Havering Friends of the Earth

Eco-friendly fashion

by Rosina Purnell; first published 10-Nov-2023

Textile bin at a council recycling facility - John Robinson

Did you know that the UK throws away £140,000,000 worth of clothing every year?

Textile waste is a huge pollution problem. Unwanted clothes either end up in landfill or are incinerated. Neither is good for the environment. Fast fashion and social media have made the problem worse.

We need to be aware of how clothes are produced and, if we can, make eco friendly choices. 60% of new materials are made out of plastic. Plastic is very damaging for the planet and we need to cut down on its use. If you can afford organic cotton, then that is a good option. Some outlets sell clothes which are made out of sustainable bamboo. It's supposed to be very good for sportswear.

Those working in the garment industry often experience poor pay and working conditions, especially in the Third World. The Fair Wear Foundation wants to see safe work places and employees should be able to join a trade union. We don't want those making our clothes to be working in Victorian conditions.

We would also like Havering Council to make it clearer as to how people should dispose of unwanted textiles. It should be obvious how council clothes banks distinguish between reusable and recyclable items. It would be good if the new council waste contractor, Urbaser, could address this confusion.

So, you might be "a dedicated follower of fashion" but give some thought to where your old clothes end up. Unwanted garments can be taken to a charity shop or put in a clothes bank. Street Whatsapp groups could be used to pass on items which your children have outgrown.

Let's support, if we can, businesses who care about their environmental impact. M&S, BAM, White Stuff and Seasalt are good examples.

Maybe buying fewer clothes and thoughtfully disposing of them can help, in a small way, to alleviate the problems of our already fragile environment.