As we all know, the fast fashion industry is notorious for its poor environmental and ethical practices with 30% of clothing ending up in landfill. So, what about our underwear? Thanks to misconceptions surrounding recyclability and a tendency to buy cheaper, more easily disposable undergarments, the majority go to landfill. The market for cheap, short-term underwear is big business and we're all guilty of snapping up a £1 thong from Primark. As usual within the fashion industry these items are made using industrial methods, out of oil-derived materials. Therefore, we should be investing into high quality underwear made from organic or recycled fabric which will last a long time if taken care of properly. When underwear is hand washed with the right products, they will last much longer which is why you should invest in Soak. Our incredible modern care for lingerie that reduces reliance on resource intensive washing machine cycles.
What are organic/recycled materials?
Like organic foods 20 years ago, the idea of organic cotton is confusing to many of us. However, more people are becoming knowledgeable as to how the organic cotton movement is just as powerful and important as that of organic foods. In addition to being one of the most widely grown crops in the world, growing conventional cotton is also one of the most chemical-intensive. These chemicals have tremendous impact on the earth’s air, water, soil, and the health of people in cotton-growing areas.
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Third-party certification organisations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production. Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Recycled fabrics are becoming a growing movement for design. For example, recycled polyester – uses up to half as much energy to make and saves plastic from landfill. It is important to recycle clothes as according to WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme) it is estimated around £140 million worth of clothing goes into landfill each year. This is an alarming amount of clothes and currently the textile industry accounts for 10% of the global carbon emissions. It is predicted by 2050 fashion will use 25% of the world's carbon budget becoming the 2nd biggest industry for carbon pollution: oil being the biggest polluter.
Our Organic Edit
So now you understand why investing into more timeless underwear that is preferably made from organic/recycled fabric is extremely important. We wanted to share with you some of our pieces by Sloggi which are made from Organic Cotton or recycled polyester.
We also stock Period Pants which are a new development in sustainable period care. Here is a link to our Period Pants blog where we go into the benefits and more details.
1. Sloggi GO ribbed bralette and brief. Organic Cotton
2. Sloggi GO Tai Brief 2 pack. Organic Cotton
3. Sloggi GO midi Tank Top and Brief. Organic Cotton
4. Sloggi Zero Feel Flow Bralette. 50% recycled polyamide
5. Sloggi Zero Feel Flow Top. 50% recycled polyamide
6. Sloggi Zero Feel Flow Hipster. 50% recycled polyamide
7. Period Pants