After oil, the textile industry is the most polluting industry in the world. Given the environmental challenges we're currently facing, it's essential to change our consumption habits. Ethical footwear is a term we weren't familiar with until recently. But if we want to preserve our current resources, it's essential to take an interest in it.
What is ethical fashion?
A little history lesson: if we go back to the origins of the word ethics, its etymology comes from the Greek word ethikos, which means moral, and ethos, which means customs. We can say that ethics brings together values on the notions of "good" or on questions of customs or morals. Ethical fashion (also called slow fashion ) is a mode of consumption based on the principles of fair trade; this term is certainly familiar to you. This economic model is respectful of the environment and workers' rights.
We can therefore conclude that ethical fashion means consuming responsibly, contributing to the protection of biodiversity and the quality of work of people in the textile industry. Respect for the environment, responsibility and commitment are values that ethical fashion defends.
So you're wondering who ethical fashion is for? The answer is simple: everyone!
Every person has values that they defend, if yours are:
- To preserve the planet so that future generations can benefit from the same resources as us.
- You are concerned about the working conditions of the people who make your clothes.
- You want to put an end to overconsumption and limit the waste it generates.
Then ethical fashion is for you!
And what about ethical shoes?
Every year, approximately 25 billion shoes are manufactured worldwide, which is a lot considering that there are currently 7 billion people in the world. The footwear industry is an industry that changes with the seasons and trends, which also generates a lot of waste. With 14kg of CO2 emissions per shoe manufactured, it is a source that changes the functioning of our environment and our planet. Not to mention that the textile industry consumes more than 4% of drinking water resources worldwide.
You are probably wondering what exactly pollutes during the manufacturing process of a shoe or garment.
- First of all, we find the raw materials which are the elements
more polluting.
- Manufacturing using products that are toxic to the environment and
health.
- Shoe maintenance is also taken into account (washing, drying,
ironing, waterproofing spray, etc.) with the use of products again
toxic to the environment.
- Overconsumption means that most of our shoes end up in the trash, which creates even more waste.
When we see all these elements, we can only sound the alarm. Our planet is truly in danger in the face of all these threats. That's why it's essential to move towards more ethical and sustainable consumption. Shoes are essential in our wardrobe. It's essential to reduce the harmful impact this overproduction has on our planet. And this is where ethical shoes come into play. For a less harmful impact than traditional shoes, eco-responsible shoes use less polluting raw materials that are part of the sustainable development cycle. In principle, ethical shoes are made from recyclable and/or environmentally friendly raw materials.
Brands can also choose, in addition to using materials with a low environmental impact, to prohibit the use of animal products. This is the case for some brands that offer vegan shoes .
For example, we can compare conventional cotton to organic cotton: "Conventional cotton cultivation requires fertilizer-rich soils and significant water consumption. Considered the most polluting crop on the planet, so-called conventional cotton represents 25% of the pesticides used worldwide, while only occupying 2.5% of the planet's cultivated areas. The purchase of fertilizers is the main source of debt for producers. Organic cotton is grown without GMOs, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers, and uses reduced water consumption. Agricultural insecticides are therefore replaced by natural fertilizers such as compost, which keeps the soil healthy and productive. Organic cotton therefore optimizes the use of natural resources, sustains them, and preserves drinking water."
But it's not just the environmental aspect ; there's also the social aspect. Ethical production also means choosing to work with factories that care about the well-being of their employees, defend their rights, and encourage diversity. Products must be manufactured with respect for human rights and the environment as much as possible.
For many people, ethical and responsible consumption has become more than a choice, but a way of life. It is essential for a fairer and more environmentally friendly economy. We all saw the international mobilization that took place during the climate march, which proves that people are increasingly looking for a lifestyle that will make a difference.
