The fast fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and on the lives of workers in the garment industry. In response, some have suggested using organic cotton in the production of new clothing as a way to mitigate these negative effects. However, research has shown that using organic cotton is not a viable solution to the problems we face in the fashion industry. Rather, manufacturing needs to see a steep decline across the board. We simply need to consume less. In terms of the production of “new” clothing, a real sustainable solution is to use recycled cotton in the production of new clothing.
The production of organic cotton requires large amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, which can have detrimental effects on soil health and water quality. In addition, organic cotton production often relies on small-scale farmers in developing countries, who may not have access to the resources or knowledge needed to grow the crop sustainably.
Furthermore, organic cotton production has a relatively small market share, making up only about 1% of global cotton production. This means that even if all clothing were made of organic cotton, the vast majority of cotton production would still rely on environmentally damaging practices.
In contrast, the use of recycled cotton in the production of new clothing has numerous environmental and social benefits. Recycling cotton reduces the demand for new, virgin cotton, which means that fewer natural resources are required to produce clothing. In addition, using recycled cotton helps to reduce waste, as it gives old clothing a new life instead of sending it to landfills.
Recycling cotton also has economic advantages, as it can create jobs in the recycling industry and save companies money by reducing the need for new raw materials. Furthermore, using recycled cotton can also help to make clothing more affordable for consumers, as it reduces the cost of production.
The use of recycled cotton in the fashion industry is part of a larger movement towards a circular economy, in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is minimized. This is in contrast to the traditional linear economy, in which resources are extracted, used, and then discarded as waste. By moving towards a circular economy, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
In Australia, there are a number of companies and organizations that are leading the way in the use of recycled cotton in the fashion industry. For example, Canberra-based merchandising firm GREN produces blank t-shirts made from reclaimed and recycled cotton. Melbourne-based fashion brand Etiko produces 100% organic and fair trade clothing, including a range of t-shirts made from recycled cotton. Another Australian company, CanopyStyle, partners with fashion brands to promote the use of environmentally responsible fabrics, including recycled cotton. In addition, the Australian Fashion Council has launched a sustainability program called “Fashion Futures” that aims to support the development of a more sustainable fashion industry in Australia. By embracing the use of recycled cotton and other sustainable textiles, these companies and organizations are helping to create a more sustainable future for the Australian fashion industry.
In conclusion, using organic cotton in the production of new clothing is not a viable solution to the problems faced by the fashion industry. Instead, the only sustainable solution is to use recycled cotton in the production of new clothing. The use of recycled cotton has numerous environmental and social benefits, and it is an important step towards a circular economy in the fashion industry. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, the fashion industry can create a more sustainable future for everyone.