Post-pandemic Shopping
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s spending habits have noticeably changed. Online shopping reached its peak due to feelings of boredom as well as of anxiety; the latter leading to excessive online purchases and creating a catch-22. Consumers from all over the world admitted to buying things online more during the pandemic and the multiple lockdowns than before.
It goes without saying, then, that now it’s more crucial to our planet than ever to choose clothing pieces which are kind to it, such as the eco-friendly and sustainable knitwear, made from the finest yarns and fabrics.
Fashion Sustainability
Currently, “sustainability” as a term is considered a real buzz word but what does it actually mean?
It’s important to highlight that sustainable fashion is defined as the process of producing clothes via sustainable approaches which take into account any environmental, social and financial impact; as a movement, it sees beyond the product itself while simultaneously adopting a more holistic approach to fashion and considering not only producers and consumers but also all living creatures as well as present and future generations.
Sustainable fashion is also known through many names such as ethical fashion, fair-trade fashion, slow fashion etc., all of which have slight differences between them but one important similarity: they are the complete opposite of fast fashion which – from an environmental point of view – encourages a throwaway mentality concerning the consumer.
Thus, sustainable is basically something made with “people, the environment and economy in balance.” Regarding knitting yarn, more specifically, it means that something is made in such a way that it doesn’t deplete the Earth’s resources in production or distribution (e.g. via using pesticides, animal and land welfare, etc.). Moreover, the notion of sustainability does not just focus on the production and distribution of a product to the customer; it also focuses on its use and environmental impact, after that.
Is Knitwear more sustainable?
First of all, knits are one of those fashion items that have the double benefit of making us feel very comfortable and look effortlessly elegant and stylish. They are also versatile and diverse in the sense that they can easily be matched with everything: from dresses and jeans to suits and shorts.
Using sustainable knitwear means searching for fabrics which treat the planet right. Rather than damaging fabrics, support materials like merino wool, ecovero viscose, organic cotton or recycled polyester. Being not only a natural but also a biodegradable fiber, knits can even have a positive impact on our planet – which, lately, has been in need of more help and attention from all of us.
Wool, for example, is described as the “ultimate sustainable yarn”. Not only does it grow naturally and can be “harvested” without any harm to the sheep but it can also be processed in such a way that has a low or even zero carbon impact. Apart from that, did you know that sheep actually consume carbon from the plants they eat which is locked into their wool? In a nutshell, this means that sheep themselves are considered to be carbon neutralizers! Furthermore, wool is odor-resistant making itself unnecessary to be washed often, thus, reducing the amount of power, water and detergents used by people.
Lingering a bit longer on the topic of wool as a material, an extremely important thing to remember is this: when you buy wool, look for certifications and standards, provided by yarn suppliers, which not only protect animals, by treating them fairly, but also are friendly to and respectful of the environment itself, such as the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). The latter makes the safety of the sheep, the protection of the soil they graze on, as well as the health of the workers top priorities. Additionally, it’s ensured that only products with 100% certified wool carry the official RWS logo, since a professional third-party certification body checks each stage of the supply process. So, all in all, via the RWS animal, land and social welfare is guaranteed.
Wool-wise, another crucial thing to keep in mind, regarding merino wool, is the term “mulesing” which is, basically, a painful surgical procedure for merino sheep (sheep with very wrinkly fur): various skin strips need to be removed from them in order to protect them from the so-called “blowfly” (Lucilia cuprina), found in Australia and New Zealand, which could slowly kill the sheep. However, during the skin strips removal, no anaesthetics are used, making it an extremely painful procedure for the sheep. Here is where the RWS label saves the day, again, via sheep farming without mulesing, since it’s practically based on the so-called “five freedoms”: 1. freedom from hunger and thirst, 2. from discomfort, 3. from pain, injury or disease, 4. to express normal behaviour, 5. from fear and distress.
So, make sure that you choose merino wool marked with the “mulesing-free” label or certified with the RWS logo, because, in this way, you participate in the protection of animal welfare, above and beyond.
Timeless Pieces All Year Round
With winter making its bold presence more than felt by all of us, “sweater weather” has officially and undoubtedly arrived and it’s worth bearing in mind how our choices – as individuals and consumers – affects the whole planet at the end of the day.
For instance, a lighter sweater made from wool-blend materials – which can definitely be layered over other garments, as well – can be worn during spring or even summer, instantly transforming itself into a “trans-seasonal” garment suitable to be used all year round in a variety of combinations. Thus, knits are long-lasting pieces that you’ll want to keep in your closet forever and ever.
On the one hand, shopping in a responsible and mindful manner is crucial but, on the other hand, looking after your knitwear, once you own it, is essential for it to be a genuine sustainable purchase.
Click here to read more on How to Look After your Knits