Yustisiana Tika

The fashion industry is one of the most influential sectors globally, with the power to shape trends and culture. However, it also has a significant environmental footprint, contributing to pollution, waste, and resource depletion. Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and low-cost clothing, has led to a surge in overproduction and overconsumption. Each year, millions of tons of discarded clothing end up in landfills, with many garments made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which do not biodegrade easily. These materials can take 20 to 200 years to decompose, depending on the conditions. During this process, they can release harmful microplastics and toxic chemicals into the environment, further polluting soil and water. Moreover, the textile industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions—more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The production of cheap fabrics involves energy-intensive processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change. The high carbon footprint of fashion makes eco-friendly alternatives a critical solution.The fashion industry is evolving to meet the increasing demand for sustainability, and one of the most exciting areas of development is in sustainable materials. These innovative textiles not only reduce environmental impact but also offer alternatives to resource-intensive traditional fabrics like cotton, polyester, and leather. Below is a detailed look at some of the most promising sustainable materials revolutionizing fashion today:1. Mycelium Leather: Nature’s Answer to Animal LeatherMycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, is emerging as a sustainable alternative to animal leather. This bio-based material is rapidly gaining popularity because it mimics the look and feel of real leather but with a much lower environmental footprint.Traditional leather production is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water and harmful chemicals for processing. In contrast, mycelium can be grown in controlled environments using agricultural waste, such as sawdust, and requires significantly fewer resources. While animal leather can take years to produce, mycelium can grow in just a few weeks, making it a faster and more scalable option for the fashion industry.The process of making leather with mushrooms (Photo Credit: Business of Fashion)Designers like Stella McCartney and Hermès are incorporating mycelium leather into their collections, demonstrating that luxury fashion can adopt innovative materials without compromising on quality or aesthetics.2. Piñatex: Sustainable Fiber from Pineapple LeavesPiñatex, a natural textile made from the fiber of pineapple leaves, offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic leather and other fabrics.Drying pineapple leaf fibers which are used to make Ananas Anam's Pinatex (Photo Credit: CNBC)Piñatex uses waste from the pineapple industry, providing a second life to agricultural byproducts that would otherwise go to waste. This reduces the need for additional land and resources, contributing to a circular economy. Piñatex is durable, breathable, and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of fashion products, from shoes and bags to jackets and accessories. Brands like Hugo Boss and H&M have launched collections featuring Piñatex, proving that plant-based materials can be both stylish and sustainable.3. Tencel: The Future of Wood-Based FabricsTencel, made from sustainably harvested wood pulp (usually from eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees), is a biodegradable fiber that’s becoming increasingly popular in eco-conscious fashion.The transformation from forest to textile aplication (Photo Credit: Gamatex)Tencel is produced using a closed-loop process, where solvents and water used in the manufacturing process are recycled with minimal waste. This significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional viscose, rayon, or cotton production. Tencel fibers are certified as compostable and biodegradable, meaning they decompose naturally and