ECOLOGICAL DESIGN
PRINCIPLES
Recycle, Re-use &
Repair
Many
environmentalists believe that “green consumerism” is a
skewed phrase. Why make things out of new materials when
you can rescue materials from the landfill? Get creative!
Remake, re-use and recycle materials otherwise fated for
the landfill to create your garment.
http://www.epa.gov/msw/textile.htm
http://www.tedresearch.net/research_downloads/recycling.pdf
Dyes & Water
Consumption
Some
appalling manufacturing processes in the textile industry
flush toxic dyes and chemicals into our water supplies.
This disrupts the natural environments of fish, animals,
and other wildlife. How does your garment curb the
polluting nature of the textile industry?
http://www.naturaldyes.org/
Eco-Labeling
Although there is
currently no global standard of labeling that manufacturers
or designers must adhere to, many environmentalists believe
it is important for consumers to know where a garment was
grown/manufactured/produced/etc. throughout its life cycle
so that they can make an informed decision when making a
purchase. Similar to the way your cereal box lists
nutritional information, clothing, textiles and essentially
every product could have an eco label on it. How does your
garment express or promote this important element of the
design process?
http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/06/03/manufacturing-sustainability-brands-weigh-in/
Organics/Low
Toxicity
The
devastating use of pesticides and herbicides for the
textile and fashion industry are making headlines. We
highly encourage the use of materials that are pesticide
and herbicide-free. Fabrics grown organically are better
for the farmer, the neighboring wildlife and the consumer’s
skin.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/woman/story/
0,,2054421,00.html#article_continue
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/infocus/k02028.pdf
http://www.tedresearch.net/research_downloads/lowtoxicity.pdf
Fair
Trade & Ethical Issues
Sweat-shop
labor and unfair, unsafe labor practices are important
ethical issues to be aware of in the fashion industry. How
does your garment address these issues?
http://fashioninganethicalindustry.org/static/sewingmachine.html
http://www.cleanclothes.org/cccs.htm
http://www.aarp.org/fun/radio/pt_postscript/ethical_fashion.html
Bio-mimicry
This visionary theory
encourages us to look at natural and biological cycles and
processes in nature for inspiration about ways we can
minimize the environmental impact of our designs.
http://www.biomimicry.net/
Long-Life vs.
Short-Life Analysis
Fashion
can be disposable (the $5 party shirt you wear once before
it falls apart and you throw it away) or sustainable (the
lace wedding veil that is passed down from generation to
generation, carefully mended, and stored in a special
volt). Will your garment be a classic piece that you will
have for years and years to come? How long do you expect
your piece of fashion to live?
New Technologies &
Finishes
Can
you utilize an innovative, cutting-edge technology in the
manufacturing of your garment? Laser cutting, for example,
is quick, produces NO dust, NO noise and is extremely
accurate. Another example is laminating fabric to extend a
garment’s life and reduce the energy used in laundering.
Surprise us with new and innovative technology!
http://www.bostonlasers.com/
(Boston Lasers is offering a discounted laser cutting rate
for this competition)
Carbon
Footprint
A
carbon footprint is a unit that measures the impact that a
product or service has on the environment. Everything from
the fumes of a truck as it imports foreign fabrics to the
fumes of fabric glue can contribute to a garment’s carbon
footprint. How does your garment address this important
global issue?