Sustainable fashion is a growing trend in the fashion industry, with more of us becoming conscious of the environmental impact of our clothing choices. I’ll be the first to admit, that I’m not super fashionable. Sweatpants, hoodies, and hand-me-downs round out the majority of my wardrobe. But as some of my hand-me-downs have started to wear out or I find myself needing new shoes, I’m shocked by how expensive clothing and shoes are, especially as you look for more ethical fashion.
As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to support brands who create sustainable clothing and making more informed purchasing decisions; the way we spend our money speaks volumes. But it can be really difficult to know where to start when it comes to looking for sustainable brands.
It’s confusing AF, and I’m only over here trying to find workout leggings and running shoes. So, let’s make it a little less confusing by answering your sustainable fashion questions. These questions cover a range of topics, from a brand’s commitment to sustainability to the environmental impact of specific fabrics.
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Understanding Sustainability Fashion
As consumers, I think it’s really awesome that we are becoming increasingly aware of the impact our choices have on the environment and society. And that our wallets are making actual statements. Sustainable fashion is a movement that aims to address many of the concerns extensively highlighted in fast fashion by promoting ethical and sustainable practices within the fashion industry.
As always, it’s important to remember that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. No brand or consumer can be 100% sustainable, but we can all strive to do better. You just have to figure out what you’re specifically looking for from materials, energy efficiency, or even the packaging.
Pssst: I share my exact buying process in the post next week.
What Does Sustainable Fashion Mean?
I find myself asking (a lot) why do we have to sustain-ify everything? But the best I can come up with is that most of our lives have been lived without a regard for the planet at all. I mean, I grew up in an area that didn’t have any form of recycling. No local recycling, no recycling in our schools, no bins placed in frequented businesses. Sure, we talked about reduce, reuse, recycle…but where were the recycling bins?
And NOW the planet is making a comeback. When we’re discussing sustainable fashion, we’re talking about clothing and accessories that are created using environmentally and socially responsible practices. This includes everything from using sustainable materials, to minimizing waste, and ensuring fair labor practices.
Some common sustainable practices to look for in the fashion industry can be using organic and/or recycled materials, reducing water usage during production, and implementing and ensuring ethical labor practices.
How Does Ethical Consumerism Play a Role?
The rise of ethical consumerism has played a significant role in the growth of sustainable fashion. We created this movement. As we become more aware of the impact our clothing, shoe, and accessory choices have on the environment and society, we are shopping for products and companies that align with our values.
This has led to an increase in demand to quit fast fashion, and implement sustainability in fashion, which has in turn led to an increase in supply. Gotta love economics. Many brands are now incorporating more sustainable and ethical practices into their production processes and material sourcing in response to consumer demand.
Environmental Concerns in the Fashion Industry
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its significant environmental footprint, encompassing issues such as water pollution, chemical usage, and garment waste. I mean, I never understood why styles had to change all the time. I, myself, tend to only buy things that I can wear for the rest of my life, to as many events as possible, and know it will still be “fashionable.” Like my little black dress.
Our concern for the environmental and social impacts of our purchases have been helping to drive positive change in the industry. From the production of materials to the disposal of clothing, there are many environmental concerns to be aware of.
What is the Cost of Fast Fashion Brands?
Fast fashion’s impact extends far beyond just consumer trends; it exacts a profound toll on the environment. The breakneck speed at which fast fashion garments are produced comes at the expense of sustainability, quality, and livelihoods.
The production of clothing at such a rapid pace and low cost leads often leads to the use of cheap materials, like polyester, which not only have a high carbon and water footprint during manufacturing but also shed microplastics when washed, further polluting waterways.
To top it off, the disposable nature of fast fashion perpetuates a cycle of waste. Clothing items are frequently worn only a handful of times before being discarded or deemed unwearable due to poor quality. This disposable mentality not only fills landfills at an alarming rate but also requires significant resources for the disposal process, contributing to environmental degradation.
Beyond the environmental implications of production and disposal, the methods employed in fast fashion manufacturing have dire consequences for ecosystems. Pesticides and other chemicals used in growing and processing materials can leach into surrounding soil and water sources, contaminating ecosystems and posing health risks to both wildlife and human populations. The rapid pace and scale of production exacerbate these issues, magnifying the environmental toll of each garment produced.
