Where Does Fashion Fit Into Earth Day?
Earth Day takes place every year on 22 April. It was first held in 1970 and is now marked around the world with events, campaigns and community projects. The theme changes each year, and climate action has been a regular focus. So where does fashion fit in?
Fashion and scrutiny
The clothing industry has come under scrutiny for its effects on water, air and soil, and for the conditions of people working in garment supply chains. It is difficult to put a single number on any of this, and published estimates vary, but the broad point is widely accepted: making and discarding clothes in large volumes uses a lot of resources.
Organisations such as Fashion Revolution campaign for greater transparency in the industry. Many brands have also started to publish more about their fabrics, factories and packaging. We think there is a long way to go across the industry, and we would rather give you plain facts than slogans.
Where Lavender Hill Clothing stands
We do not think of our clothes as "fashion" in the sense of trends that date quickly. We make everyday staples: T-shirts, knitwear, socks, nightwear and leggings, designed to be worn often and to fit into a capsule wardrobe.
Lavender Hill Clothing is an independent British brand, founded in 2013 by Isobel Ridley. Our clothes are designed in Britain. Most T-shirts and our nightwear are made in Portugal, socks and cashmere are made in the UK, and alpaca pieces are made in Peru. Our fabrics include cotton, TENCEL™ Modal and Lyocell, linen, merino, cashmere, alpaca and silk in a few pieces. You can read more on our fabrics and production page.
Small things to try on Earth Day
Earth Day is a good prompt to look at everyday habits. Websites such as Earth Day list events and ideas, and Good Housekeeping has a useful list of simple tips. A few of our favourites:
- Use a cloth towel rather than a paper towel.
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Collect rainwater for your plants, flowers or herbs.
- Try a low-waste kitchen. Supercook can suggest recipes from the ingredients you already have.
- Reuse jars and other containers.
In your wardrobe, the same thinking applies: wear what you own for longer, wash less often, mend small problems, and pass on what you no longer wear.