Sanay Khurana

Threads of Change: Empowering Fashion Sustainability

Introduction

Greenyug India, a staunch advocate of environmental sustainability and community welfare, embarked on a transformative journey with the pioneering Sustainable Fashion Project. Collaborating with esteemed fashion boutiques, Ruchi&Taniya and Ambre by Harsimran Sarai, we ventured into creating a new sustainable clothing line, incorporating recycled waste products and eco-friendly materials like jute and khadi.

The project aimed to address the alarming environmental impact of the fashion industry, while simultaneously empowering underprivileged girls from nearby villages in Punjab. Through this trailblazing project, we organized workshops for 50 girls, extending invaluable hands-on training in essential fashion skills such as embroidery and stitching. The ultimate mission of the Sustainable Fashion Project was twofold: to promote sustainable fashion practices that minimize environmental harm and to empower underprivileged girls with skills and opportunities to secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.

In today's fashion-forward world, staying up to date with the latest trends has contributed to the growth of excessive fashion waste. Shockingly, the fashion industry generates approximately 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with vast quantities ending up in landfills or being burned globally. However, amidst this pressing concern, there is a growing demand for sustainable clothing made from non-polluting raw materials and zero-waste production facilities. We saw an opportunity to act upon this demand, while also supporting the livelihoods of underprivileged girls from nearby villages who needed skill development and new job opportunities in the fashion industry.

What is Sustainable Fashion? Why is it Important?

Sustainable fashion is a conscious approach to fashion that considers the environmental and social impacts of clothing production and consumption. It involves using eco-friendly materials, recycling, and adopting ethical practices to reduce waste and minimize harm to the environment. Sustainable fashion seeks to break away from the wasteful "fast fashion" model that contributes to pollution, depletion of resources, and social injustices.

The significance of sustainable fashion lies in its potential to create positive change within the fashion industry. By using recycled waste products and eco-friendly materials like jute and khadi, sustainable fashion helps reduce the overall environmental footprint of the clothing industry. It also supports local communities, as sustainable fashion often involves partnering with small businesses and artisans, thereby empowering them economically.

Jute and Khadi Fabrics

For the new sustainable line and the skilling workshops we used only eco-friendly jute and khadi. Jute is a biodegradable and renewable fiber, reducing the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. Khadi, being hand-spun and hand-woven, requires minimal energy consumption, contributing to a sustainable and energy-efficient fashion industry.

Exhibits of Sustainable Products made during workshops

Lack of Skills in Underprivileged Girls of Punjab

In Punjab, underprivileged girls from rural areas face significant challenges, with limited access to education and skill development opportunities leading to high unemployment rates and entrenched poverty. Collaborating with esteemed fashion boutiques, Ruchi&Taniya and Ambre by Harsimran Sarai, we identified 50 girls from Ajnala and Bal Kalan villages, providing them with life-changing opportunities.

Tailored workshops held by these fashion labels equipped these girls with comprehensive training in essential fashion skills, including embroidery and stitching, utilizing eco-friendly materials. This holistic learning experience not only granted them professional certifications but also led to employment opportunities, thereby breaking the poverty trap. With the steady income earned from their employment, these empowered girls can now support their families, ensuring a better quality of life for their loved ones. Moreover, they possess the financial means to invest in their higher education, opening doors to brighter opportunities and a promising future.

Stitching and Designing Workshops

Waste Reduction

According to research conducted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry generates approximately 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with a large portion ending up in landfills or being incinerated globally.

By diverting textile waste from landfills, we saved valuable resources. For instance, traditional textile production processes can consume vast amounts of water and energy. According to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, textile dyeing and finishing processes can require up to 200 tons of water per ton of fabric produced. Additionally, the United Nations estimates that the fashion industry's energy consumption is responsible for about 10% of the world's carbon emissions.

The project's emphasis on eco-friendly materials like jute and khadi, which are biodegradable and renewable, also played a crucial role in conserving resources. Sustainable fibers, like jute, have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional synthetic fibers. According to the Textile Exchange, producing one ton of jute fiber can save up to 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions compared to conventional synthetic fibers.

Furthermore, the use of eco-friendly materials like jute and khadi, which are biodegradable and renewable, contributes to a circular and regenerative fashion economy. According to the Textile Exchange, choosing sustainable fibers can help reduce the fashion industry's overall environmental footprint and promote a more responsible use of resources.