Fashion industry emissions account for 8-10% of global carbon emissions and are responsible for drying up water sources while using toxic pesticides – it’s time to rethink how we shop!
Finding sustainable styles requires research, but there are plenty of great options available to you. When looking for sustainable fashion pieces, search for organic fabrics, regenerative fibres, secondhand shopping (such as Depop or Poshmark) or clothing rental services as some promising sources.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Fashion Production
Fashion may appear frivolous, but it’s actually one of the biggest polluters worldwide. From cotton farming requiring large amounts of water and transporting international garments leaving a carbon footprint behind – fashion has an enormous ecological footprint which must be addressed.
We can take comfort that the industry is taking steps towards sustainability. Consumer awareness has led to eco-friendly alternatives which put planet over profit, and textile innovations have allowed designers to reduce their environmental impact.
Ambercycle and Circ are using innovative technology to turn textile waste into new clothing, while many brands are opting to only use organic cotton or recycled polyester fabric in their products.
Consumers need to support brands that embrace green practices by supporting these brands’ green efforts and purchasing from them. Fashion is more than a fashion statement – it represents our desire for an eco-friendly future! Take action against sustainable fashion today by shopping smart!
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
As part of an eco-friendly wardrobe, consider purchasing clothes made from recycled materials and adopting circular fashion practices such as upcycling and recycling into production processes. When selecting clothing brands that prioritize sustainable production practices such as organic or renewable resources being utilized and fair wages being given to workers while being transparent throughout their supply chains.
Resale fashion has quickly become a trendy option among socially responsible shoppers and reduces waste in landfills from low-quality garments returned. Online resale platforms like Poshmark and Vinted make selling unwanted clothes easier for deal hunters who can then purchase these garments at a fraction of their original retail cost.
As another way of being eco-conscious, consider restricting your wardrobe to items you love and will wear often – this will prevent buying multiple pieces that won’t even get worn after six months! Also look for clothing brands who use renewable or recycled materials and employ regenerative agriculture techniques, helping restore soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.
Zero Waste
Fashion sustainability is an intricate practice, encompassing materials production and retail as well as use and disposal. Reducing CO2 emissions, addressing overproduction and waste issues, protecting biodiversity and ensuring workers receive fair wages under safe working conditions are all part of achieving fashion sustainability.
When shopping for clothes, it is wise to search out brands that prioritize organic and natural materials like organic cotton and wool that require less water use and don’t involve harmful pesticides. Furthermore, eco-friendly dyes and textile treatments such as those certified OEKO-TEX, GOTS or Bluesign may also be ideal.
Tove & Libra is an environmentally-conscious clothing brand that places quality over quantity. Their latest collection incorporates lyocell fabric – an alternative to cotton that requires significantly less water – as well as recycled wool scraps and fabric scraps from production lines that would normally go to waste into their designs. Their website even offers virtual fitting rooms and 3D body scanning to minimize returns for clothing that does not fit or does not flatter you properly.
Ethical Sourcing
As opposed to fast fashion brands that regularly release seasonal collections, brands that prioritize sustainability offer timeless and well-made essentials that last longer while sourcing ethically to support workers and reduce environmental impact.
Young consumers frequently appreciate eco-friendly production standards and social responsibility of these brands, preferring higher-quality clothing that will last over cheaper fast fashion options.
Bulgarian label Bogdar works with family-owned suppliers that use eco-friendly processes in order to produce tailor-made pieces on demand, thus minimizing overproduction. Their custom prints are digitally printed to reduce water waste and ink usage while their fabrics come from organic, recycled and sustainably sourced sources.
Sustainable fashion may still be in its infancy, but consumers have indicated their desire for more of this type of clothing. To meet consumers’ desires and truly make fashion sustainable, however, the industry must go beyond labeling products with “eco” or “sustainable” labels; rather it must implement ESG strategies which drive real change at every level – from raw materials through supply chains to retail stores – this is what will truly make sustainable fashion possible.
Second-Hand Clothing
Fashionistas can embrace sustainability without compromising their style. Secondhand shopping can be an excellent way to revitalize your wardrobe while cutting waste from new purchases. Thrift stores and online marketplaces such as Poshmark allow consumers to sell unwanted clothes at a fraction of the original cost; renting or reselling services like Rent the Runway, Gwynnie Bee or Mud Jeans also provide sustainable options for wardrobe refreshes.
Selecting sustainable fabrics is key to adopting sustainable fashion. Natural fibers like organic cotton, wool and tencel offer great alternatives to polyester which has an adverse environmental impact.
Choose pieces that transition easily from summer to winter for optimal savings on “cost per wear”, while still wearing your clothes regularly. In addition, ensure proper garment care by washing in cold water and air drying – this will extend their lifespan and help save money long-term while preventing excessive fabric waste and energy waste.