Can the right pair of jeans save the waterways?

It has been a while since my last 'fashion' post, and this could not be a better time for it! As finally, after years of battle, I have reached the body size and shape that I always wanted, it arrived the time and the need to get new clothes that fit instead of hide the new figure. 
While for all 'top' clothes and skirts I am a strong advocate of vintage and charity shops, I am particular with my jeans. And so I went to my jeans retailer of choice, the big chain GAP. Yes, even I shop at big chains sometimes, mea culpa and hope I can be forgiven by the most strict anti-capitalists who are reading me. 
Saying this, gap is also quite involved with sustainability projects - and my new jeans are part of their 'washwell' series aimed at protecting waterways by using sustainable denim wash techniques. 


Which brought me to this post - what exactly are the impacts of our clothes on waterways? Let's have a closer look at clothes production (as I am writing this I am also learning this for the first time ! A self teaching blog!) 


So far I have learnt that cotton, despite being an amazing natural fabric for you and your skin, actually has quite high environmental impacts (hence the rise of organic and eco cotton labels!) 
According to good on you:

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​So, there you have it - cotton should be sustainable and brands should disclaim their use of chemicals in the making of your favourite tee/denim. 
And how are these chemicals washed away/where! 
Not just cotton but everything that is coloured with dye is washed and the first few washes will take some of the dye with them so it's very important to do this process  as ethically and sustainably as possible! 


It's no secret that most of the clothes found on the high street  are made in the third world and developing countries (I dare you to look at your labels now!), and don't be fooled, expensive does not automatically mean more ethical! Just means, likely, more money in the producers pockets... 


So here my word of advice - if you need to buy on the high street - try and be suspicious, ask questions, be aware, informed and then make your choice!
Happy Saturday shopping :)