A look inside the world’s second most polluting industry
As the second most polluting industry in the world, the fashion industry has done little to nothing to implement responsible social and environmental manufacturing standards. From high usage of cotton, which requires large quantities of water to grow, to endless dying, which leaves factory cities engulfed in dangerous chemicals, clothes are draining the globe of natural resources and replacing them with deadly substances. Companies are now taking the responsibility of creating change in their own hands, while also urging consumers to help make sustainably conscious choices at home.
Reformation’s fight for sustainability
Refscale via Reformation
“We make killer clothes that don’t kill the environment” - Reformation
By creating pieces that are stylish and sustainable, Reformation is proving that you can be both fashionable and environmentally conscious. The brand’s mission for conscious apparel starts with , through working with “the most efficient, eco-friendly and pro-social technologies” and by gathering the energy used in production from wind power suppliers. Each item from Reformation is ranked on their , which tracks each item’s environmental footprint from resources used, saved and offset. In a table (seen below), they outline the carbon dioxide, water and waste involved in creating a specific garment, while comparing it to the industry standard.
Implementing change starts at home
It may come as a surprise, but the majority of environmental harm from clothing happens when the pieces are brought home. From washing to discarding garments, education on sustainable clothing care has been nonexistent. So, how can you help make a difference? Simply start with the cleaning process. According to the , 90% of the energy used by washing machines is exclusively for heating the water. In an effort to preserve energy, switch machines to the “cold” setting. Another way to preserve energy is through the drying process, by swapping out a load in the dryer for hanging on the clothesline. Recycling is also crucial in helping the environment. Many companies, like Reformation and , allow customers to discard clothing through them with free shipping and assistance, which helps ensure proper recycling efforts.
Meet Kara Ladd
Kara Ladd via Instagram @boundlessfashion
“Buying higher quality, beautiful apparel that will last and you will treasure for the long-haul, is the first and foremost rule in my opinion!” – Kara Ladd, Leeds grad and Founder of Boundless Fashion
Kara Ladd is not only a Leeds graduate, but is also a prominent player in the fashion industry with jobs at a number of reputable publications including Italian Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Ladd currently runs her blog, Boundless Fashion, out of New York City. Her site’s primary focus is on sustainable fashion through which she hopes to educate readers and fashion consumers on the importance of making environmental and social conscious decisions when it comes to clothing.