You’ve probably heard or used the term sustainable fashion at some point, but what does it mean?

Below, I first go over why most of fashion is not sustainable today, and then I offer simple tips you can keep in mind to support a more environmentally friendly fashion industry.

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, 20% of wastewater, and 8% of all industrial water pollution. The industry also uses a lot of energy and resources, and produces a lot of waste.

The word sustainable is defined as “capable of being sustained.” Unfortunately, this is not true of today’s dominant ‘fast fashion,’ The fast fashion cycle is far from sustainable, because it depletes the Earth’s natural resources at exponential rates, exploits workers around the world, and results in an overwhelming amount of waste.

The Rana Plaza tragedy sparking global awareness:

Today, the slow and sustainable fashion movement is on the rise in large spurred by the biggest garment industry disaster the world has ever seen—the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh (2013).

This globally known tragedy resulted in over 1,100 deaths, showing many in the western world just how costly their cheap clothing really is. As it turns out—there are just many social and environmental costs from fast fashion that are hidden behind the glossy facades of clean and pristine fashion stores.

Sustainable future in fashion

Sustainable fashion is a movement that aims to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. It focuses on using more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and on reducing waste. Sustainable fashion also aims to improve the working conditions of people in the fashion industry.

Why it is important to support sustainable fashion?

1. Sustainable fashion is better for the environment. By using more sustainable materials and reducing waste, sustainable fashion helps to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
2. Sustainable fashion is better for workers. The fashion industry is often associated with poor working conditions, but sustainable fashion brands are working to improve the working conditions of people in the industry.
3. Sustainable fashion is better for your wallet. Sustainable fashion brands often sell their clothes for a higher price, but this is because they use higher quality materials and make their clothes to last longer. In the long run, sustainable fashion can save you money.

For the industry to become sustainable as a whole, consumers must be willing to pay more to help make the change, or at the very least, stop buying from brands that have no regard for the environment.

The industry is still learning how to best elevate its social and environmental standards, and because the movement is still evolving, it definitely helps for us to focus on continuously doing better, rather than striving for and expecting perfection right now.

BENEFITS

1. Reduces environmental impact: The fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change, water pollution, and other environmental problems. Sustainable fashion can help to reduce these impacts by using eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and by reducing waste and water consumption.
2. Improves working conditions: The fashion industry is often associated with poor working conditions, such as low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. Sustainable fashion brands often work to improve working conditions in their supply chains by paying fair wages, providing safe working conditions, and giving workers a voice in the workplace.
3. Saves money: Sustainable fashion can save consumers money in the long run. Because sustainable clothing is often made from high-quality materials that last longer, it requires less frequent replacement.

If you are looking to make your fashion choices more sustainable, there are a few things you can do:

1. Shop for sustainable brands. There are a growing number of sustainable fashion brands available. You can find them online or at your local department store.
2. Buy less. The more clothes you buy, the more waste you create. Try to buy only the clothes you need and love.
3. Rent clothes. There are a number of companies that allow you to rent clothes instead of buying them. This is a great way to try new styles without committing to buying them.
4. Support secondhand and vintage clothing: Buying secondhand or vintage clothing is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money.
5. Take care of your clothes: The longer you can wear your clothes, the better for the environment. So take care of your clothes by washing them in cold water, line-drying them, and mending any small tears or holes.

Sustainable fashion is a growing movement, and there are a number of ways to make your fashion choices more sustainable. By following these tips, you can help to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry and make a difference for the planet.

Tips to make your greener wardrobe

1. Choose clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, and wool. These fibers are biodegradable and renewable.
2. Avoid clothes made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon. These fibers are made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource.
3. Look for clothes that are made in ethical factories that pay fair wages and have good working conditions. You can find this information on the brand's website or by contacting the company directly.
4. Eco-friendly dyes include ones from digital printing that require less water, natural, plant-based dyes, and certified nontoxic dyes. You can also look for the Bluesign or OEKO-TEX 100 certifications.  
5. Look for brands that make it a priority to minimize byproduct waste in their manufacturing process and excessive packaging materials during transport.
6. Repair your clothes instead of buying new ones. This will help to extend the life of your clothes and reduce waste.
7. Donate or sell your old clothes instead of throwing them away. This will help to keep clothes out of landfills.

By following these tips, you can help to make the fashion industry more sustainable.

How we can help you become more sustainable

We strongly believe that a greener, more environmentally-friendly business practice is not only important for the planet, but also for a business’ future success.

As the fashion industry moves towards sustainability, there are a lot of big changes ahead for businesses, changes we can help with.

A commitment to sustainability shouldn’t just be buzzwords and vague slogans, which is why we are 100% committed to renewable, ethical, and eco-friendly practices.

With decades of experience in the industry, we work together with our clients, manufacturers and distributors to ensure a fair and sustainable practice for everyone.