Fashion trends are putting pressure on the environment

Balaclavas, cowgirl hats, and even low-rise jeans will all be in fashion at the Australian Fashion Week next Wednesday.

Researchers at the University of South Australia are encouraging fashionistas to reconsider their impulse purchases and to take a moment to understand trends in “fast” fashion and how they impact the environment.

A new study by Erin Skinner (UniSA Ph.D. candidate) examined Australians’ knowledge on fast and slow fashion. It found that most consumers did not understand the issues and were unable to change their buying habits in favor of more sustainable options.

UniSA researchers have found that Australians are overrepresented as the largest consumers of textiles in the world. This means that the government and fashion industry have an obligation of better educating consumers about the impacts of Fast fashionOther models and options are available.

Skinner says that fast fashion is all about demand-driven clothes. This means that buyers buy the most popular styles at the peak of their popularity and then discard them after a few uses.

“But keeping up to date with the latest trends comes with a cost. Each Australian consumes more textiles than 27kg each year, and dumps 23 kg into the landfill. This is equivalent to the weight of an African elephant, or 6,000kg per 10 minutes.

“But it’s more than landfill. The fashion industry is responsible for about 20% of the world’s wastewater. This is equivalent to 2,700 liters water needed to make one cotton shirt. Enough water to last nearly two-and-a-half years.

“And when it comes CO₂Emissions, fashion industryIt produces more carbon dioxide than the aviation and shipping industries combined.

“Such extraordinary waste is clearly not sustainable, so it’s crucial that the sector educates customers about other options.

“This could include highlighting the value in buying fewer, longer-lasting garments, increasing the hire-clothing sector and using online influencers for education, or looking for more affordable, online second-hand goods.

“Ultimately, we need a shift of consumer knowledge. This is where our research helps. Our research will help us to understand the perceptions and beliefs of Australians regarding sustainable fashion. Mode.”

The next stage of research will examine whether psychological tools can be used in an intervention-style pilot to reduce clothes shopping frequency in people who shop regularly.

Three tips to make your life easier Positive changesTake care of the environment and dress well

1. Don’t be influenced by the “trend-mill”, take some time to think about your own style and not be tempted by every micro-trend.
2. Make sure to shop your wardrobe! You already have the most sustainable garment. Wear it!
3. Remember that clothes you love last. Do your best to treat your clothes with kindness, no matter where they are purchased.