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When fashionably unfashionable is haute
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As sustainability as a lifestyle becomes entrenched as a viable consumer market segment as opposed to a social movement, companies are rushing to fill the voids in this eco niche. One of the newest and more interesting inventions is the “Household Textile Environmental Impact Calculator.” This device reveals interesting details about consumer clothing purchases, disposal and care habits.In a previous article, I detailed the toxic nature of the manufacturing process through which most clothing is manufactured and distributed. However nothing I write compares to your seeing exactly how your wardrobe affects the planet by making use of this little calculator.
Users answer a series of questions using drop-down menus to gather data. The user makes selections from a list of common clothing and household textile items. Information gathered includes inputting how many of each item one buys and how they are disposed of in a twelve month period. The users are also asked how these items are laundered in a typical week. Once all input has been analyzed, a score is calculated which is called the Environmental Damage Units (EDU). This score is a mathematical, environmental measure based on water and energy usage, the use of non-renewable resources and the resulting pollution. The overall EDU for each clothing item is based on a consumer’s buying preferences, how they care for their clothes and how they dispose of them.
The EDU scores fall into categorical ranges. “Fashionably Obese" applies to those scoring 1500 EDU’s annually (high scores on this test are not good!) . “Fashionably Unfashionable” implies a minimal environmental impact score and applies to those scoring 200 EDU’s or under (low score good). The Household Textile Environmental Impact calculator focuses on conventional textiles and their care and disposal which makes it ideal for people just beginning to get into the swing of sustainability. Few sustainable textiles are covered, however this calculator is quite helpful in showing the positive or negative impact of seemingly mundane daily choices regarding the clothes on our backs.
Making small choices about the clothes we wear and how we care for them goes much further than we know and this calculator proves it. So now that you're thinking about your sustainable clothing choices, you may be forced to invest in your new sustainable wardrobe. Never fear, this shopping spree is sustainable, so its good, right? I think so, particularly if you go to the upcycling sites for gently used clothing. Check out these sustainable clothing sites which I found in my favorite on line fashion magazine CocoEco.com on your way to a more sustainable wardrobe and a lower score on the environmental calculator.
Accessories and Jewelry
www.alkemiejewelry.com
www.jewelrybynola.com
www.subversivejewelry.com
www.bazzdegrant.com
Bags
www.ashleywatson.com
www.calleencordero.com
www.heatherheron.com
Fashion Designers
www.deborahlindquist.com
www.EKO-LAB.com
www.freidesigns.com
www.thehazelbrowncollection.com
www.magdaberliner.com
www.ristobimbolioski.com
www.velvetleafclothing.com
Footwear
www.charmone.com
www.cri-de-coeur.com
www.formandfauna.com
www.olsenhaus.com
For Upcycled Clothing
www.bagborroworsteal.com
www.swapstyle.com
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