The Cupboard

Environmentally friendly, green or ecological clothing design has long since been adopted in neighbouring countries, and is beginning to get popular in Iceland. What is meant by environmental fashion and design is that the basic concept of the designers is aimed at sustainable development, i.e. the design reflects responsibility towards the environment and towards the health of the consumer and user.

Clothing is very necessary for us humans and lies very close to our hearts, literally speaking. Our skin touches the fabric and therefore it is important to consider what we wear. Many dyes and production processes include acid baths of the textiles, and the use of various toxins, some of which may even be detrimental to our health. Also the production process itself is often the source of serious environmental impact and loss of health.

Some textiles are more environmentally friendly than others. Cotton is one of the most harmful raw materials because of the many toxins used for its production. For each kg of cotton made, about one kg of toxins is needed. If you, however, decide to choose organically grown cotton, you can rest assured that almost all toxins have been prohibited and that the use of harmful chemicals during the growth of cotton is absolutely minimized. The fair trade labelling confirms that the product has been produced in an ethical and fair manner, without detrimental effects for the workers. Fair trade labelling also ensures that the workers get fair compensation for their work.

Most people create their own clothing style that is a part of the individual’s personality. Some people create their own clothes. Others buy from the Red Cross or at second hand markets. Even others follow the modern fashion. Good clothing is more often more expensive, but it also lasts far longer. It saves money to buy durable products. When you no longer need your old clothes, you should give them away, either to friends and relatives, or to the Red Cross. Recycling stations all around Iceland accept clothes on behalf of the Red Cross. Clothing and fabrics are reused or sold, both inside Iceland and abroad.