In recent decades, our way of consuming has evolved greatly in everyday life. This is notably due to the arrival of single-use items and the development of various production methods. Today, consumers are beginning to turn towards ethical fashion, with the aim of consuming better.
It is in this context that Zèta was born, with the aim of producing while minimising its impact on the environment and respecting every production intermediary. Find out more about Zèta.
What is ethical fashion?
Definition
Ethical fashion, also known as sustainable fashion, is an approach to the fashion industry. It integrates ethical, social and environmental principles throughout the production chain, from design to consumption. This ethical fashion aims to minimise the negative impact on the planet, to promote fair working conditions and to encourage more responsible consumption. It is based on 5 main pillars, which are:
◦ Respect for social ethics
◦ Environmental sustainability
◦ Transparency and traceability
◦ Responsible consumption
◦ Use of sustainable materials
The notion of repair and upcycling is therefore an integral part of ethical fashion. Also known as upcycling, these second-life practices offer everyone a way to have an impact and a role in the evolution of consumption methods.
Legislation
In recent years, consumers have become aware of the working methods of many brands regarding the management of unsold or "unusable" stock. When one takes an interest in the subject, the Burberry scandal of 2017 inevitably comes to mind. According to the article in Le Parisien, the British brand had burned more than 30 million euros' worth of unsold merchandise to protect the then-fragile financial state of the brand.
It is in this context that the French government introduced the AGEC law: the anti-waste law for a circular economy. Its 130 articles aim to accelerate the change in individuals' production and consumption models in order to limit waste and preserve natural resources, the climate and biodiversity.
In the context of this new regulation, the government has introduced a "Repair Bonus", which offers a reduction on the repair costs of your favourite garments.
In this article, we will focus on one particular point of the five axes of this law, which is to fight against waste and in favour of solidarity reuse.
Ethical fashion through repair and upcycling
Ethical fashion is today at the heart of concerns, transforming the way we consider our garments. Beyond the eco-responsible criteria integrated into the production process of certain brands, the repair and upcycling of your favourite pieces play a crucial role in the evolution of consumption methods.
This article addresses and explores in depth these criteria, providing you with tips and a comprehensive guide for caring for your garments in a sustainable way.
The eco-responsible criteria to consider
Before thinking about repairing and upcycling your garments, it is important to choose them carefully. When selecting them, it is essential to take into account the ethical and eco-responsible production criteria. It is everyone's responsibility to consume more sustainably.
Zèta stands out by committing to using sustainable materials, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting ethical production. The goal: to produce responsible and sustainable vegan trainers. Below is an overview of some of our models available in our online shop.
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| Alta White – 149 € | B1 Pink – 155 € | Alpha Marino – 135 € |
However, even with durable products, care plays an important role in extending the life of your garments.
Repair rather than replacement
Consumer society often pushes us to replace worn items. However, upcycling is an ethical, ecological and economical alternative. Local craftspeople and sewing workshops offer quality services to extend the life of your garments. Whether it concerns shoes, accessories, garments, etc. These domain experts will know how to give a new lease of life to your favourite pieces, thereby preserving precious resources.
Where to repair your favourite pieces?
Local sewing workshops
Local sewing workshops are often underestimated gems. By choosing these services, you not only support the local economy, but also help reduce carbon emissions linked to transport. Skilled craftspeople bring particular attention to every detail, ensuring the preservation of your favourite garments while contributing to the development of ethical and responsible fashion. Moreover, you can take advantage of the government's "Repair Bonus" at certified repairers.
Specialist cobblers
Shoes, often overlooked when it comes to repair, greatly benefit from the services of specialist cobblers. These experts can breathe new life into your favourite shoes by replacing worn soles or repairing damaged heels, thus offering an ecological alternative to purchasing new trainers.
In order to find the craftspeople closest to you, the website MisterMinit has compiled them for you. Find the professional you need, near you, to breathe new life into your garments.
Moreover, many retailers offer home collection of your textile waste to facilitate their integration into the circular economy.
Creative upcycling
Upcycling
Upcycling offers an innovative approach to giving your garments a second life. Specialist workshops can guide you in transforming your old garments into unique pieces. By integrating this upcycling method, you not only reduce your environmental footprint, but also contribute to a more personal and authentic ethical fashion.
Upcycling workshops: the best addresses?
Upcycling workshops are not merely places of repair, but also creative hubs. Participating in these workshops not only gives you practical skills in upcycling, but also fosters a more conscious approach to fashion, encouraging creativity and personal expression.
Here is a (non-exhaustive, of course) list of upcycling workshops across France:
◦ Sapar
◦ La petite Rockette
◦ Nouveaux designs
◦ Recup'R
The environmental impact of ethical fashion
Choosing repair and upcycling instead of the systematic replacement of your garments contributes significantly to the reduction of textile waste. The latter represents more than 94 megatonnes of annual waste, of which only 14% is upcycled or recycled.
By extending the life of your favourite pieces, you minimise your ecological footprint while preserving natural resources. Ethical fashion is not solely a matter of brand choice, but also of the way you care for and extend the life of your garments.
Repairing your favourite pieces is not limited to saving money — it is a commitment to more sustainable fashion. By following these fashion tips and choosing local workshops committed to repair and upcycling, you adopt a responsible approach to fashion. Zèta encourages you to take care of your favourite pieces and to move towards a fashion that does not simply follow trends, but also creates a positive impact on the environment.
