PM Modi’s push for sustainable clothing: Why India can’t move away from fast fashion

Source: The post is based on the article “PM Modi’s push for sustainable clothing: Why India can’t move away from fast fashion” published in The Indian Express on 13^th February 2023.

WPM Modi’s push for sustainable clothing: Why India can’t move away from fast fashion the news?

The Prime Minister of India has recently worn a blue vest made of recycled bottles. He was trying to highlight the need for the adoption of sustainable clothing to save the environment.

How has the blue vest been manufactured?

The vest has been made out of fibers and yarn crushed and melted from PET bottles.

Its production process saves at least 90 percent water and 50 percent energy when compared with traditional methods making it environmentally friendly.

What are the problems with manufacturing clothes by traditional methods?

The fashion industry globally causes 10 percent of total carbon emissions and is a big pollutant. It uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually.

As per the reports, textile manufacturing is one of the most polluting sectors, emitting 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases.

What are the challenges with green clothing in India?

The challenges associated with green clothing are – a) high cost of raw materials, b) high production cost, c) new and costly technologies.

Furthermore, green wear is a new concept in India whereas fashion and clothing in India is mostly associated with brands.

However, with the expanding e-commerce and India’s consumer demographics becoming younger, there is potential for green clothing to be adopted among the masses.

What can be done to promote green clothing?

There is a need for a) incentives given to green cloth manufacturing industry, b) rationalization of the cost structure, c) endorsement by Bollywood and sports ambassadors and d) a nationwide campaign to spread awareness.