With the onset of global climate change, the fashion industry has seen a shift in focus towards sustainable and eco-friendly trends. As more and more people become aware of the damaging effect that fast-fashion has had on our environment, there has been a huge surge in support for ethical and conscious fashion. In this article, we’ll explore the emerging world of sustainable fashion and the impact of growing trends that are leading the industry towards a greener, more ethical way of apparel production.
1. A Greener Approach to Fashion: Sustainable Style Is On The Rise
Let’s Face it: We All Wear Clothes. But not all clothing is created equal. In recent years, the apparel industry has taken heat for its negative environmental footprint. But manufacturers are beginning to take steps to address this issue – establishing sustainable fashion as an emerging trend. Here are a few ways to take a greener approach to fashion:
- Look for labels that focus on sustainability.
- Choose organic materials when possible.
- Avoid fast-fashion brands.
- Choose items made to last.
- Support sustainable and ethical brands.
When you purchase clothing from a sustainable source, you can rest assured that it meets ethical standards and works with environmental objectives. Sustainable fashion can be more expensive than mass-produced items from the high street, but this often reflects a commitment to quality materials and fair labor practices.
For people looking to make a difference without sacrificing style, more sustainable options are available. With eye-catching designs and quality materials, it is possible to find fashionable pieces that are ethically produced. By shopping around and being conscious of labels, you can still look great while being sure your items were created in an environmentally friendly manner.
By embracing more sustainable practices, companies are contributing to the fight against pollution and reducing their negative externalities. Thus, it is up to consumers to recognize the importance of sustainability and invest in products produced under ethical labor standards. Together, we can make a difference and create a cleaner, brighter future.
2. Educating Yourself on Eco-Friendly Trends in Fashion
Eco-friendly fashion doesn’t have to be dull; there are lots of stylish ways to tread lightly on the environment. Whether you’re looking for tips to implement into your wardrobe or you’re seeking out sustainable fashion brands to shop from, there are lots of options! Here, we’ve compiled some great ways to become an eco-friendlier fashionista:
Reboot Your Closet:
- Be mindful when shopping. Before buying, ask yourself – do you really need it? Will you wear it often?
- Choose pieces that are in classic styles that are on trend. Use these versatile pieces to mix and match different outfits.
- Sort through your existing wardrobe. If something hasn’t been worn in a while, or is too worn out to wear, upcycle, recycle or donate it instead of sending it to landfill.
- Choose natural materials such as certified organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool and tencel over synthetic materials.
Support Sustainable Fashion Brands:
- Research independent, sustainable fashion labels or shop from certified Fair Trade companies.
- Buy secondhand clothes, or shop from vintage or recycled clothing stores and you could unearth some unique items.
- Look out for labels such as The Good On You app or ‘Who Made my Clothes’ campaign, which both provide transparency and ethical credentials for fashion brands.
Think About Your Footprint:
When thinking about eco-friendly fashion upgrades, try to reduce the number of times you wash your clothes. Over washing leads to unnecessary energy consumption, water wastage and microfibre pollution. Consider some alternatives such as air drying, spot cleaning or using a natural stain remover.
Repairing Your Clothes:
Rather than buying something new, repair or restore your existing clothes. Beyond the obvious environmental benefits of fixing and revamping garments, you’ll also save money and increase the longevity of your wardrobe. Try patching, darning, mending or customising to increase the life of your clothes.
Ready to get started on your eco-friendly fashion journey? By making a few conscientious changes, you can easily become a sustainable style icon!
3. Making a Change: Going Green in Your Closet
Eco-Friendly - One Step at a Time
Go green at your own pace - start small and make a difference. Consider adopting sustainable fashion habits and transforming your closet into an eco-friendly haven.
1. Going Pre-Loved
The first step to a more sustainable closet is to shop second hand. Instead of buying new items, look into thrift or vintage stores both in-person or online for one-of-a-kind pieces. Not only do thrift stores tend to be the cheaper option, but your purchases will also help reduce textile waste from ending up in landfills.
