HOW TO BE A SUSTAINABLE DESIGNER

Global Fashion Exchange supports sustainability in the fashion industry through clothing swap events, curated talks and cultural activations. Its founder, Patrick Duffy, offers advice on better practices to the next generation of designers

1. Only use material from an ethical textile manufacturer, making sure their practices align with Modern Slavery acts.

2. Use natural and biodegradable materials, such as organic cotton, wool and linen.

3. Try to avoid plastic-based or chemically treated textiles. Microfibres expelled from these materials flow through wastewater systems into our oceans, when washed, and are consumed by marine life. Currently 83 per cent of all our water, including rainwater and bottled water, contains microfibres and plastic – 38 percent of this comes from the fashion industry.

4. Reuse and recycle unsold stock. To destroy it is not only adding to the global toxins, but also a waste of resources.

5. Get creative. There will always be offcuts in the design workshop that can be recycled or used to create other products, such as padding for furniture and mattresses, and insulation for cars and roofs.

The next Global Fashion Exchange swap takes place in September. For details, visit www.globalfashionxchange.org