When we hear the term "Sustainable Fashion" we all automatically think of different things. Reducing fast fashion? Buying second hand? Preventing climate change? In fact, it is all of these things plus more. Sustainable fashion in simple terms is garments which are produced, sourced and consumed in both an environmental and ethically friendly way.
The Green Strategy identified 7 main forms of more sustainable fashion production consumption and production:
Source: The Green Strategy
In an ideal world, all 7 of these forms will be combined together for each individual garment including everything from the production to the disposal (selling on, donating, recycling etc.). However, this is not reality within the fashion industry where only a few of these forms are usually combined together - this combination usually depends on the demographic of the individual. For example, younger generations are more likely to buy and sell vintage, DIY their clothes and recycle/redesign their clothing [1].
Why is sustainable fashion important?
Fast fashion effects both the environment and people, with over 75 million people being employed in the fashion industry worldwide. The fashion industry supply chain stems further than a lot of people would ever imagine, with many of those in less developed countries being paid well below what they need to live. Along with this, many suffer harassment, exploitation and poor health & safety conditions.
In terms of the impact on the environment, many materials used by the fashion industry and the chemicals and methods used in the manufacturing process are harmful . The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter, and many of the top brands with the most demand from consumers are actually doing very little to reduce their impact. As a consumer it can be difficult to tell what brands are good, what brands are doing to reduce their impact and who we should trust BUT there are ways we can find out...
Source: Future Fashion Forward
How do I find out the impact a brand is having?
First of all, there are apps and companies which do this for you! Good on you is a good example of this - you can search for a brand which you consume/want to consume, and their rating will be shown. It will show their overall rating based on labour, environment and animals, and if you don't have a brand in mind? No problem! You can easily browse and find a sustainable brand for the next time you shop! Good on you is available online or by app, so it is easy for you to find and use.
You can also do your own research! Many brands who are sustainable or working to change and better their brand will display this information somewhere on their page. If they're not showing it, they're most likely not doing anything! But have a dig and see what you can find, and you can always write to the brand if you want to know more. Fashion Revolution have a handy TAKE ACTION template, which automatically sends to companies once you have filled it out.
Source: Conscious Fashion Campaign
Don't be afraid to demand change! If we as consumers sit back and do nothing, then brands will not change their ways! It is as simple as that. I will be speaking in depth about the topics mentioned in this post and this is just a scrape on the surface, so WATCH THIS SPACE!
I'd love to know what you think about sustainable fashion - What do you think when you hear the term?
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