What is the Climate Impact of Synthetic Fabrics?
The materials used in fashion production also have a significant impact on the environment. For example, cotton is a commonly used material, but it requires a large amount of water to produce. In addition, the use of pesticides in cotton production can harm the environment and the health of workers.
Synthetic materials, such as polyester, are also commonly used in fashion production. These materials are not biodegradable, can release microplastics into the environment, and can take hundreds of years to decompose. When they do eventually break down, they release harmful chemicals into the environment. we must consider the impact of the materials we use in our clothing. We can choose to use materials that are sustainably sourced and produced, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester. By making these choices, we can reduce our carbon and water footprints and help protect the environment.
Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Solutions
As we strive towards a more sustainable future, the fashion industry has a significant role to play. Sustainable fashion is all about creating clothes, shoes, and accessories in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. Here are some solutions that can help us achieve this goal.
What Eco-Friendly Materials Should we Look for?
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing sustainable materials for the fashion industry. From recycled plastic bottles to organic cotton, there are many innovative materials available that can help reduce the environmental impact of fashion. Brands are also experimenting with new materials like pineapple leather, mushroom leather, and even fabrics made from seaweed. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also offer unique textures and designs that are sure to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers.
Does Buying Second-Hand Help?
Circular fashion is a concept that aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible by creating a closed-loop system. This means that clothes are designed to be thrifted, recycled, repaired, or repurposed instead of being thrown away. Textile recycling is also becoming more popular, with companies like The Renewal Workshop and Eileen Fisher leading the way in creating a circular economy for fashion. By recycling clothes, we can reduce waste and conserve resources, all while creating new job opportunities in the recycling industry.
At the end of the day, when it comes to sustainable fashion is not just about the materials we use or the way we recycle clothes. It’s about creating a more ethical and responsible fashion industry that benefits everyone involved, from the workers who make the clothes to the consumers who wear them.
Moving Forward with Sustainable Fashion
As we continue to explore the world of ethical clothing and accessories, it is important to consider the role that both we, as consumers, and fashion brands play in the decision-making process. By acknowledging our responsibility and holding brands to accountability and transparency, we all reap the benefit of cute clothes that we don’t have to feel so guilty about.
Should I Buy Less? What is my Consumer Responsibility?
By educating ourselves on these sustainable fashion questions (and others, but let’s start with the basics) and making informed decisions about our purchases, we can make a significant impact. This concept of shopping sustainably goes beyond our fashion choices. Overarching takeaways are to choose to support brands that prioritize sustainability practices and ethical working conditions, as well as opting for secondhand and vintage clothing when possible.
It is also important to consider the longevity of our purchases. By investing in high-quality pieces that are designed to last, we can reduce our overall consumption and minimize waste. We can also take steps to care for our clothing properly, such as washing in cold water and line-drying, to extend the life of our garments. And I think learning to mend things correctly and in a fashionable way, would do a lot of good.
I speak only for myself because this is something I keep meaning to learn. I will literally wear something out instead of buying something new, and I would love to be able to fix a pair of jeans or a hoodie without it looking like a jacket with elbow pads from the 70s. I’ll put it on my new year goals this year
What Role do Fashion Brands Play?
Fashion brands also have a responsibility to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. This includes taking steps towards transparency in their supply chains, as well as implementing sustainable production methods, and a transition to materials with lower carbon emissions and less water requirments. Brands can also prioritize education and awareness, both within their own company and for their customers.
Extreme profitability should not be the only driving force behind decision-making in the fashion industry, as it has been since the beginning. There are many sustainable business models with ethical standards that have been implemented at fashion companies that have implemented slow fashion.
Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask about Sustainable Fashion
There is so much that goes into the environmental and social aspects of the fashion industry (well, really anything related to sustainability efforts), it’s just too much to capture, but these essential questions just start the wheels turning. Maybe you’ll start looking for companies that discuss their greenhouse gas emissions, or for less synthetic fibers and more sustainable fabrics.
You know the popular saying is that “it’s a journey, not a destination?” That’s basically how I feel about everything when it comes to sustainability in our happy-go-lucky world of overconsumption. I try to stick to the learn one new thing and let it percolate so that those decisions become self-conscious, and then learn more. Moving forward with sustainable fashion requires a collective effort from both consumers and fashion brands.
