garibaldi_genesis_the eco fashion world

Running head: THE ECO FASHION WORLD 1

The Eco Fashion World: The Environmental Factor in the Fashion Industry

Genesis Garibaldi

South Mountain Community College

THE ECO FASHION WORLD 2

The Eco Fashion World

There are several components that affect the success of a fashion show, including

materials, electricity, food, transportation, and buildings. For fashion directors, few decisions

made relating to these factors benefit the biosphere. This has the ability of causing an

environmental setback. The level of expense is a huge cause of these because one has a budget

and should not go over it. This is identified as the economical complication in this business. In

addition to this, one must research the level of difficulty of gathering for each factor. A social

dilemma one faces in this industry includes the limits that one is willing to pass in order to please

their guests. By combining all of these components together and dedicating several amounts of

research to it, one should achieve and entertain the audience to having a sustainable fashion

show.

When organizing a fashion show, the director should check the models’ personal hygiene.

The audience would not like to see a model sweating, during their presence on stage. The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no law that prohibits the addition of certain

ingredients or chemicals in our hygienic tools. The Environmental Working Group (EWG)

indicates “nearly 90 percent of the 10,500 ingredients that the FDA has determined are used in

personal care products have never been tested for safety by any group or organization, including

the FDA and the industry’s self-policing safety panel. Deodorants are one of the most

threatening utensils to our bodies due to the ingredients, such as triclosan and propylene glycol.

In relation to makeup, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have a list of companies that have

signed a pledge that substitutes toxic chemicals with safe replacements. Makeup brands in this

list includes Mixology Makeup and SCOUT Cosmetics (SAXX Mineral Makeup and Organics)

(The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, n.d.).


Electricity is used in all events. It is a necessary source for music, lights, and air

conditioning.

Morgan (2009) states the following information about electricity:Electricity usage is responsible for a full 38 percent of the U.S. CO2 emissions, according to a report from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change. On the flip side, renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, which burn no fossil fuels like natural gas or coals, produce zero emissions.

Knowing this information, one can organize their fashion events at buildings that contain solar

power energy. Buildings that use energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps are also making an

impact to aiding the environment.

When the guests are welcomed to an event out of town, the hosts should make

recommendations for their pleasure, so that they do not have to do their own research. These

recommendations can be based on location and ratings. To save transportation energy, one can

host the event at a hotel and the guests only have to walk two minutes. Hotel Terra first welcome

their guests in 2008 to their eco friendly environment. This hotel offers “water conservation

systems like low flow water fixtures, dual flush toilets, solar powered faucets in public

restrooms, and native landscaping requiring no irrigation” (Morgan, 2009). In addition, for those

guests that are traveling to the event by plane, a recommendation for eco conscience airline is a

great way to involve others to follow the sustainable path. U.S. airlines today are not 100%

nature friendly, but a few like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, or Virgin Blue offer services

that have their passengers check their carbon footprint and donate to the airlines to obtain the

opportunity to fly in a plane that benefits the environment (Morgan, 2009).

When providing snacks at the fashion events, one is better off buying organic fruit, than

simply fruit. With organic fruit, farmers reduce the use of chemicals. With regular fruit produce,

officials have deciding to use fertilizers and pesticides as an insect repellent. With the use of


these chemicals, one is more likely to be at diagnosed with a health disease. As for carnivore

eaters, organic animal foods and organic fruit have the same health and environmental perks

(Morgan, 2009).

The materials involved in a fashion show is one of the most important factors because it

is in the clothing, the main purpose of the show. There are two types of fabrics, environmental

friendly and environmental damaging. Eco friendly designers have the tough choice of selecting

a fabric that both benefits the environment and the design of the garment. For instance, in Season

2 of Project Runway All Stars, the design competitors created a complete red carpet look with

“green” intentions using their textiles, one of their garments did not look as lavishing as the other

competitor’s due to the fabric (Shaffer, 2012).

There are several textiles that can replace environmentally harmful ones. Fabric that

damages the habitat incorporates, polyester, cotton, and wool. For example, Morgan (2009)

states, “to manufacture the prolific polyester fiber, crude oil is broken down into petrochemicals

and converted to heat. In addition to depleting our fossil fuel supply, polyester production also

releases nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the air.” In lieu of those textiles, one should browse for

items that are benefit the ecosystem, which include organic cotton, organic wool, and bamboo.

