Denim, a staple in wardrobes worldwide, is undergoing scrutiny for its environmental impact. Brands are increasingly marketing their jeans as ‘sustainable,’ but the reality is complex. From cotton farming to the finishing processes, each step in denim production involves significant water, energy, and chemical use.

The Journey of Denim

Most jeans start with cotton, a crop that demands large amounts of water and chemicals. Beth Jensen from the Textile Exchange highlights the difficulty brands face in tracing the origins of their cotton, as production often spans multiple countries.

After harvesting, cotton is spun into yarn and dyed, usually with indigo, requiring substantial water and chemical treatments. The fabric is then woven, cut, and sewn into jeans, often undergoing additional treatments to achieve desired textures and colors.

Challenges in Sustainable Practices

Efforts to produce sustainable denim face hurdles. For instance, fashion designer Maria McManus struggled to align denim production with her low-impact values due to the invasive washing processes. Collaborating with Agolde, she accessed regenerative cotton and eco-friendly dyeing methods, though these come with higher costs and production challenges.

Consumers are encouraged to seek brands that provide transparency about their sourcing and manufacturing processes. Certifications like B Corp can offer some assurance, but there is no single label that guarantees sustainability.

Making Informed Choices

Experts suggest that one of the simplest ways to reduce denim’s environmental footprint is to buy fewer jeans, wear them longer, and consider secondhand options. According to Levi Strauss & Co., if a significant portion of Americans opted for secondhand jeans, it could substantially reduce carbon emissions.

As the fashion industry grapples with sustainability, consumers play a crucial role by making informed choices and demanding transparency from brands.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.