Fashioning A Faithful Future
“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth… This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth”
As responsible Stewards of God’s creation, we are called to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. This sacred responsibility extends to every choice we make—including what we wear.
Each year, up to 40% of the world’s manufactured clothing is never sold. This wasteful excess contributes to nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Consider this: the United Nations Environment Programme reports that it takes 3,781 litres of water to produce a single pair of jeans. From cotton fields to retail shelves, that same pair generates 33.4 kilograms of carbon. These figures are not just statistics—they're a call to action.
To honour our covenant with creation, we must embrace sustainable shopping habits, encouraging an eco-friendly industry where products, people and processes are all aimed towards a carbon-neutral goal. Thankfully, ethical fashion doesn’t mean sacrificing style – it means choosing wisely.
REDUCE – Quality over Quantity
Choose your supplier carefully. Look for ‘Sustainable’ labels, and take the time to verify that these brands are all that they claim to be. Although these options often come at a higher price, they are likely to be well manufactured so will last longer – and you will have the peace of mind that equality, social justice and animal welfare are included in the price. Also, avoid synthetics such as nylon and elastane, which contribute to microplastic pollution; and virgin fabrics such as polyester, which is derived from fossil fuels and takes years to break down. Choose organic cotton over just ‘cotton’, as this doesn’t use harmful pesticides and uses significantly less water!
REUSE - Repair Your Current Clothing
Try to avoid throwing clothes away unnecessarily. If something rips, have a go at repairing it yourself, or find a professional to do it. Your local dry-cleaner will likely have access to someone who can help, or you can learn how to do basic repairs yourself!
RECYCLE - Buy Second Hand
The charity OXFAM have recently launched ‘Second-Hand September.’ An initiative encouraging us to “dress for the world you want.” - a statement we should all adapt. Rather than buying new, take a look around charity shops or try platforms such as Vinted and Depop. You can also sell or donate your own unwanted clothes, which will help others to be more sustainable too.