O.J Media and Entertainment Blog

written by Noxolo K Sibanda

Who would've thought one day we would be saving the world just by making fashion conscious decisions?Yes you read that right SAVING THE WORLD! Now, I know running to one's wardrobe wouldn't be the first thought that comes to mind if a gigantic alien equipped with a mystical gauntlet was walking around vaporising human beings just by the snap of a finger. However,it turns out in this age were talks of going green have really been ramped up fashion has not been spared in terms of how different industries can adjust so as to enhance humanity's fighting chance against the earth's seemingly unstable climate system.

Sustainable fashion/eco-fashion is not a new phenomenon with its origins dating as far back as the 1960s. However, due to fast fashion eco fashion is ceasing its existence. According to investopedia, "Fast fashion” is a term used by fashion retailers to describe inexpensive designs that move quickly from the catwalk to stores to meet new trends. As a result of this trend, the tradition of introducing new fashion lines on a seasonal basis is being challenged. Today, it is not uncommon for fast-fashion retailers to introduce new products multiple times in a single week to stay on-trend.

Its important to pay special attention to the antagonistic nature of fashion and sustainability. These two are positioned as parallel in the fast fashion market. The clothing market is fast every now and again there is something new hence the accelerated production. Notably, not because we need these clothes but due to capitalist  tendencies and a vast market share.

In view of the above, the clothing industry has been noted as the second biggest polluter globally following oil. It is not only affecting the environment but as humans too. Polyester is now existent on 3/4 of the clothes we are wearing today all in the name of "the in thing, trends" whilst damaging where we are living in. Polyster is a fabric made of plastic. If its estimated that over a half of waste globally finds itself traced to fashion.

 The world would be a better place if everyone understood that of the 95% of clothes we throw away they have a second life but due to the throw away culture we tend to purchase more over reusing to make something new. The  media has programmed people subconsciously that there is a need to ever buy, through the largest fashion hubs, labels and movies. music amongst others.



Therefore, people should try by all means to practice redesigning, mending and patching.






            

Clara Valetich speaks more on sustainable fashion."https://tedxsydney.com/talk/how-to-engage-with-ethical-fashion-clara-vuletich/" />