Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, a way to convey identity and creativity. However, behind the allure of trendy garments and stylish designs lies a global industry with significant environmental and social impacts. The fashion sector, which drives billions in economic activity, is also one of the largest contributors to environmental degradation and social injustice. As the demand for fast fashion -cheap, rapidly produced clothing- continues to grow, so does its impact on the planet and the lives of millions of workers in the supply chain.
The environmental footprint of fashion is staggering. The industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The production of textiles requires immense amounts of water; for instance, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce just one cotton t-shirt, an amount that could meet a person’s drinking needs for over two years. Furthermore, the use of toxic chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes pollutes water bodies, threatening aquatic life and contaminating drinking water for local communities. The rise of synthetic fibers like polyester, which shed microplastics during washing, adds another layer of environmental harm, contributing to the ever-growing issue of plastic pollution.
Beyond its environmental toll, the fashion industry is deeply intertwined with social issues. Many of the world’s garments are produced in developing countries where labor laws are weak, and workers, predominantly women, are often subjected to poor working conditions, long hours, and meager wages. The quest for low production costs frequently leads to the exploitation of these workers, who are denied basic rights and live in constant precarity.
As citizens, understanding the far-reaching implications of our clothing choices is crucial. By becoming more informed about the fashion industry’s impact, we can make more conscious decisions that support sustainability.
Our Tips
This chapter will provide practical guidance on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future, one that values both people and the planet:
Don’t buy fast fashion
this is the first step to get closer to a more sustainable approach. There are no more excuses, buying fast fashion has no positive aspects: those clothes are not made well, nor do they have nice fabrics, their poor quality is immediately noticeable. They aren’t cheap either, what’s more they are mass produced so you will find lots of other people on the street with the same item. And I haven’t yet mentioned the most established reasons why you shouldn’t even walk into fast fashion shops: the environmental one and the social one because they come from the exploitation of people and children in other parts of the world.
So here it is a list of some of the most famous fast fashion brands you should strictly avoid: Shein, Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Primark, Urban Outfitters, Mango, Temu, Aliexpress, Nike, Adidas, Topshop, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, ASOS, Boohoo, Emmiol, Missguided, Fashion Nova, PrettyLittleThing, American Eagle, Divided, Espirit, Lefties, Gap, Monki, Ovs, Benetton, New Look, Guess, Nasty Gal, Brandy Melville, Suite Benedict, Subdued, Pimkie, Tezenis, Calliope, Terranova.
But maybe you didn’t know that fast fashion is also these: & other stories, COS, Oysho, ARKET, Carhartt, Weekday, Uniqlo, Massimo Dutti, Levis, River Island, Victoria Secret and many other brands..
In the following paragraphs you will find lots of suggestions on how to experience fashion in a more sustainable and circular way 🙂
Check your grandparents’ closets
There’s always an unexpected surprise; you might be amazed at how well your grandmother’s coat fits you! Moreover, it is known that once upon a time clothes had a much better quality… if you are so lucky that your grandparents, parents, relatives have kept their clothes for so long, why not use those garments and give them a new life?
Prefer natural fibers
Opt for materials like cotton, linen, wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca, hemp, jute, mohair. These fibers are generally considered more sustainable than synthetic ones because they are biodegradable, recyclable and come from renewable resources. Avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex (elastane), polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetate. Modal and lyocell are semi-synthetic and, while marketed as eco-friendly, can still contribute to microplastic pollution when blended with other synthetic fibers.) These synthetic materials deteriorate quickly and are not healthy for your skin. In addition, synthetic fibers are nor recyclable and release huge amount of microplastics when washed or thrown into landfill.
When shopping, you should therefore avoid all clothes that contain such synthetic materials, even in small quantities. In fact, a 95% cotton and 5% elastane shirt will not be recyclable or completely biodegradable.
Clothes swapping and recycling
We often overlook and underestimate the potential in our clothes. What you were about to throw in the bin might be perfect for your uni friend. If you don’t know who to give your sweater you haven’t used for years, don’t worry! There are many associations that organize swap parties where you can exchange anything with other objects that you like more.
Another option you have is to think about how to modify the garment so that you’ll love it again. You can hire a seamstress or take the dress to a creative reuse workshop!
However, if you realize that for some garments there is nothing to be done after trying the previous options, you can take them to the recycling bin (in which case the materials will be recycled to make new raw materials) or, if they are still in excellent condition, donate them to associations that collect them to distribute them to those in need. In the section “Opportunities in Bologna” we will mention the specific points in bologna.
Thrift shops & vintage shops
Finally, genuine thrift shops are popping up, where you can score amazing deals for just a few euros! Try searching for them in your city and visit them with your friends. Vintage shops are perfect for finding unique and eccentric garments, but also good quality basics.
Clothing rental
Why spend 800 euros on a Valentino dress for prom if you’re only going to wear it once? Clothing rental is the solution for cases like this. By renting, you’ll save a lot of money throughout the year and still make an impression on that cute guy you like, haha!
Avoid trends and overconsumption
Focus on what you like and what makes you feel good, regardless of what your friends or society think. You need to feel good in your clothes. Once you’ve decided, buy high-quality items so you don’t have to replace them soon, and they fit your body better. Avoid impulse buying, try to think before buying a new dress: do you really need it? Do you already have something similar? Is it an item that has been very popular lately but you never thought you would want it? Let’s start to know a little better our own tastes, our style, what we like and why we like it 🙂
Opportunities in Bologna
Clothing Swaps
in bologna there are a number of organisations that periodically organise small events where you can bring in clothes you no longer wear and exchange them with other people’s clothes. This is a great way to avoid piling up unused clothes in your wardrobe which, if thrown away, would most likely end up in landfills. So take a look at these profiles to find the next swap party in bologna!
Le Gazze Bo, on instagram: @le.gazze.bo
Recycling
in Bologna, textile waste recycling is managed by Hera, which has placed a large number of containers in the city. They are anthracite grey with yellow decorative designs. You can bring in clothes, shoes and accessories that you no longer use (cleaned and placed inside tightly closed bags). Here you can check where all the recycling bins are located.
And here is a list of associations that collect used clothes in good condition in Bologna.
In addition, rifò is an Italian company that creates clothes from 100% regenerated fabrics. Rifò also has collection points for wool or cashmere jumpers and denim trousers. You can bring them to the collection points or have them collected directly from your home and in return you will receive a discount on your next purchase. Here you can find all the info.
Festival della moda etica e delle economie sostenibili “Rivestiti!”
on insta @rivestiti_terraequa. Every year the association Terra Equa organizes a festival in bologna and several regional events dedicated to ethical fashionand sustainable economies. Various workshops and lectures await you there
Thrift and Vintage shops
here are some of the best spots in bologna.
Bancarelle dell’usato ai piedi della montagnola e Mercato vintage della montagnola (Friday to Sunday, 8am to 5pm)
La Leonarda in Via San Vitale 36EF, 40126 Bologna BO
Crocevia Mercato dell’Usato in Via Santa Croce, 11/A/B/C, 40100 Bologna BO
Vintage Soul in Via S. Felice, 61, 40122 Bologna BO
Griffe e Vintage in Via S. Felice, 101/C, 40122 Bologna BO
Friperie in Via S. Vitale, 49/A, 40125 Bologna BO
Online apps
for selling and buying second-hand clothes: there are so many, for example Vinted, Wallapop, Deepop, Vestiaire Collective, Ebay…etc
Vinted is one of the best mobile applications, used by millions of users. There you can find any garment, from the simplest to the most sought after, for any price range.
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