How can we consume better every day?

According to several sources, the textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world, just after the oil industry. Indeed, the figures are quite staggering: $3.4 billion in sales per year, 100 billion garments sold per year and new collections every week. All figures that point to hyper-consumption. So how can we consume better? How can we consume on a daily basis and change the way we consume? 

What questions should I ask before making a purchase?

The first basic thing to ask yourself when you s're about to make a purchase is whether you really need this garment: don't you already have an existing alternative in your dressing room? Have we wanted this garment for a long time, or is it an impulse, a "trend"?

If it's a garment on sale: is it the feeling of a bargain that attracts us, or the piece itself? We also need to ask ourselves whether this garment fits in with the other items we already own l. Does better everyday consumption mean buying less? 

Where to buy clothes?

Then, once you've thought about your purchase, you need to think about the various eco-responsible alternatives that exist: second-hand platforms, thrift shops, community boutiques, eco-responsible brands. Perhaps the piece you're looking for is on sale on second-hand platforms? In any case, if you look hard enough, you can find more responsible equivalents!

What materials should I choose for a durable, quality garment?

If you want to consume more responsibly, we invite you to find out more about the materials used in the manufacture of your garment. 

Garments made from synthetic materials such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic or viscose are anything but responsible. When it comes to fast-fashion clothing, brands tend to neglect the quality of their garments and materials, so they'll be less resistant over time!

It's important to note that even if these fabrics are recycled, they still release micro-particles of plastic into the water when washed! What's more, a recycled fabric will still contain plastic and will be less resistant over time.

When it comes to natural materials like cotton, which accounts for 25% of textile fiber production, it's best to choose organic or recycled cotton. Cotton cultivation is extremely polluting, requiring a lot of water. Cotton is also a fragile plant. It needs to be treated or cared for during cultivation to produce quality cotton. Conventional cotton is full of pesticides, fertilizers and GMOs. That's why Elia has chosen organic cotton!

What are the manufacturing conditions for my clothes?

In addition to materials, it's important to find out how the garment you want to buy is made: By whom and where? Under what conditions? First of all, the place of production should give you some indication of whether or not the garment has been made ethically. Indeed, a garment manufactured on the other side of the planet is bound to have an environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions. But beyond this factor, there are social labels to ensure that garments are made in good conditions. Take a look at how the brand talks about its production, both on its website and on its social networks. 

Finally, if you want to make a purchase for a special occasion (such as a birthday, an evening out or a wedding), and you know you won't be able to wear the garment you've bought afterwards, garment rental could be a good solution for you! It allows you to choose a more original piece without the fear of not being able to wear it again. 

We can only encourage you to change the way you consume by asking yourself the right questions and turning to more responsible alternatives: our Elia menstrual panties are one of them! 

For more information: https: //multimedia.ademe.fr/infographies/infographie-mode-qqf/