Climate change seems to be a never-ending problem causing trouble for our planet. The weather is getting hotter, storms are getting stronger, and the ice at the North and South Poles is melting. But there's hope! People are starting to find new ways to help the planet, even in unexpected places like the fashion industry.
The fashion industry isn't very good for the environment. Most of the damage happens when clothes are made from materials like leather sourced from cows and cattle rearing contributing 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. Leather making also uses a lot of chemicals impacting the environment and causing the same for the planet.
But there's good news! Some companies like Pangaia, H&M, Hugo Boss, and Calvin Klein, have found better alternatives for the Earth that don't hurt animals. Instead of using leather, they're making use of cacti, pineapple leaves, and even mushrooms!
The London College of Fashion has been studying these new materials since 2008. They say that people are starting to understand how important it is to use materials that don't hurt the planet. But it's not just about using better materials. The fashion industry needs to think about everything it does and make sure it's helping the planet.
Some companies are trying to trick people into thinking their clothes are good for the earth when they're not. This is called "greenwashing." In the UK, there are laws to stop companies from lying about how good their clothes are for the environment.
Scientists say that we need to stop using cows so much. Cows cause a lot of pollution, so if we can find other things to make clothes from, it will help the planet. But it's not just up to the fashion industry. We can all help by not buying too many clothes and using the ones we have for longer.
There are lots of new materials being made that are better for the planet. Some are made from mushrooms, some from fruit waste like pineapple, and some even from cow cells grown in labs! These materials can be just as good as leather but don't hurt the planet.
Let's take a look at this material one by one:
Aircarbon: Aircarbon is a fabric composed of methane. This material is created by a technique that catches methane and turns it into a biodegradable plastic substitute. Air carbon is home-biodegradable and ocean-friendly, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic materials.
Mylo: Mylo is a revolutionary substance derived from mushrooms, notably the root-like system of fungus known as mycelium. It is grown in a facility powered by renewable energy using fungal cells fed on waste sawdust. Mylo has the appearance and feel of classic leather but with a substantially lower environmental footprint.
Kintra: Kintra is a biodegradable alternative to polyester manufactured from corn and wheat sugars. Unlike standard synthetic textiles, Kintra degrades organically, lowering the number of hazardous microfibers released into the environment. It represents a step towards more sustainable apparel production.
Reishi: Reishi, is made from mushrooms too, being the high strength, durable and hand feel of real leather. It is made in Europe tanneries using chrome-free tanning and dying-free technologies. It's being used to make luxury bags and clothes.
Circulose: Circulose is created entirely from recycled clothing and renewable energy sources. It is a closed-loop process that converts old clothing into pulp, which is subsequently spun into new textile fibres. This novel strategy reduces textile waste while minimizing the environmental effect of apparel production.
Vitrolabs: Vitrolabs is made from a single cell of a healthy cow, which is kept in a nutrient-rich environment and letting it to grow to a durable full tissue as animal hide.
Orange Fiber: Orange Fiber is a silky fabric manufactured from cellulose derived from citrus peel waste that would otherwise be thrown away. This novel material adds a sumptuous touch while also addressing the issue of fruit waste. Several fashion brands have employed it to create high-end, sustainable clothes.
So, there are lots of new materials that can help save the planet. Alternative materials are frequently more expensive to create than traditional leather, which may limit their availability to consumers. Alternative materials may not have the same durability as traditional leather, affecting its lifespan and function.
These materials signify a shift in the fashion industry's commitment to environmental sustainability. The fashion industry is starting to change, and it's up to all of us to support these changes and help make the world a better place.
However, another drawback of using alternative materials is that they are frequently more expensive to create than traditional leather, which may limit their availability to consumers. Even, alternative materials may not have the same durability as traditional leather, affecting its lifespan and function.
Rupali Kushwaha is a content writer who has written about health, sports, education, the environment, and technology. She has a Master of English from IGNOU and an ongoing Master of Business Administration from Jain University. She is looking forward to continue her contributions to the writing community.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
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