Pakistan
“Remember when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to place a successive human authority on Earth.’” (Qur’an, 2:30)
As climate change continues to impact our atmosphere and daily lives, it's crucial for everyone—from individuals to large corporations contributing to global waste—to take steps in reducing it. Waste isn’t just about discarding plastics; it manifests in various forms.
Conservation, reuse, and mindful consumption are key. The most effective way to prevent waste is by not generating it to begin with.
Let’s explore how you can adopt sustainable practices in your daily life and what we, as a fashion brand, are doing to minimize waste on our side.
1. Practice Recycling
Recycling is a straightforward step toward sustainability. If your locality offers recycling services, segregate recyclable materials like plastics, cardboard, aluminum, and paper from your regular household waste. This not only helps the environment but can also earn you some extra money! These materials comprise most non-food household waste.
Did you know that producing items with recycled aluminum is 92% more energy-efficient than using raw materials? By recycling, you’re reducing both material and energy waste. If recycling pickup isn’t available in your area, consider taking your recyclables to a nearby recycling facility.
“And do not desire corruption in the land. Indeed, God does not like corruptors.” (Qur’an, 28:77)
2. Say No to Plastic Grocery Bags
How many plastic bags do you bring home after a shopping trip? Probably more than you'd like to admit. Switch to using your own reusable tote bags instead. Invest in durable, fabric tote bags that can hold more items, reducing the number of trips between your vehicle and your kitchen.
Plastic bags can take centuries to decompose and pose significant threats to wildlife. For instance, marine animals like sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for food, which can lead to suffocation.
If you already have a stash of plastic bags at home, don’t toss them out just yet. Repurpose them as liners for waste bins or for storing compost.
“And do not commit abuse on the Earth, spreading corruption.” (Qur’an, 2:60)
3. Be Mindful of Your Purchases
In today’s consumer-driven world, it’s easy to buy more than we need—whether it’s the latest gadgets, home decor, or fashion items. Before making impulsive purchases, pause and reflect. Do you truly need that new smartphone right now? Will those shoes be worn more than once?
By distinguishing between wants and needs, you can reduce unnecessary consumption and the waste that comes with it.
4. Opt for Second-Hand and Donate Items
Thrift stores and second-hand shops are increasingly popular and for good reasons. They offer great deals and contribute to environmental conservation. Purchasing pre-owned items means one less product ends up in a landfill and reduces the demand for new products, which in turn lowers industrial waste from manufacturing.
These stores are also excellent places to donate items you no longer need. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or household goods, donating gives your items a second life and supports your community, as many of these shops are linked to charitable causes.
“And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they, from its signs, are turning away.” (Qur’an, 21:32)
5. Avoid Disposable Products
Disposable items like plastic cups, plates, and cutlery might offer convenience, especially during gatherings or when you have children, but they’re detrimental to the environment. Non-durable goods such as plastic dinnerware accounted for about 20% of the United States’ total annual waste, approximately 50 million tons in 2015.
While washing dishes might not be the most enjoyable task, consider it an opportunity to teach responsibility—perhaps the children can help out!
“And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest.” (Qur’an, 50:9)
6. Understand Fast Fashion’s Impact
The pace of fast fashion is accelerating, with garments often worn only seven times before being discarded. Subscription services that deliver new clothing monthly contribute to this cycle. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of wastewater.
Cheap, fast-fashion clothing is typically made from synthetic, non-biodegradable materials that generate toxic waste and persist in the environment.
To combat this, fashion companies should adopt sustainable materials and zero-waste production methods. This includes precise pattern-cutting to minimize fabric waste and utilizing digital tools to perfect designs before manufacturing.
