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| Organic cotton seeds. |
As a
life-long vegetarian, it is no wonder Stella McCartney built her brand around
sustainable fashion practices when she first started it over 15 years ago.
While there are countless ways to practice fashion sustainability, one that
really stood out to me was reducing toxic chemical use at all stages in
production of garments. This could mean anything from employing alternative
dyeing methods, to sourcing organic fibers not produced with the assistance of
harmful chemicals.
The Stella McCartney brand
that currently does business under the Kering Group (with a partnership
dissolution said to be underway), has committed to reducing the use of toxic
chemicals, and more specifically, “sourcing
certified organic cotton and other organic fibers, which are less toxic at
all stages along the supply chain.” The use of organic fibers and elimination
of toxic chemicals has positive effects on all realms of life, including global
warming, clean water conservation, and safe agriculture and food consumption.
The growing of organic cotton,
for example, ensures 100% no use of GMO (genetically modified) cotton seeds and
toxic chemicals. Cotton is considered the world’s “dirtiest crop” and counts
for 16% of the world’s insecticide releases. One of the most commonly used
pesticides in growing cotton is Aldicarp, which a single drop consumed through
the skin can kill an adult. This is only one of many of the toxic chemicals
used in the production of YOUR clothes. Over
8,000 chemicals are used. These chemicals are polluting our water sources
and land, as well as harming the people who produce the fibers themselves. It
is completely possible (and essential) to eliminate and reverse the effects of
these toxic chemicals by sourcing only organically grown natural fibers.
Fashion
companies often find it problematic to source enough organically grown textiles
to sustain the needs of their businesses. One way that fashion companies are
able commit to organic textiles is by pooling their resources. It is important
to make public their organically grown textiles producers, sustainable fashion
product lifecycle practices, etc., and set a new industry norm. Sharing is caring. The more demand
there is or organic textiles, the more resources will become available (and
affordable).
Companies must
also ensure that there is visibility throughout all processes of their supply
chains. In large companies, supply chains can become so detailed and complex
and it becomes difficult to keep track of third party practices. Consistent
inspections to make sure that your suppliers are maintaining their sustainable commitment
is crucial. Greenwashing is far too common in today’s industries.
Image Source:
http://cottonconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/cotton-seeds-in-hands-nghe49co7ry2bukvgsx61uwhlkwnf78l7uj9nzf14g.jpg
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