overconsumption: how fashion damages our oceans.

Since the world learnt easier and cheaper ways of production, there has been a gradual increase in consumption due to a lower price point, availability and frequency of products made. However, this has had huge implications on the environment as we have grown to realise more in recent years. One of the major impacts of overconsumption is on the ocean and water systems we have in place, creating panic among 21st century activists and environmentalistsdue to the severity these effects have on the future of ocean life, and the future of human life.

Many societal habits such as overconsumption have been causing harm to the planet and ocean for decades. Before we have even realised what we have done, this harm is, in some parts, irreversible. For example, for years we have been making clothing from plastic based fibres such as polyester and nylon. We have been washing and wearing these garments for years, unaware of the amount of microfibres released into water systems every time the items are worn and washed. Polyester has become more and more popular in the industry due to its versatility and comfort, however, the more this has been used in production, the more fibres have become prominent in ocean’s. In recent studies, it has become known that the micro-fibres have made their ways into the ocean’s food chain. Eventually, if not already, when eating ocean wildlife, we are also ingesting this too. This is a true concern due to the damage plastics and poly-based materials already have on our bodies and the environment, however, as these fibres are man-made, we are the only ones to blame for this damage. It must be said that although this damage is done, fashion is not the only contributor to microplastics in the ocean.

This form of ocean damage is one of the worst due to the size of the ocean and the almost impossible task of cleaning the mircoplastics out of the ocean. As these fabrics are already in circulation, the damage is already being done. However, there are some ways you can be more environmentally friendly, even when washing these fibres:

● Air drying clothing instead of using a tumble dryer. This saves electricity, causes less emissions and has less of an impact on your clothing and will save micro-fibres from being released into oceans.

● Separating softer clothing from rough clothing. If washed together, rougher fabric can cause clothing microfibres to shed.

● Use the cold setting on machines. This can save on emissions and is gentler on clothing which helps its longevity.

● Wash clothing less frequently

● recycle any old clothing rather than throwing them away

● And of course – whenever buying anything new, do try and buy from eco-conscious retailers (where possible) that don’t use synthetic fibres. This will help reduce any new fibres reaching the ocean

All of these tips are good for the planet and your wardrobe as they help products last much longer too- a win win for all! Have you been shopping slow or eco-conscious fashion for your wardrobe this year?