Over the past few decades, our daily consumption patterns have evolved dramatically. This is largely due to the emergence of single-use items and the development of various production methods. Today, consumers are beginning to turn towards ethical fashion in order to consume more responsibly.
It was against this background that Zèta came to life, with the goal of manufacturing while minimising its environmental impact as much as possible, respecting everyone involved across the production chain. Discover more about Zèta.
What is ethical fashion?
Definition
Ethical fashion, also known as sustainable fashion, is an approach within the fashion industry. It incorporates ethical, social, and environmental principles throughout the entire production chain, from design to consumption. This ethical fashion aims to minimise negative impact on the planet, promote fair working conditions, and encourage more responsible consumption. It is built on 5 main pillars:
◦ Respect for social ethics
◦ Environmental sustainability
◦ Transparency and traceability
◦ Responsible consumption
◦ Use of sustainable materials
The concepts of repair and upcycling are therefore an integral part of ethical fashion. Also known as upcycling, these second-life practices give everyone a way to make an impact and play a role in changing consumption patterns.
Legislation
In recent years, consumers have become aware of the methods used by many brands to manage stocks of unsold or “unusable” products. When looking into the subject, one inevitably recalls the scandal caused by Burberry in 2017. According to an article in Le Parisien, the British brand had destroyed more than 30 million euros worth of unsold goods by burning them to protect the brand's then-fragile financial position.
It was against this background that the French government introduced the AGEC law: the anti-waste law for a circular economy. Its 130 articles aim to accelerate the shift in production and consumption models to limit waste and preserve natural resources, the climate, and biodiversity.
As part of this new regulation, the government has introduced a "Repair Bonus", which offers a discount on the repair costs of your favourite clothes.
In this article, we will focus on one particular pillar among the five main themes of this law: tackling waste and supporting solidarity-based reuse.
Ethical fashion through repair and upcycling
Today, ethical fashion is at the heart of our concerns, transforming the way we view our clothes. Beyond the eco-friendly criteria integrated into certain brands' production processes, repairing and upcycling your favourite pieces play a crucial role in how our consumption habits evolve.
This article explores these criteria in depth, providing you with tips and a comprehensive guide to caring for your clothes sustainably.
Eco-friendly criteria to consider
Before thinking about repairing and upcycling your clothes, it is first important to choose them wisely. When selecting your garments, it is essential to take into account ethical and eco-friendly production criteria. Consuming more sustainably is everyone's responsibility.
Zèta stands out through its commitment to using sustainable materials, reducing its carbon footprint, and promoting ethical production. The goal: to produce responsible and durable 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 Navy - €135 |
However, even with durable products, proper care plays a major role in extending the lifespan of your clothes.
Repair rather than replacement
Consumer society often encourages us to replace our worn-out items. However, upcycling is an ethical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative. Local artisans and tailoring workshops offer quality services to extend the life of your garments. Whether it is shoes, accessories, suits, and more, these experts in the field will know how to give your favourite pieces a second lease of life, preserving valuable resources in the process.
Where to repair your favourite pieces?
Local tailoring workshops
Local tailoring workshops are often-underappreciated gems. By choosing these services, you not only support the local economy, but also help reduce transport-related carbon emissions. Skilled artisans pay close attention to every detail, ensuring the preservation of your favourite garments while actively contributing to the growth of ethical and responsible fashion. What's more, you can take advantage of the government's "Repair Bonus" with certified repair specialists.
Specialist cobblers
Shoes, often overlooked when it comes to repairs, benefit greatly from the services of specialist cobblers. These experts can breathe new life into your favourite footwear by replacing worn soles or fixing damaged heels, offering an eco-friendly alternative to buying new trainers.
To help you find craftsmen closest to you, the website MisterMinit has listed them for you. Find the professional you need near you to bring your clothes back to life.
In addition, many retailers offer home collection of your textile waste to help integrate it into the circular economy.
Creative upcycling
Upcycling
Upcycling offers an innovative approach to giving your clothes a second life. Specialist workshops can guide you in transforming your old garments into unique pieces. By adopting this upcycling method, you not only reduce your environmental footprint, but also contribute to a more personal and authentic ethical fashion.
Upcycling workshops: top recommendations?
Upcycling workshops are not only places for repair, but also creative hubs. Taking part in these workshops gives you practical upcycling skills, while fostering a more mindful approach to fashion that encourages creativity and personal expression.
Here is a list (obviously non-exhaustive) of upcycling workshops across France:
◦ Sapar
◦ La petite Rockette
◦ Nouveaux designs
◦ Recup’R
The environmental impact of ethical fashion
Choosing to repair and upcycle rather than systematically replacing your clothes contributes significantly to reducing textile waste. The latter accounts for more than 94 megatonnes of annual waste, of which only 14% is repurposed or recycled.
By extending the life of your favourite pieces, you minimise your ecological footprint while preserving natural resources. Ethical fashion is not just about choosing the right brand; it is also about how you care for and extend the life of your garments.
Repairing your favourite pieces is not just about 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 care for your favourite pieces and embrace a style that does not simply follow trends, but also creates a positive impact on the environment.
