Sustainable Tees for a Better World

The Impact of the Fashion industry on the Environment

Did you know that the fashion industry has hugely negative environmental and social impacts? Let’s take a look at it, and learn what we can do to change that while keeping the style.

The Fashion Industry’s Environmental Impact

Fashion is responsible for 10 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and 20 per cent of global wastewater.

One kilogram of cotton required to manufacture a pair of jeans consumes 7,500 to 10,000 litres of water. That is enough to feed a person for over ten years.

It makes up 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, drying up and polluting water sources. 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year.

Seventy million tons of trees are cut down each year to provide wood pulp for fabrics such as rayon and viscose.

Textile workers are mostly underpaid women living in undeveloped countries, working under degrading conditions, including violation of human rights and exposure to health hazards.

How Can The fashion Industry be More Sustainable?

Fortunately, there are companies like Stanley Stella, Bella + Canvas and Econscious, among others, changing how they manufacture their products to diminish the environmental impacts.

Here are some actions that companies may take:

Using zero-waste pattern cutting to reduce waste during the design process.
Replacing traditional cotton for hemp, ramie or bamboo – This solution is not perfect, however, for sometimes areas are deforested to plant bamboo, and the same is treated with human health-damaging chemicals to make its fibres soft.
Growing organic cotton, which is cultivated without toxic chemicals. That may, however, increase water usage and only is effective if the company is engaged in effective water management.
Using recycled materials, mostly polyester and plastic, in the fabric of textiles.
Improving the living conditions for textile workers, paying adequate wages with social guarantees. That may increase the final costs of the product, leading consumers to avoid Eco-Friendly merchandise.

Additionally, there are edge technologies in development by scientists worldwide, including producing textiles with fibres from agricultural waste, using nanotechnology, and even algae. For the most part, these technologies are not accessible yet to the final customers.

How Can Customers Help?

Consumers can buy less, focusing on what is needed.

Choose from sustainable brands with transparent supply chains or second-hand stores.

Take more care of your clothes – wash less and repair more.

Choose natural fibres, single-fibre garments, and recycled material.

What Is Kurlandly Doing?

Kurlandly sources tees, tote woven bags, and hoodies from companies with assured environmental practices. At the moment, we work with Stanley Stella and Bella + Canvas.

Sustainable Tees at Kurlandly

Stanley/Stella – This European manufacturer, launched in 2012, is the top contender among sustainable companies, proudly exhibiting five eco-friendly certifications. Eco-Friendliness is their motto, and they pursue it by producing clothes with materials grown or made in ways that do not harm people, animals or the environment. That includes 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester. Stanley/Stella checks every step of the manufacturing process from the growing, working closely with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) and ensuring the social responsibility of their sources. Find Viking and medieval Stanley/Stella t-shirts in our shop.

Viking Women’s Organic Tee (V-Neck) – Urnes Style (c. 1050 – 1125)

21,83 €

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Viking women’s Organic Tee – Borre Style (c. 850 – 950)

26,77 € – 28,45 €

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Viking Women’s Organic Tee – Urnes Style (c. 1050 – 1125)

26,40 € – 28,11 €

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Odin, Sleipnir, and Walknut – Unisex Organic, Viking T-Shirt

23,68 €

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Bella + Canvas – The company in California adopts a sustainable approach to manufacturing eco-friendly T-shirts. Their manufacturing plants are located in the US or in non-developed countries, including Bangladesh. They are adapted to use seven times less water than most manufacturers and run on solar energy. Finally, they recycle every unused material. Find sustainable Viking and Medieval Bella+Canvas T-shirts in our store.