do not contribute to landfill waste or microplastic pollution. Known for its softness and breathability, Tencel is a popular choice for both everyday wear and luxury garments, with brands like Levi’s and Zara incorporating it into their lines.4. Econyl: Turning Ocean Waste into High-Fashion FabricsEconyl is a regenerated nylon made from ocean and landfill waste, including discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastic. This closed-loop production process creates a material that is both durable and sustainable.A journey into Econyl (Photo Credit: https://www.dctuk.com/blog/econyl )Econyl is a perfect example of circular fashion. It not only helps reduce waste but can also be endlessly recycled without loss of quality, offering a sustainable alternative to virgin nylon, which is made from petrochemicals. Econyl has been embraced by high-end brands like Prada and Burberry, who have used the material in their eco-friendly collections, as well as by sportswear companies like Adidas for swimwear and activewear.5. Recycled Polyester (rPET): A Second Life for Plastic BottlesRecycled polyester, or rPET, is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, transforming plastic waste into wearable fabrics. While traditional polyester is derived from petroleum, recycled polyester reduces the reliance on virgin plastic.How to process plastic materials into cloth (Photo Credit: WStar Apparel)rPET diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans, helping mitigate the global plastic pollution crisis. Producing recycled polyester also uses less energy and water than creating virgin polyester. From outdoor brands like Patagonia to fast fashion retailers like H&M, rPET is becoming more common in everything from jackets to t-shirts and even sneakers.6. Organic Cotton: A Healthier Alternative to Conventional CottonOrganic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using farming methods that maintain soil health and reduce environmental degradation.The cotton and its product (Photo Credit: Treehugger)While cotton is known for being water-intensive, organic cotton uses more sustainable farming practices that conserve water through rain-fed irrigation and soil moisture retention techniques. Organic farming methods reduce farmers’ exposure to harmful chemicals, promoting better health and safer working conditions. Many brands, including Levi’s, Nike, and Eileen Fisher, have committed to using organic cotton in their collections as part of broader sustainability goals.7. Hemp: A Versatile and Low-Impact CropHemp is a fast-growing, regenerative crop that requires little water and no pesticides, making it one of the most sustainable natural fibers available.The benefit of Hemp in apparel industry (Photo Credit: Research Gate/Asif Raihan)Hemp improves soil health through a process called phytoremediation, which removes toxins from the soil. Additionally, hemp’s deep roots prevent soil erosion and sequester carbon. Hemp fibers are incredibly strong and durable, making them ideal for long-lasting clothing. The fabric softens with each wash, ensuring both comfort and longevity. Brands like Jungmaven and Outerknown are championing hemp as a core material in their sustainable collections.------ ------ -------Eco-friendly fashion plays a critical role in addressing the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry. By adopting sustainable practices, such as using renewable materials, reducing water and chemical use, and minimizing waste, the industry can significantly lower its carbon emissions and reduce its overall environmental footprint. Embracing circular fashion models, like recycling and upcycling, also helps to reduce the accumulation of clothing in landfills, which can take decades or even centuries to decompose. Furthermore, transitioning to sustainable fashion not only protects natural resources but also lessens the release of harmful microplastics and toxic chemicals into ecosystems. By making conscious choices, both brands and consumers can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the planet. Writer: Yustisiana Tika Hapsari

