A 2015 study found that 97% of the materials used to create new clothes are new resources, with only 3% of them being recycled materials.
Sustainable materials are today one of the most important issues in the world; from building to clothing, it is essential to find ways to make the planet more sustainable. The fashion business is one of the most polluting industries in the world, and for this reason, we need to find ways to make clothing more environmentally friendly. A 2015 study found that 97% of the materials used to create new clothes are new resources, with only 3% of them being recycled materials.
97% of the materials used to create new clothes are new resources
So, in order to help our world and its ecosystem, we should start to be environmentally friendly. In order to do this, we need to buy sustainable clothing from designers and brands and consider avoiding fast-fashion companies. To help you choose more environmentally friendly materials, I’m going to list some of them.
One of the best eco-materials we can use is ECONYL®, which uses 70,000 barrels of oil and 57,100 tons of Co2 less than the production of virgin nylon for every 10,000 tons of product, so next time you buy a swimsuit, make sure you buy more ethical swimwear made with ECONYL® to improve our world.
Materials made from artificial chemicals such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic have a major impact on our ecosystem. The production of these materials requires more energy and more water than natural or recycled materials. Alternatives to these materials exist and can easily be found on the market; some examples are linen, hemp, organic cotton, and TENCEL™. This last organic material is made of sustainable wood pulp and is even biodegradable.
It takes 2,700 liters of water to make a single piece of clothing made of cotton.
When we buy a t-shirt, we hardly think about how much water was necessary to produce it, but we have to understand the impact our clothes have on the planet. It takes 2,700 liters of water to make a single piece of clothing made of cotton. In order to avoid this waste, one of the best options we have is to buy organic cotton clothing, which reduces water consumption by 91%.
So, the next time you buy clothes, remember to check which materials are used in the production process. Also, if you can’t find what you want in a store, second-hand clothing and rental platforms offer a great way to live a more sustainable life to save our planet.