Some believe that just because cotton has no effect on animals, means that it has no

damage on the environment. This is a fallacy. “Today, just 2.4 percent of the world’s arable land

is planted with cotton, but cotton farming employs 25 percent of all global insecticide use and

over 10 percent of the world’s pesticide use (including insecticides herbicides, and defoliants)”

(Morgan, 2009). Unlike cotton, organic cotton is grown by using a minimal amount of

insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, yet has the goal of maintaining soil fertility (Morgan,

2009). Organic cotton clothing can be found in stores like Walmart or ecowise.com, but the


prices may be a tad higher than cotton

(Morgan, 2009). One can tell if a

clothing item has a certain percentage

of cotton by the certified labels (figures

1) provided by Global Organic Textile

Standard.

Wool is mostly used in cold climate temperatures as blanket or a sweater. In some

instances, humans do not realize how much harm they are causing by using wool. When one is

cold, they do whatever they can to satisfy the need of cuddling up to anything that is warm. “The

presence of pests like ticks and lice in sheep’s wool causes farmers to sometimes dip their

animals in organophophate pesticides, an act that creates health risks for the animals, the farm

workers, and the local water supply” (Morgan, 2009). If one is interested in using organic wool,

they are available to research the manufacturer’s process to creating the product. For organic

wool items, no chemicals are used in the sheep’s surroundings and the item’s covering

maintenance has no chemicals either. This material is considered as an expensive product,

nonetheless, the product is durable and refined (Morgan, 2009).

Clothing items with bamboo as an ingredient has a smooth and durable texture. Globally,

bamboo is the most viable and the swiftest developing crop. When bamboo clothing undergoes

color tinting, the process is much more rapid and exceptional compared to cotton fabric. In

addition, the coloring is preferred and sharpened.

Sekerdon (2011) explains the following in his report:

Figure 1: Organic Cotton Labels


Bamboo fabric is softer than cotton, with a texture similar to silk; it is a natural antibacterial product grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides; it is also quick to absorb moisture, thereby keeping you dry and odour free. Moreover pure bamboo clothes can dry twice as fast as cotton ones.

Bamboo also has a few disadvantages, for example, the pricey value of the product.

For those who do not want to search the clothing tags for the ingredients that made the

product, for those who simply could not care less, they can use certain clothing items in several

ways. For example, a cardigan can be worn as a sweater (Figure 3), nevertheless, it can also be

worn as a skirt (Figure 4) or as a strapless shirt (Figure 5 on page 5) (Spinney, 2013).

Additionally, a scarf (Figure 6 on page 5) can be worn in various ways around the neck.

Depending on the type of scarf, it can also be worn as a poncho vest (Figure 7) or can be

converted into a bow tie belt (Figure 8) or a giant tote (Figure 9) (Spinney, 2012). With all of this

in mind, people can think outside of the box and use scraps of clothing and revamp it into a new

meaning.

Figure 3: Sweater Figure 4: Button up mini skirt

Figure 5: Strapless Shirt Figure 6: Braided Twist Scarf


Figure 9: Giant Tote

Figure 7: Poncho Vest Figure 8: Bow Tie Belt


With those clothing items that are rarely used with the people, one can transform them

into a surprising, astonishing fashionable and recycled garment. For example, From Somewhere,

a sustainable clothing company, collaborated with Speedo International to create a “Unity Dress”

(figure 10). In a Speedo International report (n.d.), Orsola de Castro, founder of From

Somewhere, states “I think our dress speaks about water, and water is

life. It’s about the environment, and preserving water which should

be a priority for all humankind.” This dress was made as a symbol of

“unity” between the countries for the 2012 Olympic Games. The

dress also highlights the main features of athletes, like the arms and

the legs. All in all, the dress can be used underwater, still it may not

be anyone’s first choice as a competitive outfit to a swim meet

(Speedo International, 2012).

