In the rural village of Bagru, India, a 300-year-old artisanal tradition of natural dyeing and block printing endures amidst the overwhelming dominance of mass-produced synthetic dyes. The methods based on biologically inspired materials such as flowers, roots, clay, and tree bark, once brought economic prosperity to the region. Now, these heritage and the communities that uphold them face significant threats. Approximately 75% of the water used by artificial dye mills transforms into a toxic, undrinkable broth of colourful chemical waste. In stark contrast, traditional methods, like those practised in Bagru, are more environmentally friendly and could offer a solution to the problem.
 

Altering the fashion production model is not the sole antidote for an industry that ranks as the 3rd most polluting in the world. Other factors, such as the lack of state intervention and consumer responsibility, also play crucial roles. Nonetheless, the resilient and socially bonded communities of Bagru exemplify resistance against the prevailing forces in the fashion industry, presenting a sustainable alternative.