KindTo

At KindTo we are passionate about changing the fashion industry to support a more sustainable and ethical future. We want to spread awareness about the issues that arise from clothing production and fast fashion.

The fashion industry is the worlds 2nd worst polluting industry as well as having many social and ethical issues. 

Fibre production is at the start of a garments life cycle where issues arise relating to synthetic fibres that are made from petrochemicals which are non-renewable resources and our reserves are running low. Cotton production consists of many issues as it requires vast amounts of water which has lead to major water crisis' in many communities especially as water is already a precious resource in the developing countries and a lack of water changes ecosystems and communities into a downward spiral- see aral sea link. In addition cotton crops use harmful chemical pesticides and fertilisers which harm ecosystems because the toxic chemicals enter the food chains causing animals to die and pass on conditions or mutations, disrupt the natural landscape of foliage and habitats and pollute water supplies impacting animals, plants and humans.

During manufacturing processes, toxic chemicals are used in dyeing and finishing processes with the waste being disposed into neighbouring water supplies like rivers without being treated as many of the countries of clothing manufacture have no law enforcement for regulations or money for the safe disposal of waste and clothing companies don't take responsibility for ensuring factories abide by these regulations. This damages the environment as water systems become polluted so fish die which affects food chains and humans. These rivers also run into oceans so it doesn't jus affect communities. Manufacturing processes also use up precious resources of water and energy which normally comes from non-renewable sources like fossil fuels that emit CO2 and other harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. 

Clothing manufacture is on a global scale with one garment travelling...…………...miles before reaching your home so these miles add to its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment.

The damage is not all done once the item is in your home, every time you wash synthetic clothes, tiny microfibres leech into the water which ends up in the oceans and ends up in the food chain of fish and other animals and leads to us. Also washing and drying of clothes uses huge amounts of water and energy when some clothes don't need to be washed regularly for example jeans only need to be washed...……….

When an item of clothing is unwearable or for some people jus out of fashion, many people throw it into the bin where it ends up in the landfill. Metal components on clothes and leech out chemicals in addition to the chemicals from dyes or finishes. These end up into the water systems as rain washes them into rivers so its not just developing countries that have their water systems polluted.

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As well as having a huge environmental impact, the fashion industry has many social and ethical issues relating to it.

The harmful chemicals from the pesticides and fertilisers in the cotton crops harm the farmers and local communities, causing respiratory problems, cancer and skin conditions due to either direct contact or toxic chemicals entering the air and water supplies. The environmental effect of the huge water consumption of cotton changes ecosystems as water shortages causes droughts, famines and desertification on land meaning people enter a state of poverty leading to diseases and malnutrition. In addition many cotton farmers don't get fair wages meaning they cant support their families. 

Many  clothes are made in factories where workers get very low wages which cant support them and their families so they live in poverty. in addition the conditions of the factories are unhealthy with people working inhumanely long shifts in cramped hot and unhygienic working conditions. This means many people get ill but there is no sick pay so they are forced to work.

there are also not many safety procedures or equipment so accidents occur from machinery or illnesses arise from the toxic chemicals but no compensation is given to the workers. 

In addition to the disposal of the toxic chemicals in the water systems having a negative impact on the environment it also affects millions of people as these rivers are the main water supply for drinking water, fishing and washing. However these toxic chemicals cause skin conditions, cancer and mental impairments as well as killing a vital food source of fish.

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It is unfair how the fashion industry benefits the developed countries who get to enjoy the excitement of new clothes and trends yet most of the negative environmental and social consequences affect the people in the developing countries.

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As we are a small company we cannot change the whole system on our own which is why we spread awareness about the issue. At the moment we are focusing on one section of the problem; the tonnes of clothing thrown into the landfill. Our creative minds see potential in every piece of clothing  so we resurrect old clothes and fabric scraps to save them from causing more harm to the environment in the landfill. Instead they can bring us joy by giving us a means to express our personal style and identity through wearing unique pieces of art that are lovingly created. As we are KindTo everyone, we do no