At Modafirma we’ve interviewed David Parlavecchio, an Italian based chemical manager at a multinational company that produces purely recycled yarn. In his spare time he speaks out about the importance of a sustainable lifestyle and shares valuable information about sustainability on his Instagram. From his travel around the world he discovered how fast fashion is one of the most polluting sectors for the environment. In this interview we dive into topics such as the importance of sustainability, the environmental impact of fast fashion, tips on how to implement an ethical wardrobe and more.

sustainability, ethical fashion

To start, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I’m David I work as a chemical manager in a multinational company that sells yarns, I deal with sustainability and I follow more than ten environmental certifications.

In my spare time I am trying to sensitize the world population to adopt ecological lifestyles, sustainable purchases and to pay attention to harmful chemicals.

sustainability, ethical fashion

On your Instagram you share sustainable companies you have discovered, could you tell us a bit more about your project?

On my instagram profile, I promote companies that I have selected for their particular attention to the environment and to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

I often come across companies that use the media to mislead their customers by talking and sponsoring sustainability. And for me this is unacceptable.

One of my main goals is to really perceive the commitment of each company before advertising it and create a partnership to make their sustainable products visible.

sustainability, ethical fashion

Consumer awareness about sustainability and ethical fashion has grown a lot in the past years. What do you think is driving the sudden shift to towards conscious purchasing?

The growth of eco-sustainable purchases has grown exponentially, because unfortunately we are increasingly realizing the effects of pollution.

From environmental disasters to climate change, to the extinction of valuable animal breeds

Have you always been a conscious consumer or was there a moment when the switch flipped and you started to think more about the way you buy?

I have always been attentive to sustainability, the environment and animal species.

I will tell you a little anecdote of my life, for many years I have been trying to help small animal species:

Do you ever find an insect that is about to drown the lake, or in a river, it takes very little to save it even if you are among the most picky. you welcome it in your hands or otherwise with a leaf and take it out before it is too late. Remember the insects, however unwanted they may be, they are at the base of the environmental chain.

Sometimes, however, I happen to help the little birds fallen from the nest, who have lost their mum or to find animals unfortunately rolled up on the street that can be saved by bringing them to natural science centers or to the vet.

Going back to fashion, I have always been attentive to recycling, I live in a Prato city that was born for recycled textiles and created its worldwide visibility for this. So yes, since the first school studies I have had a sustainable ethics.

ethical fashion

What do you personally do to learn more about being sustainable and changing your habits?

I am continually updating with training courses, the last one ended a week ago and concerned the introduction of chemicals into the water by industrial dyers.

I also read articles published by many ecological currents of thought such as Greenpeace, ZDHC, Detox, Legambiente, because I consider it fundamental to compare the various methods for a cleaner future.

It is important that every little gesture of ours is carried out with a sustainable perspective, from washing dishes to disposing of garbage properly, from purchasing clothing to recycling the old product, from short journeys with ecological means to large crossings.

ethical fashion

What advice can you give to our readers who want to start to shop more responsibly or build a more ethical wardrobe?

First of all, as I always say, it is important to be careful that the garment defined as sustainable is really it.

There are various international certifications that guarantee the sustainability of the product depending on the material with which the garment is made and many brands are starting to insert them on the labels.

This is why I am creating this reference page, where many of you are already asking me for information on the environmental impact of large brands or small companies.

Which are your favourite fashion brands and/or individuals, whose ethos you most respect or are inspired by?

There are important brands such as Valentino and Hugo Boss who are real promoters of sustainable fashion.

Small artisan companies that I am finding around the world and that I am promoting on my profile;

Industrial dyes such as Gruppo Colle s.r.l which constantly monitors discharges into water.

Filature, like the one where I work Millefili S.p.A promoter of recycled and organic yarn.

Chargeus Luxury Materials, which sells wool fibers ensuring traceability and respecting both the environment and the care of the sheep.

Contact David Parlavecchio

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All photo credits to David Parlavecchio

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