Sustainable fashion -Protect the environment
This a really interesting topic and I know I will receive negative feedback from the social media trolls - “ You want to protect the environment but you have printed a magazine !”
That is a very fair point and we have tried to limit our impact to the environment by using recycled paper, sustainable sourced materials and a UK based logistics partner with 100% electric vehicle fleet. Our aim is for the magazine to be a carbon neutral publication and we will also use the platform to promote sustainable brands that share our passion for sustainable travel and protecting the nature that we all love !
The purpose of this article is to highlight the damage that “fast fashion” is having on our global environment and climate change and what we can do to make a change.
As humans we need to purchase clothes, shoes, sports gear etc but how can we change our mindset to be more sustainable.
This is an interesting subject and like most men I have experienced some real fashion mistakes in the past but as we reach 50 years old, in theory we should be established in our career and maybe have more disposable income to actually invest in quality clothes and contribute to sustainable fashion.
The impact of fast fashion on the environment
There are many articles on the impact of fast fashion on the environment and I have added a few of the startling statics below and some links for a further read.
According to the United nations environment programme, fast fashion is the second biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Nearly 3 in 5 garments are sent to landfill after 1 year of purchase. Impacts of Fast Fashion on the Environment | Earth.Org
The world buys over 80 billion articles of clothing each year. And in the last 15 years, worldwide clothing production (and consumption) has doubled.
Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion (With Facts and Statistics) (get-green-now.com)
The image below is an example of a landfill and just pause and imagine if we continue to throw away 3 in every 5 garment purchases globally.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion is a movement towards clothing that is produced, consumed, and disposed of in ways that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Sustainable fashion aims to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and promoting ethical labor practices.
Sustainable fashion for men over 50 is all about making thoughtful choices in terms of what you wear, how you wear it, and how you care for it.
As men over 50, we are mentors and an inspiration to our children and Grandchildren and we can promote sustainable fashion via our own personal choices.
Here are some tips to help us dress sustainably and stylishly and this blog will be updated as we progress through the project and learn some new style tips.
tips to improve your impact on the environment
1. Invest in quality pieces: Instead of buying cheap fast fashion that won't last, invest in high-quality pieces that are made to last. Look for items made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo.
2. Choose classic styles: Classic styles never go out of fashion and can be worn for years without looking dated. Invest in well-fitted, timeless pieces such as a well-tailored suit, a cashmere sweater, or a leather jacket.
3. Buy second-hand: Consider buying pre-loved clothes from charity shops, e-bay, vinted or car boot sales. This not only helps reduce textile waste but also gives you a chance to find unique pieces that reflect your personal style. This is a very good tip and reminds me of my student days buying clothes from charity shops. My personal favourite was buying shirts from the vintage stalls at Camden market in London. If you are visiting London, I would highly recommend Camden market for a day trip to explore market and vintage stalls.
Camden market - London
4. Repair and repurpose: If a favorite item of clothing needs repair, don't throw it away. Instead, learn how to fix it yourself or take it to a tailor. Care for your clothes: Properly caring for your clothes can help them last longer. Follow care instructions on the label, wash clothes only when necessary, and hang dry instead of using a dryer. About 10 years ago, I worked with a work collegue who was part of the movement, Financial independence retire early ( FIRE). He was very passionate about sustainability and he would wear the same grey suit, white shirt and shoes every day to the office. One lunchtime, we walked to shoe repair shop together and we sat waiting as the cobbler fixed a hole in the sole of his shoe. As we waited he explained to me that he owned the shoes for 15 year years and spending the minimum on shoes and clothes helped him to save money for his early retirement. Unfortunately, we lost contact but I am convinced that he hit his goal for early retirement. I think the FIRE movement is an interesting subject and if you have been successful, it would be great if you could contribute an article to the magazine. Please contact me, it would be great to share your goals, approach and did it provide the freedom that you visuslaized.
Remember, sustainable fashion isn't just about the clothes you wear, it's also about the way you wear them. By choosing quality, classic pieces and taking care of them properly, you can create a wardrobe that not only looks great but also has a positive impact on the environment.
we can inspire our children and grandchildren
We can all make small changes and inspire the next generation to continue to reduce their carbon emissions and reduce the impact to the climate change.
I am personally feeling optimistic about climate change and the impact to the environment as I can see the determination for the young people such as my children to make a change. They inspire me each day and we as parents and Grandparents can also lead by example and purchase clothes in a more sustainable manner.
A final thought, there is an estimated 7.9 billion people in the world, if we are purchase 20 less items in a year that is 158 billion less items that could potentially hit landfill.!
If you are an artist or designer with a passion for sustainable fashion and would like to contribute an article please visit the contributors page.