The call for transparency when it comes to fashion and accessories is becoming powerfully vociferous. And as a whole, we can no longer remain ignorantly content with the sheer convenience of fast fashion. Nor can we continue to blatantly overlook inconvenient truths. When it comes to the fashion industry, it now comes second to the oil industry in terms of pollution. Yes you read that right. It is the second largest polluter on planet Earth. Our lust for affordable fast fashion coupled with a never ending appetite has resulted in unethical practices to meet and take advantage of consumer demands. Most of us will be completely unaware that toxic fabric dyes are irresponsibly dumped untreated into waterways. How much water is actually needed to cultivate (20,000 litres for just 1kg of cotton) then produce a cotton t-shirt (around the same amount as what one human would consume in two years). How we all contribute to microfibre plastic pollution caused by simply washing our polyester or nylon clothing. And how the surge in popularity of fabrics like viscose and rayon is creating a new wave of deforestation.
“most people know the link between forests and paper, but they don’t know the link between forest ecosystems and the clothing they have in their wardrobes
// nicole rycroft, canopy
It would appear as though I’ve painted a rather bleak image; a lot of doom and gloom. We’re encouraged to purchase consciously with organic fabrics like cotton and manmade (yet misrepresented) rayon and viscose yet both have devastating consequences on our environment. There is a lot of confusion and embellishment with the term “eco-friendly”. But with the promulgation of campaigns such as #WhoMadeMyClothes, it is now easier than ever for brands to be completely candid with their consumers, and thus leave us better informed. It also gives us the leverage to support those who opt to participate in cleaning up our act over those whose clear preference is mere profit.
Our footprint and impact on the environment is far too substantial to ignore. And as consumers I believe we need to consciously decide to make a change. No matter how small, we need to firmly support those in the fashion industry who strive to better our environment and humanity so that others, mainly larger corporations, will follow suit. So allow me introduce you to Saya Designs. Specialising in creating handmade hair accruements like this hair fork or the moonflower, pictured above and all with a firm commitment to the environment. Their hair slides are produced from recycling root wood that is salvaged from plantations. The kind left behind to decompose in soil (something which takes hundreds of years to do so) from loggers who previously cleared the site. And with every purchase they buy and plant seeds for endemic tree species in protected Indonesian forests.
I was graciously sent the moonflower hair slide, an undeniably unique piece and one delicately crafted. And since the moonflower arrived I’ve been continuously adorning my hair with it. And to say I am infatuated is an understatement. It has even replaced my faithful silk scrunchie for when I’m in loungewear working from home. Because another benefit of the moonflower, or any of their various hair fork designs, much like silk causes less friction and damage to your hair. And an additional benefit is the ability of wood to maintain your hairs natural oils. With the current trend for nature inspired hair accoutrements like pearls or shells, Saya Designs wooden pieces are solid investments. The kind which doesn’t allow trends to dictate what is in and what is not. Which as consumers is something we need to strive for too. Remove bad, old habits of disposable fashion and opt for pieces which transcend time and trends. And to support brands committed to contributing to our planet, rather then plundering and poisoning it.
To learn more about Saya Designs, their ethos and resplendent hair slide collection visit and support them here.
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You may also enjoy these articles: washed up by alejandro duran + the willow society
Sources and more information on the fashion industries negative enviromental impact here, here and here
This has been a collaborative post with Saya Designs. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
metaphoric love child of debbie harry and stevie nicks. weaver of words. infatuated with shoes.
