Environmental issues and sustainability What is included?

Introduction Sustainable refers to products that have been designed and made to have a lesser impact on the environment and to improve the working conditions and economic security of those making the product. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Sourcing organic, biodegradable, reclaimed or recycled fabric components Bag from recycled denim. Bags made from recycled polyester. Organic cotton shirts. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/angela_adams.php http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/11/sustentable-08-sustainable-design-festival-buenos-aires.php

Selecting fabrics that have been specially developed as sustainable These garments are made using Tencel® fabric, which has been developed for its sustainable qualities. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Designing a high-quality product with an extended life = reduces waste going into landfill These are cheap, throwaway clothes from supermarkets / high street stores. These are good quality eco –friendly clothes made from sustainable materials that are made to last a long time. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Easy care High-quality products can be designed to have an extended life. Making use of modern easy-care finishes also reduces laundering requirements. Marks and Spencer’s feature a wide range of products like these shirts. They are treated with easy-care or crease-resistant finishes to help reduce energy use. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Reducing waste and pollution during manufacture My jacket is made with polyester from recycled plastic waste instead of oil. Using recycled materials helps to conserve the earth's natural resources and protect the environment. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Processing fabric without the use of toxic chemicals like bleach and toxic dyes Dyeing and finishing processes use lots of chemicals. E.g. chemical dyes resins to make fabrics shrink proof softeners to improve the feel of the fabric They also require energy to drive machinery use and contaminate large volumes of water. Solutions: use cold water dyes = less energy use renewable energy sources use less very dark dyes (need a lot of rinsing) use natural dyes use naturally coloured yarns = no dye use fabrics that already have properties needed e.g. Shrink resistant. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Use of renewable energy to power machines, and increasing water efficiency during manufacture Wind and solar power featured here are renewable sources of energy. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Labelling products to inform customers Here are some of the labels that certify the sustainable qualities of textile products. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Fair trade policies Think about where the product is to be manufactured. Make sure that the workers have fair pay and good working conditions. Cheap overseas labour is NOT sustainable. AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

Local=better Location Careful consideration should be given to where the product is going to be manufactured in order to cut down the carbon emissions from transporting goods a long way. Local=better AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009