Earth Day 22 April 2023

The 22^nd of April 1970 hosted the world’s first Earth Day. In 2023, over fifty years on, EARTHDAY.ORG has become the largest recruiter to the environmental movement—working with over 150,000 partners in over 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet

Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, said in a press release, “In 2023 we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments, and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous, and equitable future. We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to Invest In Our Planet.”

We know what you’re thinking. How is this relevant to steamers? Let’s break it down.

EARTHDAY.ORG have this idea that we all yield the power and influence as not only individuals, but as consumers, voters, and members of a community that can unite for change. Therefore, we should never underestimate our power.

The official theme for Earth Day 2023 is ‘Invest In Our Planet’. Yes, it’s true that large companies and leading corporations should be leading the way here, but as Kathleen Rogers says, all of us matter with our own initiatives—paving the way for future generations.

That’s where Propress comes in!One of many ways you can invest in the future of our planet as a person reading this article is to invest in a Propress MINI Handheld Clothes Steamer. Why? Because we all want to look our best, and it’s time to accept that The Iron Ageis over. Steaming your clothes is the more sustainable way to look your finest.

Would it help if we laid down some facts?

Sustainability and clothing

In the Collins dictionary, ‘Sustainability’ is defined as ‘Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.’

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, just after the petrol industry.

It currently adopts a linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’, which is completely at odds with this definition of sustainability. ‘Sustainable’ fashion, then, must instead represent clothing that has been made (and maintained) in a way that is mindful of the many environmental issues the fashion industry faces.

Why steaming is the solution

Here are four reasons why using a steamer can contribute positively towards the planet:

1. Steaming preserves clothes for longer, reducing waste Traditional steam irons heat and compress fibres. Over time, this destroys the fibre structures, causing elements such as stitching to break. Steaming preserves the fibres of the fabric by using a non-aggressive approach so clothes last longer, reducing waste.

2. Vintage is in! Pre-loved, second-hand, and vintage clothing are all buzzwords that are becoming more and more prevalent. Propress has been at the heart of the recycled clothing revolution since the 1980s—working closely with charity shops to transform donated garments into saleable clothing using a non-aggressive approach to tackling fibres.

3. Your local dry cleaner uses chemicals, pass it on…Inside your local dry cleaner, you’ll find jackets, suits, dresses, coats, and delicate clothing such as silks, chiffon, and lace hanging all around the shop. What you might not know about dry cleaners is that they use chemicals to treat clothes, which can be harmful to the environment.

Steaming your clothes at home can delay (or avoid altogether) visits to the dry cleaner, as it provides sufficient freshening and crease removal in the interim meaning there’s no need to introduce chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

4. Steaming = less water waste. Water conservation is incredibly important in the modern environmental movement. Steaming clothes can effectively delay the need for a wash as it kills 99% of odour-causing bacteria. So, if your garms just need a freshen-up before hitting the catwalk (whether that’s the supermarket aisle or a red carpet), Propress Steamers can replace the need to re-wash.

And what does less washing machine usage mean? (No, not smelly clothes.) Less water waste and less electricity and chemicals used!

So, what have we learned? With one of our steamers, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re protecting your fave ‘fits by giving them the TLC they crave in a way that’s sustainable (yes, all at once).

Invest in the Propress MINI Handheld Clothes Steamer today