The chosen article addresses the problem of clothing waste and provides a detailed analysis of the issue and related factors. The study by Binotto and Payne (2017) shows how designers can reduce clothing waste by reusing and revitalizing fabrics and second-hand apparel. The article begins by presenting several perspectives on waste and wastefulness in the context of the fashion industry. The authors note that industrial and consumer rubbish can result in various environmental issues, such as pollution and degradation of resources (Binotto & Payne 2017). However, the article states that it is possible to resolve this issue by re-categorizing formerly deemed waste. Due to the specifics of the fashion industry and its purpose of creating an impression, designers can use rubbish to provoke thought and reflection in customers. Such an approach can help manufacturers to create unique pieces, use materials efficiently, and reduce production costs.
The article supports the goal of taking action to combat climate change and its impacts. It is possible to reuse textiles at least nine times, which means that such a measure can reduce the need for manufacturing significantly (Paras & Pal 2018). However, currently, the idea that the new is better than the old is popular because such an approach is beneficial for the fashion industry (Binotto & Payne 2017). Designers establish trends and develop new styles to devalue the previous ones; they inevitably create clothing waste.
The possible solution to this problem is reusing products and recycling the pieces unsuitable for resale. Binotto and Payne (2017) note that designers can use a minimum or zero-waste patternmaking as opposed to traditional pattern-cutting methods. Pre-consumer textile waste can be re-spun into new yarn or used for creating other materials. The study shows that some companies have started to utilize this strategy. For example, some clothing brands work with reclaimed fabrics, such as army snowsuits, military stock, and parachute silk, to create their collections (Binotto & Payne 2017). In addition, as an example of a zero-waste measure, manufacturers can use excess fabric for parts of clothing that are not visible from the outside, such as folds and tucks. Such an approach allows for not only eliminating the impact of the fashion industry on the environment but also for satisfying customers’ desire for newness. Binotto and Payne (2017) report that, in today’s world, designers may feel the need to conceal the reuse of materials to retain social acceptance and reduce clients’ rejection. However, it is vital not to avoid a zero-waste approach only because there is a lack of awareness about its benefits among the public.
The article shows what strategies designers use to eliminate the impact of the fashion industry, as well as the shame associated with waste and the reuse of clothes. It provides various pictures of clothing items produced from recycled materials, as well as reveals how manufacturers can cut fabric effectively and reduce its excess. In addition, designers can use these approaches as part of their environmental activism and improve public awareness of the issue.
Reference List
Binotto, C & Payne, A 2017, ‘The poetics of waste: contemporary fashion practice in the context of wastefulness’, Fashion Practice, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 5-29.
Paras, MK & Pal, R 2018, ‘Application of Markov chain for LCA: a study on the clothes ‘reuse’ in Nordic countries’, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 94, no. 1-4, pp. 191-201.