The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions, making it essential to adopt more sustainable practices when it comes to the clothes we buy. In this article, we will discuss five of the most harmful materials used in the fashion industry and their more planet-friendly alternatives.
Cow Leather
Cow leather is one of the most harmful materials for the environment. Raising cattle contributes to deforestation, consumes large amounts of water and land, and emits greenhouse gases. The process of transforming rawhide into finished leather requires water, energy, and toxic chemicals like chromium, which pollutes water and harms workers' health. A less harmful alternative is synthetic leather, which, although made from petroleum, has a lower environmental impact. The best alternative is plant-based leather, made from waste materials such as pineapple, apple, cactus, citrus, grapes, coffee, or mushrooms, transformed into durable materials.
Silk
Natural silk requires a lot of water and energy for mulberry cultivation and high temperatures in processing, contributing to environmental pollution with harmful chemicals. A better option is ramie, a plant from the nettle family, used for thousands of years to produce silk-like fabrics. However, the most eco-friendly alternative is spider silk, a vegan and sustainable material promoted by brands like Stella McCartney.
Cotton
Cotton is extremely water-intensive, requiring approximately 20,000 liters to produce a single kilogram, equivalent to a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Additionally, cotton cultivation degrades soil, causing erosion. A better alternative is organic cotton, which supports soil and ecosystem health through natural processes, free from toxic chemicals. However, the most sustainable alternative is hemp, which requires much less water, grows rapidly, and improves soil quality.
Bast Fibers
Bast fibers, such as jute, ramie, and linen, come from the inner part of plants and can involve the use of toxic chemicals in processing. Choosing organic bast fibers is a better alternative, reducing the negative environmental impact. The best option is to opt for locally grown organic bast fibers, which not only reduce carbon emissions but also avoid the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Wool
Wool, though natural, has a significant negative environmental impact due to methane emissions from sheep, land degradation from grazing, and high water consumption in fiber processing, involving toxic chemicals. Eco-friendly wool, which includes recycled materials, is a better alternative, but the best option is Tencel Lyocell. This material, made from wood pulp, uses a closed-loop process, reusing 99% of solvents and recycling water.
This article is part of the Intensive Energy-Saving Training Project that is taking part from January 1, 2023, to January 1, 2026, impacting the lives of thousands of young individuals across Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. The project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
