Why is buying sustainable more expensive?

It is common for people to buy fast fashion over sustainable fashion because it is cheaper and quicker to buy, but let's be honest there are valid reasons behind this. This blog post will tell you all about why sustainable fashion is that little bit more expensive, and will hopefully convince you to shop sustainable from now on (if you aren't already).

Source: BBC

Buying sustainable means you are buying from brands which support ethical practices throughout their supply chain. This means that the workers in their factories are paid the living wage, factories have proper health and safety measures in place, workers are not harassed and there is no child labour. In fast fashion supply chains, many workers get stuck in a cycle of poverty, as less than 2% are paid what they deserve. This can mean many cannot do basic things that many of us would take for granted including feeding themselves and their family.

Labour behind the label (click here) are a brand committed to helping workers in developing countries. The working conditions alone that are highlighted on their page are enough to convince anyone to shop sustainably. Many of the workers in factories are forced to work long working hours under the threat that if they refuse they might be fined or fired. They are also deprived of basic human rights such as access to clean drinking water or toilets, and when some of them join unions to demand change, they are often injured or killed. And this is only a short list of what these workers have to suffer through.

The environment also benefits from sustainable fashion. The [fast] fashion industry unfortunately contributes 8% of global carbon emissions and 10% of global waste water pollution. By buying sustainably you are protecting water sources from being contaminated, the atmosphere from being polluted and land being degraded - just to name a few. Sustainable materials cost a little bit more to produce and manufacture too, and it can take significant investment and time for manufacturers to make the switch to sustainable materials. With continuing consumer demand, a fast fashion brand is unlikely to make this change as profit is profit right? Demand change as a consumer to see the change.

Source: Ecotextiles

Certifications (check out last weeks post) are also expensive for suppliers as there are strict guidelines for them to follow for the material to be covered by the certification. However, by having a certified organic garment, you know what you're getting!

All these things are reflected in the price; fast fashion brands slash the manufacturing costs and outsource to developing countries where they pay less for labour, and less for working conditions. This tends to mean factories are sometimes overcrowded, in poor condition and sometimes they collapse and kill or severely injure many workers. Sustainable fashion means no corners are cut and both people and the environment are properly looked after.

Source: Thegoodtrade

The quality of a sustainable garment is also going to be much better, and worth the price you are paying. And if you think about it, the quality you are paying for one sustainable product that will last a long time, is better than buying multiple cheap items which last you very little time. The higher the demand for sustainable garments, the lower prices will become as brands listen to what their consumers want - it's a winning battle if you ask me.

So, next time you look at the label and see the price to be a little higher on a sustainable garment, remember the positive impact that purchase is having.

Recommendation: Lost Stock - By making one purchase from them, you are purchasing a box of high street clothes and the money supports a family in Bangladesh for 1 week. Click here to view their page, and possibly make a purchase.