The Link Between Sustainable Fashion and Women's Health
Have you ever thought about how women’s health is impacted by the clothes they wear? The harmful chemicals in fashion while certainly harming the planet could be harming them too!
This concern has given rise to an increased demand for sustainable fashion choices and around 39% of consumers now place a greater stress on sustainability when buying clothes. The result is a growth of 8.3% in the sustainable fashion industry every year.
From what clothes we put on to the materials in our intimate wear, these decisions affect our health in ways we might not even be aware of. Thankfully, as sustainable fashion is stepping up for the planet, women’s health will also benefit from it.
Read on to find out how the two are linked.
Why Sustainable Fashion Matters for Women's Health
Fast fashion is affordable. It is easy on the pocket and equally easy to discard. The result is a massive 92 million tonnes of textile waste being generated every year.
Fast fashion comes at many more costs, not the least of which is the cost to women’s health.
Traditional textile production comes with its fair share of dangers. It uses different chemicals that can cause skin irritations, hormonal imbalances, and long-term health problems such as cancer.
Unfortunately, women who wear such synthetic fibres or even work in the garment production process are at a higher risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion mostly uses natural and organic materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and linen. These fabrics are free from toxic chemicals and are gentle on the skin.
These are the main reasons natural and sustainable fibres are an ideal choice for women especially those with skin conditions like eczema or other health issues.
Ethical Practices in Sustainable Fashion for Healthier Lives
When a fashion brand is genuinely sustainable, it will ensure that all the production processes practised at its manufacturing facilities are completely ethical.
This means that the brand will pay its workers fair wages, provide them with safe and healthy workplaces and make sure that they are not exposed to any harmful substances or chemicals.
Garment workers working in such factories are protected due to the sustainability efforts made by such brands. Consumers can contribute by supporting these ethical brands and helping women’s health care on the whole.
The Psychological Benefits of Sustainable Fashion
Supporting sustainable fashion offers instant gratification to consumers.
They are making a conscious choice and opting for eco-friendly alternatives, and this way are showing social responsibility. Their choices help build a cleaner environment and better working conditions for women in the fashion industry.
Secondly, when uncomfortable synthetic fabrics are worn there is a chance of developing irritation or skin reactions that can cause undue stress and anxiety. Choosing comfortable and sustainable fashion brings physical comfort which can help improve mood.
Overall sustainable fashion means an overall slowing down of fashion consumption. It means a mindful approach to clothing choices and getting rid of the anxiety associated with consumerism. This too has a positive impact on mental health especially that of women bringing them a feeling of calm.
The Hidden Risks of Conventional Fashion
To keep up with demand and reduce costs, fast fashion brands use synthetic fabrics and harmful chemicals. These are cheap and also readily available, helping to maintain constant supply.
However, these substances not only harm the environment but also pose serious health risks to women.
Some of the harmful chemicals found in conventional clothing include:
- Lead which is used in dyes and pigments, is sometimes linked to reproductive health problems, leading to infertility and pregnancy complications.
- Arsenic, found in artificial leathers, is a known carcinogen and increases the risk of skin cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Cobalt in dyes causes allergic reactions and skin irritations, and can even cause respiratory problems.
- Antimony found in dyes is associated with skin irritation and reproductive toxicity.
- Disperse Dyes used to colour polyester fibres are known to cause allergic reactions, with long-term exposure leading to serious skin conditions.
- Phthalates in synthetic leather are hormone-disrupting chemicals and are linked to infertility and developmental disorders.
The risks to women’s health are even more pronounced when these fabrics and dyes are used in intimate wear and workout gear. These synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and heat, which can lead to different skin infections and a general feeling of discomfort.
The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion and Women's Health
When the harmful chemicals used in fast fashion degrade the environment, they indirectly pose a risk to women’s health too.
The heavy use of dyes, bleaches, and finishing agents releases toxins which contaminate water supplies and pollute the air.
Communities living near textile factories often suffer the most from these pollutants. As a result, respiratory diseases, cancers, and hormonal disruptions are common among such sections of the population.
Women working in these industries face greater exposure to these environmental hazards. With lower access to healthcare and medical facilities, they are at a higher risk of developing reproductive health issues and other gender-specific health problems.
It is time to look for safer alternatives that protect women’s health without compromising on quality or performance.
CELYSTM Compostable Fibre: A Healthier and Eco-Friendly Solution
CELYSTM is an innovative compostable fibre that is an answer to many of women’s health concerns.
CELYSTM biodegrades naturally under industrial composting conditions within 179 days. This takes care of all the environmental hazards created by synthetic textiles.
At the same time, no hazardous or toxic chemicals are used at any stage of its production process. CELYSTM therefore offers a safe and healthy alternative for use in women’s textiles.
It is a versatile fibre which makes it ideal for use in a variety of textile applications. It is suitable for use in the production of sportswear, suits, dresses, home textiles and even shoes.
Women can safeguard their health and also help protect the environment by choosing clothes and accessories made from such sustainable fibres.
Final word
Sustainable fashion is clearly the way forward. It is one big step needed to make sure that we can safeguard women’s health and also promote a healthier planet for everyone in the bargain.
Women can create a massive impact and reduce the risks they are unknowingly exposed to every day by choosing sustainable alternatives made from natural, non-toxic materials.
Sustainable fashion offers more than just style. It is a way of empowering women. They now have the option to make choices that benefit their own health, the lives of others, and the planet.
