What is Sustainable Fashion & Why is it Important?
Are you thinking about starting your sustainable fashion journey? And then ask yourself ‘What exactly is sustainable fashion?’
Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it represents a fundamental change in how we think about and consume clothing. The concept can be vague and confusing and helping to spread the word is super important.
In this post, I will explain in simple terms what sustainable fashion is and why it is so important.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
After much research, it was clear that sustainable fashion:
- Prioritises long-term ecological and social impacts.
- Minimises harm to the environment through the use of eco-friendly materials and processes. This includes reducing carbon footprint, using organic and natural materials, and avoiding toxic chemicals.
- Commits to fair labour practices, fair trade, and social responsibility, unlike many fast fashion brands that exploit cheap labour in poor working conditions.
- Employs eco-friendly practices in every stage of the production process, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and distribution. This includes renewable energy sources, water-efficient processes, and biodegradable materials.
Unlike fast fashion, which focuses on quickly producing low-cost items in line with the latest trends.
This explanation seems simple enough, but buying new clothing from an honest sustainable fashion brand is more expensive. It is a great option for those who can afford to invest in these new items but it got me thinking about the other definitions of sustainable fashion.
Some of these include…
- Wearing what we already own (this is probably the most eco-friendly thing we can do).
- Secondhand and vintage.
- Upcycling items we no longer wear.
- Sewing your wardrobe
So as you can see, wearing sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive or brand new, you just have to use your imagination!
Remember one of the main goals we should have is to reduce our consumption, because wearing something that already exists is more sustainable than buying something new!
Check out my blog post Examples of Sustainable Fashion for more info.
Why is Sustainable Fashion Important?
Fast fashion is taking over the planet. You might think I am being dramatic but with the likes of Shein and Temu selling items for a few quid it’s hard not to be pulled in. We have an important job to do and if you’re already an advocate for sustainable fashion, you’ll know it isn’t an easy one. If you’re not, keep reading!
Sustainable fashion addresses these environmental concerns by:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint and using eco-friendly materials and production processes that emit fewer greenhouse gases.
- Conserving Natural Resources by employing sustainable practices that use less water and energy.
- Minimising Waste and promoting biodegradable materials and recycling practices to reduce textile waste.
- Minimising water pollution and protecting marine life by avoiding toxic chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes.
- Encouraging a circular economy where clothes are designed to be recycled or composted at the end of their life cycle.
Fast fashion often relies on cheap labour, leading to exploitation and poor working conditions for garment workers.
Sustainable fashion has a positive social impact as it prioritises:
- Fair Wages by ensuring that all workers are paid a living wage.
- Safe Working Conditions and providing safe and healthy environments for factory workers.
- Empowerment by supporting communities through fair trade practices and fair labour standards.
Sustainable fashion brands are transparent about their production processes, supply chains, and environmental impact. E.g Adhering to certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
How can you make a difference?
The growing trend towards sustainable fashion is encouraging, as more consumers and brands recognise the true cost of their clothing choices!
Try to adopt responsible fashion practices. This can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the textile industry and promote social responsibility.
You could do this by:
- Adopting Green Fashion: Consumers can have a positive impact by choosing eco-friendly materials, buying fewer items of higher quality, and supporting sustainable brands.
- Promoting Conscious Fashion: Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about sustainable practices and influencing consumer behaviour towards a more sustainable future.
- Encouraging Innovation: Fashion companies are increasingly investing in new materials and production methods that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
If we all embraced a slow fashion mindset a little bit more, we can create a fashion industry that respects both people and the planet. The transition may require effort and conscious choices, but the benefits for human health, the environment, and future generations make it worthwhile.