2. Supporting Sustainable Brands
Support eco-friendly brands whenever possible. Companies such as Patagonia commit to using recycled or natural materials such as organic cotton, recycled wool, and polyester made of recycled plastic bottles. They also run repair programs, where you can easily get your Patagonia items mended instead of having to replace them.
3. Upcycle & Repurpose
Be creative with existing items already in your closet. Challenge yourself to upcycle your old clothes by stitching them up, dyeing them, or even giving them away to others. In addition, consider repurposing items, such as turning over-sized sweaters into pull-overs or using a scarf as a belt.
4. Mindful Shopping
Whenever you do choose to shop, shop mindfully.
- Create a list beforehand and stick to it
- Avoid fast fashion
- Look for quality pieces to invest in
- Check fabric labels to determine the sustainability of the items
Remember, some of these changes may be hard to adjust to in the beginning, but even if you start out small and implement just one of these tips, you’re already making a positive impact on the environment.
4. Small Steps to Making an Impact: Choosing Conscious Clothes
When it comes to making an impact on the environment, it can seem overwhelming and like it’s too much of a hassle to make a real difference. However, small decisions can have lasting effects. One of the easiest ways to make an impact is through your wardrobe. By being an informed shopper and consciously choosing clothing items, you can make a meaningful impact.
Shop Sustainable Brands
Nowadays, more and more clothing brands have embraced sustainability. Before you purchase any item of clothing, do research and make sure the brand is using ethical practices. Seek out brands that use non-toxic dyes, durable materials, and Fair Trade Certified apparel.
Look Into Thrift Shopping
Second-hand stores are a great way to find unique pieces, while also reducing your environmental impact. When buying clothes pre-loved, there is no need for production of additional clothing items and it reduces consumption of resources. Finding gently used items can also be a great way to save money!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
When parting ways with clothing, donating to second-hand stores and those in need is the ideal option, as it gives it a new life. However, some clothes may end up in the landfill. To reduce this, focus on buying clothing items that will last for many years, wash in cold water, and repair items before ditching them for good - such as replacing buttons or zippers.
Support Artisanal Crafts
Handmade items and local businesses are often overlooked when it comes to shopping. Yet, supporting small local businesses is an easy way to make an impact. Artisanal crafts are often made from high-quality materials and will last for many years. Plus, they are unique and you know that your money is going to someone who you directly support.
5. Sustainable Fashion 101: A Guide to Ethical Shopping
The rise of sustainable fashion has brought with it an enormous shift in the way we think about our closet. Making ethical shopping decisions is no longer just an option, it has become a part of contemporary fashion. So, let’s dive into all the ins and outs of sustainable fashion and the amazing ways you can be an ethical shopper.
- Research materials: The most important step in ethical shopping is to understand the materials that make up the product and what impact they have on the planet. From animal-free materials to organic synthetics, pay attention to the materials of the garment and what kind of company manufactured it.
- Look for eco-labels: Eco-labels are great indicators of what practices the company upholds. Fair Trade labeling, for example, ensures that the company uses ethically sourced materials, such as cotton or wool, and that the workers who manufacture the pieces are paid fair wages. There are also labels such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) that are valuable resources for ethical shoppers.
When it comes to shopping from a brand, it’s important to understand its social and environmental mission. Brands that are committed to using natural, biodegradable fibers, as well as those that are investing in ethical production techniques, are the best places to start.
Shop the secondhand market! Re-sell stores, thrift shops, and charity stores are some of the best places to find affordable, pre-worn garments. Secondhand shopping is an incredible way to both extend the life of existing garments and reduce the environmental impact.
Support the small. Shopping small and independent holds immense power. When you choose independent brands, you not only know where your pieces come from, but you also support the people making them. This helps to create a more equitable fashion industry.
We hope this article helped you discover the vibrant and ever-growing world of sustainable fashion. Whether it is offering more equitable working conditions, using more sustainable materials, or creating more eco-friendly designs, the fashion industry is actively taking strides in creating a more sustainable industry. Together, let’s work to build a more sustainable and ethical world – one fashion trend at a time.