Understanding the Global Food Waste ProblemFood waste is a significant global issue. Over one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted, negatively impacting both the economy and the environment. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Despite this extensive waste, approximately 783 million people globally still face hunger, including 150 million malnourished children under five years old. According to Figure 1, addressing food waste is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve per capita food waste by 2030, making it essential for countries like Indonesia to actively participate.Figure 1. Food Loss and Food Waste Index (Source: FAO, 2024) Food Waste Challenges in IndonesiaThe problem of food waste continues to occur in Indonesia. When some people have difficulty finding food to survive, others actually throw away their food. Sadly, food waste has become one of the environmental issues voiced in Indonesia, but the people seem silent about this fact. Hundreds of trillions of food waste are actually wasted, even though this amount could be used to feed more than 30% of Indonesia's population.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around ¾ of the food produced for consumption ends up being lost or wasted. In Indonesia, food waste contributed the largest contribution in 2023, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, totaling 41.4%, much higher than plastic waste which was 18.6%.Indeed, food waste has also emerged as a significant issue in Indonesia, reflecting broader global challenges that significantly impact food security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency. In a 2021 Bappenas study report, the generation of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in Indonesia from 146 food commodities between 2000 and 2019 ranged from 23 to 48 million tons per year, equivalent to 115 to 184 kg per capita per year. (BAPPENAS, 2021; Purwanto et al., 2023). This very large amount is related to systemic inefficiencies in the food supply chain in Indonesia, from production to consumption, and poses environmental, social, and economic challenges. To understand food waste, it is necessary to understand the definition of food waste in the food production to consumption chain as Figure 2.Figure 2. The visualization between Food Loss and Food Waste (Source: Daniel et al., 2023) By definition, Food Loss is a decrease in the quantity of food resulting from the decisions and actions of food suppliers in the food supply chain, which does not include retailers, food service providers, and consumers. Meanwhile, Food Waste is a decrease in the quantity of food resulting from the decisions and actions of retailers, food services, and consumers.According to the United Nations report titled Think Eat Save which is part of the Food Waste Index Report 2024, Indonesia is the country with the largest food waste in the Southeast Asia region. The amount reaches 14.73 million tons per year.Figure 3. Household food waste in Southeast Asia (Source: Goodstats, 2024)Based on Figure 3, Indonesia is estimated to produce 14.73 million tons of household food waste per year, with a medium level of confidence. This amount is much higher than Vietnam, which is in second place, which is recorded to produce 7.08 million tons of household food waste per year. Indonesia itself is projected to produce 53 kilograms of household food waste per capita per year. This amount is the lowest in Southeast Asia. After Vietnam, Thailand is in third place, producing 6.18 million tons of household food waste per year. On the other hand, when viewed from the amount of food waste per capita, Laos is the highest, with a total of 89 kg of household food waste per capita per year.Food waste has become a global crisis that must be suppressed immediately. The food crisis that occurs in various parts of the world should be able to be resolved if food waste can be minimized. The total waste from food waste can actually be used to support other people who are more in need. The magnitude of food waste is also felt in provinces in Indonesia, including West Java. Regional Secretary of West Java Province Herman Suryatman highlighted the large amount of food waste produced by the province's residents, especially seen from the waste generated at TPA Sarimukti. "Of the 3,000 m3 or 1,500 tons of waste per day that (is dumped) to Sarimukti from 4 regencies/cities in Greater Bandung, half, 50% of it is food waste," he said.Food waste not only worsens the food crisis, but also contributes to global warming. Food waste that is thrown away cannot be processed because it contains substances that are harmful to the environment. Food waste, especially that caused by excessive serving and the culture of leaving food or left over, must be eliminated immediately. Several countries do encourage leaving unfinished food, which ends up in landfills. Good management must be implemented so that excess food is not produced and wasted.Reducing food waste must start with yourself. The mindset that always wants to buy food excessively must be eliminated. Living in sufficiency, especially related to food, does not mean being stingy. That means, they are aware that the food they buy is what they can and will finish, so that nothing ends up in the trash. Food waste ultimately stems from personal commitment. Throwing away food is not the answer, solutions to food waste are already widely available in front of our eyes. With a strong desire, everyone can help reduce food waste by buying enough food and setting aside excess food. The Solution to Reduce Food Waste in IndonesiaEnhanced Public Awareness and EducationNationwide campaigns emphasizing responsible consumption, proper portion control, effective food storage, and the environmental impacts of food waste.School programs integrating food waste education into curriculums.Improvement of Infrastructure and TechnologyInvestment in facilities capable of processing organic waste into valuable products such as compost and biogas.Introduction of modern refrigeration and storage solutions to reduce spoilage at commercial and household levels.Policy and Regulatory MeasuresMandates requiring supermarkets and hospitality businesses to donate surplus edible food to charitable organizations.Incentives for businesses actively engaging in waste reduction practices, such as tax reductions or subsidies.Development of Redistribution and Donation NetworksEstablishment of efficient channels connecting surplus food producers with social organizations serving vulnerable communities.Creation of digital platforms and mobile applications to streamline food redistribution and encourage public participation.Collaboration Among StakeholdersFacilitate partnerships between government bodies, private sector entities, and community-based organizations to implement cohesive waste management strategies.Organize forums and workshops to share best practices and promote collaborative problem-solving approaches. By implementing these detailed solutions, Indonesia can significantly reduce food waste, thereby improving environmental sustainability, enhancing economic efficiency, and promoting social well-being.

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Yustisiana Tika

A woman of purpose who combines creative and innovative thinking, sustainability, and digital innovation to build, empower, and inspire positive impact.

Innovative Sustainable Materials: The Future of Eco-friendly Fashion

A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Food Waste in Indonesia

Transforming Fashion Through the Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future