The symbol that is used on products materials to show that they can be recycled is called the Modus Loop.

There are three main types of recycling Primary-meaning the product can be used in its original state. Old clothes in a charity shop. Physical or Secondary- when it is torn,shredded, melted or ground before being used. As in stuffing and felting Chemical or Tertiary- when it is broken down and reformulated such as plastic bottles being used for duvets and fleeces.

Textiles products use a lot of natural resources. So it is important to reuse them rather than waste them The key reasons for recycling are- Save energy. Save raw materials. Reduce the need to make new materials. Recycle Reuse Reduce Refuse Rethink Repair

RMethod RecycleRecycle materials that can be recycled Buy products made from recycled materials Disassemble old products and reuse. ReuseBuy/design products that can be reused. Reuse products by adapting them for a new use ReduceReduce the amount of materials used and wasted, and reduce the amount of energy used in production Reduce obsolescence Reduce the carbon footprint of a product RefuseRefuse to buy products that are not sustainable or recyclable RethinkThinks about how you approach design differently Think about how you can reuse a product or its materials RepairRepair products rather then buy new ones.

As a designer we need to think about where fabrics and components come from and how they were produced. As a consumer we need to look at the labels and buy products that have been produced ethically. The Ethical Trading Initiative works towards improving conditions in global supply chains.

 Applies to wood and wood products including paper.

Applies to products and services where steps have been taken to minimise the environmental impact throughout the life of the product.

Applies to appliances to show there level of energy consumption.

Applies to fabrics that have been tested to prove they do not contain any harmful substances.

 Fairtrade provides a better deal for producers in developing countries.  The fairtrade mark gives a guarantee to consumers that the farmers and workers have been paid a fair and stable price.

 This label indicates how much of the product is made from recycled materials

 This label identifies the type of recyclable plastic used.