Instead of tossing all those unwanted clothing scraps in the dumpster, one has the option

to donate or exchange those items for cash or other charming items. In a 2014 article, Brad Tuttle

reports “Customers who are selling and buying at these stores can also feel good about the

environmental friendliness of the transactions, which constitute recycling after all.” Even if the

items people turn in are not considered as “eco friendly,” they are still aiding the environment

because someone else can use those goods and an animal does not have to die. Donations can be

sent to thrift stores, like Goodwill, or if one is looking for a fashion trade, Plato’s Closet and

Buffalo Exchange are both good options as well (Tuttle, 2014).

Designers can also buy fabric from companies that strictly sells and manufactures eco-

friendly fabric. One of these companies include AirDye solutions. This company is known for

their two sided printed, water-free cloth.

Figure 10: Giant Tote


AirDye Solutions reports the following in their website (n.d.): Using AirDye saves up to 95% of the water, 86% of the energy and 84% of the greenhouse gases as compared to conventional print and dye methods. On a single garment, the water savings alone can be as much as 45 gallons.

The company has also been featured in Season 2 of Project Runway All Stars in the same

challenge that was mentioned earlier (Shaffer, 2012).

Ecoluxe London, founded by Elena Garcia and Stamo, is an organization in the UK that

showcases and encourages the public to indulge themselves with ecological resources. Their

vision is “to create an international platform that promotes luxury with an ethos.” They

collaborate with charitable institutions, organizations, and public firms to reveal designs from

international or UK based design manufacturers. In addition, this organization consults designers

who wish be more sustainable in their clothing and techniques (Ecoluxe London, 2012). In a

video provided by Anastasia Fugger (2013), Stamo explains that when looking at designs and

partnering with companies, they look at it as if it were a wicked problem. In other words, they

ask themselves, “How does this company benefit the environmental, economical, and social

aspects of the world?”

Their exhibition is the only one in the London area to advocates people to follow this

path. In September 2010, Ecoluxe London held their first exposition with 13 brands and a variety

of fashionable items, including apparel, accessories, and shoes. Both the national and

international press attended and gave positive feedback about the event (Ecoluxe London, 2012).

In February 2014, Ecoluxe presented their sustainable fashion show consisting of several

companies, such as Nancy Dee, Grace, and Chureca Chic/Elena Garcia.

In 2010, the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and Lexus developed an

Eco Friendly Challenge where sustainable designers create environmental friendly clothing. This

obstacle was “created to identify and support American fashion brands that are dedicated to


“better design” – those who have incorporated sustainable practices into the design process,

sourcing, production and shipping of their work.” To participate in this challenge, designers must

have at least 30% eco fabrics or materials structured in their accessories and/or apparel. The

grand prize winner shall receive $75,000 and two first prize winners, will each receive $5,000.

This money should be used for the development of their nature-friendly company, including

publicity, fabric, and other factors that will make their fashion shows a success (Council of,

2014).

According to the CFDA (2014), one of this competition’s 2012 winners included Melissa

Joy Manning. This jewelry company’s manufacturing workplaces are held in New York and

California.

The Melissa Joy Manning Website (n.d.) mentioned the following: We use only recycled sterling silver and gold-sourced from a Green Certified refinery with the highest environmental standards-along with alternative materials like Leland Slag (a stony material created while refining ore in Michigan auto plants) and raspberry nickel (leftover from shuttered US zipper factories). We also use upcycled stones wherever possible, along with antique tribal and reclaimed charms, which offer an innovative, forward-thinking take on the term precious.”

Every inch of Melissa Joy Manning’s Jewelry is strictly hand-made (Rodale’s, 2013). In a video

provided by Rodale’s (2013), Manning states, “we hand form every jump ring, we hand hammer

everything, we solder everything.” This company is inspired by the distinctive techniques and

materials used to change the environment.

Natalie Chanin, another victor of the CFDA/Lexus competition, founded Alabama

Chanin in 2000. This company’s main ingredient mainly consists of 100% organic cotton and are

100% handcrafted. Unlike other clothing companies, one can enter the store with their fabric and

sew anything they wish by attending their workshops. In addition, the store opened a café,

known as The Factory Café, for the public. According to Alabama Chanin, they strive “to


maintain sustainable practices-across its disciplines-and create sustainable products holding

ourselves to the highest standards for quality.” All in all, Alabama Chanin energizes artists to be

proactive and create products for the benefit of the environment (Alabama Chanin, n.d.).


