As the fashion industry continues to evolve, there’s an increasing demand for eco-friendly fashion. Sustainable and ethical fashion is not only better for our environment, but it’s also a great way to make sure we’re supporting companies and institutions that prioritize workers’ rights and use sustainable, ethical materials. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to eco-friendly fashion, giving you all you need to know about choosing sustainable and ethical fashion.
1. Understanding the Impact of Unsustainable Fashion
Unsustainable fashion has a massive environmental impact and can lead to long-term damage if not addressed. Not only does it use up valuable resources, it also leads to pollution and contributes to climate change.
Fabric and Textiles – Major clothing brands use fabric and textiles sourced from non-renewable resources, releasing carbon dioxide and other pollutants in their production process. Additionally, many of these fabrics such as nylon and polyester are non-biodegradable, creating a major problem for the environment. Furthermore, each gram of fabric requires copious amounts of water to manufacture.
Mass Production – The fast fashion industry is centered on the mass production of clothing using cheap labor and materials. This model of production leads to water and air pollution, hazardous byproducts, and soil erosion. Moreover, due to the unethical practices of some companies, workers in factories are often subjected to health risks and unhealthy working conditions.
Chemicals and Dyes – In order to dye fabrics, many clothing companies use toxic chemicals such as chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and perc. These chemicals can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. Furthermore, the run-off from dyes can contaminate waterways and pollute the soil.
The fashion industry has a responsibility to address the environmental effects of their practices. Companies need to shift to sustainable production methods and use more eco-friendly fabrics and dyes. By educating themselves and their customers about the impact of unsustainable fashion, more people will be open to making conscious choices.
2. Identifying Ethical Clothing Brands
Creating an ethical wardrobe doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some tips to help you find ethical clothing brands:
- Do Your Research: Start by doing some research on ethical clothing brands. Look for labels and certifications that signify that a brand is implementing ethical practices in their production process. Pay attention to the origin of a product and read customer endorsements.
- Ask Questions: Socially responsible companies should be transparent and up-front about their production process and materials. Ask the brands you are interested in questions and delve deep into their production process. Ask for certificates that guarantee ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Look for Eco-Friendly Materials: When creating an ethical wardrobe, it is important to emphasize materials that are better for the planet. Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, recycled polyester, and bamboo. These materials take less of a toll on the environment during production.
For those who want to purchase clothing and accessories that are ethically and sustainably made, shopping online is a great way to go. Sites like Manually, The Good Trade, and Ethically Minded have got you covered. These sites are great because they have already done research on what brands are making sustainable products. When shopping, make sure to read reviews and descriptions to see if the company is working in an ethical manner.
Finally, you can try shopping second-hand and vintage. These pieces are environmentally-friendly because they don’t require any production and already exist. This is a great way to get unique pieces while contributing less to the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. Look for vintage items at stores like Thredup, Etsy, and Beyond Retro. Shopping second-hand is not only eco-friendly, but also offers great value for your money.
3. Ways to Shop Eco-Friendly Fashion
When it comes to shopping for fashion, eco-friendly options should not be overlooked. Here are three ways to shop for sustainable fashion today:
1. Shop from Sustainable Brands
First and foremost, shopping can be eco-friendly if you are buying from sustainable brands that source their materials from ethical sources. This means that you should know where your clothes are coming from and support brands that are part of supporting sustainable practices. Look for certification labels from bodies such as The Good Clothing or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure that a brand has been certified for its use of quality materials.
2. Buy Thrift or Vintage
Another way to shop for sustainable fashion is to shop vintage or thrift. Buying secondhand garments rather than opting for fast fashion is an easy way to reduce our environmental impact. When it comes to thrifting, there is an abundance of amazing pre-loved pieces to choose from and they don’t require much energy to produce. Plus, you can save some money while doing something good for the planet – what’s not to love?
3. Switch Your Shopping Habits
The last way to shop eco-friendly fashion is to switch your shopping habits. What this means is that you should get more creative when it comes to your wardrobe. Consider only buying clothes that you really need and be sure to wear them on multiple occasions – this will help to reduce your fashion footprint. By creating a quality wardrobe from different sustainable sources, you can make sure that you always fill up your closet with garments that are both fashion-forward and eco-friendly.
4. Making Sustainable Fashion a Priority
The fashion industry has long raised eyebrows regarding its sustainability. With emissions as one of its greatest contributors to climate change, it is time to make sustainable fashion a priority.
But how exactly can the fashion industry make sustainable fashion a priority? It starts with the basics of manufacturers utilizing sustainable materials, such as recycled products and organic fibers. Additionally, factories need to reduce the use of toxic chemicals, relying on biodegradable systems instead. Designers must also look for innovative solutions, such as not dyeing fabric unless required or extending the lifecycle of garments by utilizing timeless design principles.
The designers’ role in sustainable fashion:
- Starting with sourcing sustainable materials, such as natural and organic fabrics and recycled products.
- Leverage existing supply-chain technologies that allow tracking all materials and their sustainability levels.
- Pay special attention to eco-friendly packaging and dyes.
Consumers play an important role too by purchasing sustainable fashion. In parts of the world, the second-hand market is booming, allowing people to purchase good quality recycled fashion at significantly lower prices. The term ‘sustainable fashion’ is still relatively unheard of in some countries, but with education and ongoing campaigns, the world can work towards a more sustainable industry and ultimately, a more sustainable planet.
No matter whether you’re shopping online or in-store, eco-friendly fashion opens up an incredible world of limitless style alternatives that don’t compromise on sustainability. So go green, think twice, and make every outfit an eco-friendly one!