Did you know that consumers buy 60% more items of clothing and keep them for about half as long as they did 15 years ago?
It's no surprise the fashion industry is the second largest industrial polluter after aviation, accounting for up to 10% of global pollution. Despite the widely publicized environmental impacts, the industry continues to grow. This is in part due to fast fashion which relies on cheap manufacturing, short-lived product life and frequent consumption.
Now more than ever, people are enthusiastically growing more cognizant of their earth-conscious choices and investing in slow fashion. After all, sustainable fashion is about so much more than just buying less.
Think Green. Think Alpaca
Alpaca fiber is getting a lot more attention these days as one of the world's most coveted, eco-friendly materials. Not too surprising, considering even the ancient Incan kings recognized the alpaca's unique qualities and only allowed the wealthy and influential to wear the 'fiber of the gods'.
The alpaca fiber is soft and strong making highly wear-resistant garments. In fact, you may not even live to see an alpaca garment go old, since they last for generations.
It is naturally hypoallergenic because it is free of lanolin and other oils found in sheep's wool, so no harsh chemicals are needed during its production. To top it off, the alpaca fibers comes naturally in 22 colors, so it doesn't rely as heavily on the use of dyes. Given its water-resistant and anti-microbial properties, you can even save money and time on laundry.
Even the alpacas themselves are sustainable. Their soft hooves and cushioned foot-bed ensure they literally leave no footprint. Unlike many other animals, they graze with care and don't pull out the roots of the grass and plants they eat. Since they have no top teeth, they just eat the tips of the plant which allows for the foliage to easily grow back. Even their waste can be used as fertilizer... talk about bringing it full circle.
Alpaca garments can be worn for years, reducing the demand for new products and eliminating waste from going in the landfills. For those looking to reduce their environmental impact, invest in slow fashion, high-quality clothes, made of biodegradable material.
