Sustainability in textiles

What is the problem with mass-produced textiles?

It’s unsustainable, uses natural resources, wastes water, and causes pollution.

What are the ecological issues with textiles?

Uses farmland for cotton, synthetic fibres use oil, pesticides pollute water, dyes harm rivers, factory gases pollute air.

What are the ethical issues in textile production?

Poor conditions, low wages, child labour, health risks, animal cruelty.

How can we live more sustainably with textiles?

Recycle, repair, reuse, upcycle textiles to reduce waste and save resources.

Why is repairing clothes good for the environment and your pocket?

It avoids waste and saves money instead of buying new clothes.

Examples of basic clothing repairs?

Sewing buttons/seams, fixing zips, patching holes, darning.

What is darning used for and how is it done?

Used on knitted fabrics, involves weaving thread across holes by hand or machine.

What is patching and how is it done?

A fabric patch is sewn over a hole, with edges folded under for strength and neatness.

Ways to reuse clothes?

Hand them down, swap with friends, donate, or upcycle.

What is repurposing textiles?

Turning old fabrics into useful new items (e.g. apron from sheet, bag from curtain).

Benefits of recycling textiles for the environment?

Reduces landfill, saves water/oil, lowers energy use and pollution.

What happens to recycled textiles?

Sold in second-hand shops, sent abroad, turned into cloths, insulation, or yarn.

What is upcycling?

Creatively reusing old items by turning them into new and improved products.

Examples of upcycling?

Trousers into shorts, jumper into cushion, adding designs to old clothes.