Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 to raise awareness about protecting the planet and adopting eco-friendly measures to reduce global warming, pollution and other environmental threats. From reducing the usage of plastic to recyling objects as much as possible, we can adopt basic practices in our daily lives to make this planet a better place to live in. Apart from minimising the use of plastic, fashion is another sphere where we need to make conscious choices. In this era of fast fashion, buying clothes mindlessly to keep up with the lastest trends creates a huge pressure on the environment.

A lot of water is required in the textile industry and its processing operations. To mitigate this strain, we can integrate practices such as garment rentals and the repurposing of fabrics into our daily routines. By making mindful selections in clothing, beauty products, and fashion accessories, we can alleviate the ecological burden and promote sustainability.

Pauline Laravoire, Co-Founder & CEO, Y-East & Sustainability Director, Techno India Group said, “The best approach to sustainable fashion will always be to minimise shopping for clothes and to increase our clothes’ lifespan. This requires us to move away from our ‘serial shopper’ lifestyles and carefully choose the brands we buy from, to embrace repairability instead of disposability, and to learn again how to love and cherish each piece of clothing we have.”

Upcycling Of Clothes:

The emergence of upcycled and sustainable clothing trends is reshaping the way we perceive and consume fashion. This movement not only emphasises creativity, but also contributes to reducing the impact on the environment. 

Nandan Mall, Founder & CEO of Hulladek Recycling said, “Upcycling is the hottest trend in the globe right now. Brands are under mounting pressure to reorient their businesses to a more eco friendly path owing to the overall generation of waste from the fashion industry. Making clothes out of waste is breathing new lives into old worn out clothes that would have otherwise been disposed.”

Nowadays, clothes are also being made out of recycling plastics by diving it into thin stripes, followed by spinning them into fine threads.

Talking about this, Pauline said, “I don’t have a positive opinion about recycled plastics. While clothes partially made out of recycled plastics embrace some circularity principles, they are usually associated with some degree corporate greenwashing as they do not provide any incentives against overconsumption of clothes and plastics.”

Eco-Friendly Fashion Accessories:

One of the easiest ways to start incorporating eco-friendliness in your everyday routine is through fashion accessories. Here are a few ways you can incorporate the same as suggested by Manglam Lalpuria, Founder of Kaamna, a sustainable accessories brand.

1. Conscious choice of stoles made from natural sustainable fabrics- like linen or hemp as these have a lower environmental impact. Opt for those that are made by local artisans or from fair trade organisations supporting ethical and traditional craftsmanship.

2. Invest in bags made from materials such as cork or reclaimed leather like pineapple leather, or upcycled fabric like hemp. These reduce the demand for plastic leather and minimise waste. Opt for well-made bags that are durable and can withstand daily use over a long period. This reduces the frequency of replacing your bag and minimises waste.

In addition, Disha Shah, who is the Founder & Designer, DiAi Designs listed ways to incorporate eco-friendly jewellery to accessorise your outfits.

• Choosing Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery: Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds, with minimal environmental impact and ethical sourcing practices.
• Handcrafted Accessories: Support artisans and small-scale makers who create accessories by hand using sustainable materials and traditional techniques. Handcrafted items often have a lower environmental impact than mass-produced goods.
• Minimalist Jewellery: Embrace minimalist jewellery designs that use fewer materials and focus on timeless elegance.
• Versatile Jewellery: Jewellery that can be worn in various ways means the same item can be reused multiple times.
• Layering and Stacking: Layering and stacking jewellery can add dimension and sophistication to outfits while minimizing the need for additional accessories.
• Locally Sourced Accessories: Using Locally manufactured jewellery reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation.
• Good Quality Timeless Pieces: Invest in accessories that are of a good quality. They will last a long time and prevent unnecessary accessory purchases
• Upcycled Accessories: Use accessories made using upcycled materials like recycled metal, reclaimed wood, glass beads, old fabric and buttons.

Sustainable Beauty Products:

The beauty industry is seeing a rise in conscious consumerism, with more people seeking sustainable choices in their beauty products. A significant area of focus is sustainable product packaging. Nowadays, lipstick and lip balm cases are being made using bamboo or other wooden materials instead of the plastic or metal cases. In addition, people prefer to use multipurpose products which not only reduces clost but also reduces carbon footprint.

Rajat Mathur, DGM, Learning Academy, The Body Shop India said, “Choosing products with packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials, or those that offer refillable options, can greatly reduce the environmental impact of beauty products. Refillable packaging allows consumers to reuse the same container multiple times, significantly reducing waste. This not only helps in reducing plastic waste but also encourages a shift towards more sustainable consumption habits among consumers.”

In additon, Vani Sareen, Assistant Manager NPD at Swiss Beauty said, “As a beauty expert, I’ve closely observed the transformative power of multi-purpose products. For example, a lip tint crafted with nourishing ingredients and pigments can also be used as a cream-based blush. While simplifying the makeup routine, it also helps in minimising waste by replacing multiple products with only one formulation.”

“Another initiative that one can take is opting for products containing earth-friendly ingredients. Select beauty products made with sustainable materials like organic oils and plant extracts. These ingredients are healthier for your skin and also promote eco-friendly practices that contribute to a better environment,” she added.

By intentionally selecting products that are vegan, cruelty-free, reusable, and certified, one can positively impact the planet while still enjoying our beauty routines.

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