that the global fashion industry produced about 2.1 billion tons of Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2018, equivalent to 4% of the world total and it is equivalent to the emissions of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany together in one year.
However, the environment is not the only reason to adopt sustainable fashion. It is well known that in this industry there is labor exploitation, which has come to be compared to slavery, especially in Asian countries. The Tamil Nadu Alliance, created in 2017, representing more than 100 organizations based in South India, created the Tamil Nadu Declaration to require clothing brands to take action to stop severe exploitation and rape. of Human Rights.
Tips for adopting a circular and responsible fashion
Circular fashion, related to the concept of slow fashion, is opposed to fast fashion, a fast, low-cost production model, in which garments are designed to be consumed and discarded soon.
No hacemos rebajas, el lema de la #modasostenible contra el exceso de ropa #lowcost
"Las grandes cadenas hacen rebajas porque hay una sobreproducción, que nunca debió de existir … " @Paloma99KX
presidenta @AsocMSMAD via @RevistaInStyle
#slowfashionhttps://t.co/RuCPCcUm8J— SIC, Sostenible Innovación Circular en Moda (@SiCmodaes) July 1, 2020
Also read: Angelina Jolie And Her Daughters Prove That Reuse Can Save The World
Apply the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle
To get started in a circular fashion, it is key to apply the 3R rule. Before buying a garment, it is necessary to ask yourself if it is really needed and where it comes from. In this sense, it is necessary to find out if the company is responsible for the environment and if behind its production there was suffering of exploited people. Also, you have to see if it is a garment to wear for a season and discard it or if it is made with quality materials. The quality-price ratio is usually a good indicator.
One of the principles of circular fashion is to wear a garment, shoe, or accessory for as long as possible to reduce the impact of waste. This makes it necessary to open up to reuse possibilities. Stores that sell second-hand or vintage clothing in excellent condition at low prices are becoming more and more popular. Remember that fashion trends are cyclical and that what was trending yesterday will be trending again tomorrow. In fact, exploring the closet of parents and grandparents is a great idea. On the other hand, it is key to have what in fashion is known as basic garments. That is, they are versatile so that they adapt to multiple styles and you can use them in different looks.
On the other hand, recycling is fundamental in a circular fashion. Today, sustainable fashion brands are betting on manufacturing textiles from waste such as plastic bottles or fishing nets, with very beautiful results.
Redesign your clothes and give them a new life
Being creative is a fundamental question to get started in a circular fashion. An old pair of jeans, a dress, or a jacket can shine again in the closet if adaptations such as embroidery, patches, paintings or button changes are applied to them. In fact, they can also become the raw material for another garment such as a skirt, shorts, or a bag. If your artistic side is not the most developed, there are artists and designers who are guiding their work in this area.
Invest in quality clothing
This is probably the most difficult step to take because it is very tempting to buy cheap garments without thinking further about the processes behind their production. However, if you have really become aware of the need to change habits, this is a commitment to environmental and social well-being.
Also, having a sustainable wardrobe does not necessarily mean investing a fortune. It is about buying clothes that really meet your needs and can be used for many years. It is a change of mind. On the other hand, it is also key to support small, local, and responsible businesses.
