Clothes

Eco-friendly and Green Clothing

The clothing industry’s practices cause a wide range of environmental problems. Cotton uses more pesticides than any other crop. Popular synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester are made from petrochemicals. Leather has a big environmental impact, with toxic chemicals involved in the processing. Much of the UK’s clothing is imported from the Far East, so a significant amount of green house gases are released during their transport to the UK.

People-friendly Clothing

Ethical clothing isn’t just about buying eco-friendly clothes - it’s also about the labour behind the label. Clothes are often manufactured in developing countries, where costs are low. Low costs often mean long hours for low wages, no rights, health risks – and even child or forced labour. To produce cheaper clothing someone has to lose out – and this means the people growing the cotton (see the Organic tab) and making the clothes.

What are the alternatives?

• Organic cotton, wool or leather as well as recycled materials are green options. Organic cotton is increasingly available.
• Hemp is a sustainable alternative that does not need lots of chemicals to produce.
• Öko-Tex (or Oeco-Tex, Eco-Tex) are standards in textiles that set strict limits on the amount of substances harmful to consumers which can be found in the finished product. The Eco-Label means a lower environmental impact. Öko-Tex or EU Eco-Label certified clothes are only organic if the label says made with 100% organic cotton.
• The Fairtrade Mark shows the clothes you buy are ethically produced.

Second Hand

Second hand clothing is a very eco-friendly option because there is no manufacturing and so no environmental cost. Charity ships can offer all sorts of Vintage or retro-clothing gems and your purchase supports a good cause. Oxfam Originals shops cater to the fashion conscious vintage enthusiast.

Why not visit the Sust Swap Shop held at the Eighth Day Café? Swappers should bring at least three items of clean clothes and can pick up as many of everyone else's as they like for free. Any items left at the end will be donated to charity or recycled. (for dates see the AfSL website).

For more information on Ethical Clothes shopping:

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a voluntary code for manufacturers and retailers which is supposed to guarantee basic labour standards. To remain members, companies must demonstrate that they are promoting changes for the better. Clothing retailers who are members of the ETI include Debenhams, Gap, Marks and Spencer, Monsoon, Mothercare, New Look and Next. However, some members of the ETI, including ASDA, Primark and Tesco, have been criticised for conditions in the factories that supply them.

The Let’s Clean Up Fashion website provides more information on the companies you buy from so you can make an informed decision about where to purchase your clothing.

Ethical Consumer has produced a number of reports that provide ethical ratings for clothes shops, shoe shops, urban fashion, and sports wear. Check out Ethical Consumer’s free report on the most ethical and green trainers.