Why is Sustainability Becoming Crucial in the Fashion Industry?

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion refers to the concept of creating clothing and accessories in a way that minimizes harm to the environment, focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting ethical practices. Brands often use upcycled and recycled materials, such as leather, organic cotton, and recycled polyester, in the production of their garments. These materials help reduce the demand for virgin resources and lessen the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes. Sustainable fashion also encourages the use of eco-friendly dyes, water-saving techniques, and energy-efficient production methods. Additionally, brands may focus on fair labor practices, ensuring workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions. To be considered sustainable, clothing brands may adopt one or more of these practices, such as designing for longevity, promoting circularity through recycling or reusing materials, and reducing their carbon emissions through energy-efficient supply chains.

Fast VS Slow Fashion

What makes Fashion Sustainable?

Sustainable fashion plays a vital role in minimizing environmental impact in various ways while also ensuring healthier and safer work environments.

By using natural or recycled materials, sustainable fashion helps cut down on carbon emissions and conserves natural resources. Unlike conventional fashion, which relies on new materials for about 97% of its production, sustainable fashion emphasizes recycling and reusing materials to reduce the strain on natural resources.

Sustainable fashion also contributes to better working conditions, as companies are expected to address social issues responsibly. Furthermore, shifting to sustainable practices helps prevent harm to animals, as companies are more likely to adopt ethical approaches.

Additionally, sustainable fashion is key to reducing water usage. Fast fashion accounts for 20% of global water pollution, and producing just one cotton t-shirt requires 2,700 liters of water. By reusing materials, water consumption is reduced, which helps mitigate global water pollution.

What can we do to reduce our environmental impact?

Instead of throwing your clothes in the regular trash, which often consists of synthetic, non-biodegradable fibers that just pile up in landfills, consider other sustainable options. You can try repairing or redesigning a torn garment, often with just a bit of creativity. Another option is to donate your clothes to friends, family, neighbors, or charities, giving them a second life. Selling clothes on second-hand apps like Vinted is also a great way to pass them on. Many clothing shops now accept used garments, either from their own brand or other brands, for recycling or repurposing. Lastly, consider placing your old clothes in a textile recycling bin, as textiles can be recycled to create new clothing, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Second-hand shopping is a concept that has been around for a long time and can be found in shops all over the world. Many websites and apps now offer a variety of second-hand options, from affordable items to high-end brand-name clothes. Another popular and eco-friendly initiative is clothing swaps, which are gaining momentum globally. These events allow participants to bring clothes they no longer wear and exchange them for items they'll actually use. This provides an economic and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe. You can even organise a clothing swap among friends to make it a fun and community-driven activity.