On International Zero Waste Day, Turkey’s Minister of Environment emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in the textile industry, promoting recycling and responsible consumption.
On March 30, in observance of International Zero Waste Day, Murat Kurum, Turkey’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of sustainability in the fashion and textile industry through a social media post. He shared a clip titled ‘Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles’, which aligns with the global initiative that encourages waste reduction and resource conservation.
In his message, Minister Kurum emphasized the significance of preserving and repurposing cotton, referencing it as “the purest gift of the earth.” He elaborated on the journey of cotton, saying, “Instead of throwing away, we can improve. It is in all our hands to continue the story of cotton, transforming from fiber to fabric, and from fabric to a shirt.” This statement underscores the potential for improvement in both consumer habits and manufacturing practices within the textile sector.
The film features traditional Ebru art and narrates the lifecycle of cotton – from its initial state to transformation into thread, then into fabric, and ultimately into clothing. It powerfully conveys the zero-waste philosophy, encapsulated in a poignant message: “Colors fade, patterns disappear. But not to vanish, but to be reborn. And cotton prepares to return to where it came from, to the heart of the soil. This is not an end, but the threshold of a new beginning.” This perspective not only promotes recycling but also suggests a continuous cycle of life within nature.
Through this initiative, Kurum aims to raise awareness about eco-friendly solutions in the fashion industry, illustrating the critical need to reform consumption patterns and promote sustainability. As the conversation around environmental conservation continues, this emphasis on reducing waste and rethinking the lifecycle of textiles becomes increasingly relevant.
Source: Noah Wire Services
