"Use Matters" is the title of chapter three. This is where the book shifts from general sustainability, materials, etc. to the buyers actual usage of the clothing. The surprising topic of laundering is specifically focused on in this chapter. Fletcher reveals a different aspect of sustainability within this chapter, not only creating sustainable fabrics out of eco-friendly materials but also the very important but often overlooked task of designing garments which will remain longer. Most experts on sustainability don't include information on this aspect but it is extremely important all the same. Chapter four, titled "Reuse, Recycling, and Zero Waste" is focused on the topic in which the chapter title clearly implies. In this chapter Fletcher discusses waste management strategies, reuse of goods, and the repair and reconditioning of goods. It is almost a more general look at the contents of chapter three, not only discussing the lasting appeal but also the recycling of fabrics and reuse of fabrics. This is important so that the textile creators are not mass producing textiles which could easily be recycled.
Chapter 2, simply titled "Ethically Made", explores two methods of improvement in the textile industry, improving the individual production and the improvement of the industry as a whole. Fletcher explores the best practices and fiber processing in this chapter with recommendations of, "minimizing the number of processing steps, choosing 'clean' production techniques, minimizing processing consumables, choosing 'clean' processing chemicals, reducing energy and water consumption, and reducing waste production and carefully managing waste systems" (Fletcher,p.46) Fletcher provides examples of ways to become ethically made including, using sustainable fabrics, dyes, and bleaching. She also gives examples of ethically responsible clothing lines such as Marks & Spencer, ONE, and some American Apparel products (which is shown in the picture). Fletcher gives business savvy advice on both being sustainable and succesful
In chapter 1 Kate Fletcher writes about the basics necessity of sustainable textiles, the materials. Fletcher writes about some of the most commonly used materials (cotton, silk, linen, polyester,etc.) and their effect on the environment. Fletcher then elaborates on sustainable alternatives such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and soya. The mainly focused on material is cotton. Fletcher goes into depth on low chemical cotton, low water use cotton , and fair trade cotton. Fletcher does a good job of providing information on each side of the argument and seeming fairly unbiased, an example of this is in the quote." Cultivating 1kg of cotton for example draws on as much as 8000 liters of water. In comparison producing 1kg of polyester uses little or no water. Polyester manufacture does however consume twice the energy needed to make the same amount of cotton" (Fletcher, p.7) Fletcher does a good job of providing information on each type of fiber, however; there could definitely be more information provided on silk, linen, etc. The book provides many charts based upon the information. These charts include the demand for fiber, environmental costs per each stage in the lifecycle of a cotton t-shirt, and energy and water consumption on each type of fiber. This chapter of the book aids the reader to basic information about fibers and sustainability that she implies will be elaborated upon in the later chapters.
