#toxic threads

If anyone plays I recently created a store if you would like to check it out! I try to keep things cheap :) I hope to have an in world store someday it’s been my dream but I need lindens first. If you like anything feel free to buy and recommend to a friend! My store is Toxic Threads. I create gothic and fun things!

A couple weeks ago a new story broke out about retailer Zara had been found to have very hazardous chemicals in their materials, some of which can break down to form hormone-disrupting or cancer-causing substances. Today, Couture Counselor has posted an article released by The Business of Fashion with more information about the negative effects of "dirty fashion manufacturing" and what we can do about it.  I personally think it's a must- read for anyone who wants to work in the fashion industry and a should-read for anyone who wants to know what their money is buying.

Today, to coincide with the release of a major investigative report by Greenpeace International, Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up, guest contributor Tommy Crawford, strategic communications manager at Greenpeace, highlights the dangers of the toxic chemicals contained in the clothing we wear and urges action.

BEIJING, China — Nobody wants to be a fashion victim. Desperately chasing the ever-elusive ‘cool,’ fashion victims are generally perceived as ‘try-hards,’ those who sport the latest trends and buy into transient fads, regardless of fit or personal style. These so-called victims, slaves to the vagaries of a few, have a soft spot for fast-fashion and designer labels. But high-gloss brands can conceal low-end ethics. And herein lies the crux.

The truth is, we are all fashion victims.

We are all victims of the ruthless practices of global fashion brands who prioritise profits over people and the planet. In a constant race to get products on the racks, lots of big brands resort to outsourcing production in countries such as China and Mexico. But this clothing carries a hidden price tag. In many of these countries, lax regulations give suppliers of international brands a free hand when it comes to using hazardous chemicals to dye and process our clothes. Many of these toxic chemicals are banned in the US and Europe, but sooner or later they end up in waterways and wardrobes across the globe.

Our latest investigation into this issue demonstrates just how far-reaching the problem is. Of the 20 brands whose clothing we tested — including global fashion giants Calvin Klein, Levi’s and Zara — every single one of them was revealed to have traces of hazardous chemicals in at least one of their clothing items. Calvin Klein was the worst offender, with 88 percent of the items we tested found to contain hazardous chemicals. Levi’s came second with 82 percent, while Zara came third with 70 percent. Some of these chemicals are incorporated deliberately within the fabric, while others are unwanted residues remaining from the manufacturing process.

The latest Greenpeace report, released today, on the state of play re toxic chemicals used in clothing manufacture makes predictably depressing reading. In case you're not going to read it, here's the Cliff Notes: they found toxic, fish-killing, carcinogenic pthalates, NPEs (nonylphenol ethoxylates) or azo dyes in 63% of garments tested. In the league table of evilness, the top offenders are Victoria's Secret and Esprit, followed by Zara, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and GAP--they're not even trying to improve. Levi's is currently hypocritical, and H&M are at least trying. 

And here's our favorite quote, from "Conclusions and Recommendations: The Role of People Power": "As global citizens we can collectively choose to buy fewer new clothing products, and instead buy second-hand clothes where possible. This can also involve re-purposing and re-using older items to create “new” pieces for our wardrobes...". 

In other words, not to sound smug or anything: re-fashioning. 

Below: the brands tested and some offending garments...