Sustainability to me, is acting cautiously for the avoidance of using harmful substances in the textile industry, to prevent a negative impact on the environment. To do this we are meeting our own needs to create responsibly, without compromising the depletion of natural resources. This can be achieved by being accountable for our environmental impact as a consumer.
In the textile industry sustainability can and is being used to reduce the use of resources, such as land, water, and oil, and minimise waste, through reusing, recycling, and upcycling. Sustainability is also in practice by the use of Organic materials, efficient processes, and the discovery of new production methods without chemicals and harmful substances. To continue to create contemporary textiles, designers have adapted to the hazardous concerns of the textile industry, by using new techniques and methods. An example of this is the use of natural plant dyeing in the place of using dangerous chemicals to dye our fabric. A critical and constant development and research is being made into new materials, technologies, and techniques that can be adapted to create a sustainable textile industry and an environmentally friendly future.
Textile designers that use sustainability practices within their work include Stella McCartney, Sandra Sandor, and Eileen Fisher. These fashion designers have a respect for nature, animals, and people, and promote cruelty free methods.
Unknown. (2020). Top 13 Sustainable Fashion Designers Making a Change in 2020. Available: https://motif.org/news/top-sustainable-fashion-designers/. Last accessed 15th March 2021.