Works CitedAakko, M. & Koskennurmi-Sivonen, R. (2013). Designing sustainable fashion: Possibilities and

challenges. Research Journal of Textile and Apparel. 17(1). http://rjta.org/download.php?paper=1&paper_id=13_1_02&PHPSESSID=19e0f7d09f970660d10fa98b01eff01a

AirDye Solutions. (n.d.). About us: What is AirDye. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://www.airdyesolutions.com/about_us/what_is_airdye/

Alabama Chanin. (n.d.) About. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://alabamachanin.com/about-alabama-chanin

Anastasia Fugger. (2013, February 25). Ecoluxe London Exhibition 2013. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3Qt5yOMo7U

Bow tie belt. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/15-ways-to-style-a-scarf/

Braided twist. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/15-ways-to-style-a-scarf/

Buttoned up mini. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/10-ways-cardigan/

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. (n.d.). Market shift. Retrieved November 11, 2014, from http://www.safecosmetics.org/downloads/MarketShift_CSC_ChampionsInnovators.pdf

Camilli, S. (2014, February 21). Chic with a conscience: Ecoluxe at London Fashion Week. Vilda. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://www.vildamagazine.com/2014/02/chic-with-a-conscience-ecoluxe-at-london-fashion-week/

CFDA. (2014, November 3). 2014 CFDA Lexus eco fashion challenge. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EXsztMR4pU

Council of Fashion Designers of America. (2014). Enter the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://cfda.com/blog/enter-the-cfda-lexus-eco-fashion-challenge

Ecoluxe London. (2012). Our company. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://www.ecoluxelondon.org/about.html

From Somewhere. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved November 11, 2014, from http://fromsomewhere.co.uk/about

Giant tote. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/15-ways-to-style-a-scarf/

Hipster librarian. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/10-ways-cardigan/

Melissa Joy Manning. (n.d.). About. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://melissajoymanning.com/about#mjmModal

Melissa Joy Manning. (n.d.). Ethos: Upcycled stones. Retrieved November 8, 2014, from http://melissajoymanning.com/about#mjmModal

Morgan, E. (2009). Picture Yourself Going Green: Step-by-step Instruction for Living a Budget-conscious, Earth-friendly Lifestyle in Eight Weeks or Less. Boston: Course Technology.

Poncho vest. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/15-ways-to-style-a-scarf/

Rodale’s. (2013, December 19). Melissa Joy Manning: One of a kind. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui7ECbEwXvg

Shaffer, G. (Director). (2012). Green dress for red carpet [Television series episode]. In H. Weinstein (Producer), Project runway all stars. NY: Lifetime Television.


Speedo International. (n.d.). Speedo and From Somewhere unveil “unity” dress. Retrieved November 11, 2014, from http://www.insidespeedo.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Speedo%20From%20Somewhere%202012%20Collaboration%20Press%20Release.pdf

SpeedoInternational. (2012, August 2). Speedo unveils 'From Somewhere' Unity Dress. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhWKgpe1KIA

Spinney, M. (2013). 10 ways to style a cardigan. Brit + Co. Retrieved from http://www.brit.co/10-ways-cardigan/

Spinney, M. (2012). 15 ways to style a scraf. Brit + Co. Retrieved from http://www.brit.co/15-ways-to-style-a-scarf/

Strapless sweetheart. [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.brit.co/10-ways-cardigan/

Tuttle, B. (2014). The Rise of Snobby Secondhand Fashion Retail. Time. Com, 1.[Untitled photograph of the Labeling Application]. Retrieved November 10, 2014, from:

http://www.global-standard.org/licensing-and-labelling/licensing-and-labelling-guide.html

[Untitled photograph of the Labeling Application (2)]. Retrieved November 10, 2014, from: http://www.global-standard.org/licensing-and-labelling/licensing-and-labelling-guide.html

[Untitled photograph of the Unity Dress]. Retrieved November 9, 2014, from: http://www.ecouterre.com/from-somewhere-upcycles-speedo-fastskin-swimsuits-into-couture-gown/speedo-fastskin3-from-somewhere-gown-3/

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