There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look stylish, but did you know that the fashion industry is destroying our planet? Fast fashion is causing more waste than ever before, putting an increasing amount of pressure on the environment around us.
But, not all hope is lost.
Sustainable fashion is very quickly changing the scene, proving that when done mindfully, clothing brands can reduce their carbon footprint. This guide will take you through the importance of sustainable fashion, including why you should make the switch.
Less Waste
Have you ever heard of the slow fashion movement? Don’t worry if you didn’t, it’s a rather new concept. This notion contradicts the current force of fast fashion and limitless consumption frenzy that began in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It’s a bit like returning to origins, to sustainable consumption and minimalism.
Buying less has huge positive impacts – on your wallet and the planet. By simply wearing your clothes more, you could cut the clothing waste in half. This is easily done with help from a capsule wardrobe full of staple items.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The fashion industry produces gas emissions through manufacture and transport. There are, however, easy ways to fix this.
Buying local fashion and wearing natural materials rather than synthetic ones can reduce your carbon footprint. Vegan materials are also an excellent choice, and not only because of the animal welfare implications. Sure, leather may be a byproduct of the meat industry, but there are many alternatives to natural leather that are just as good and produce far fewer carbon emissions.
Reducing Water Consumption
It may not seem like it, but the fashion industry consumes gallons of water. Conventional cotton, for example, needs a lot of water to grow. However, organic cotton requires far less irrigation – about 71% less than a conventional crop.
Hemp and linen are two materials favoured by sustainable fashion brands because they use even less water. Vegan materials also enable brands to reduce water consumption while staying sustainable.
Of course, turning to sustainable fashion isn’t enough if you don’t change, too. Washing your clothes less frequently (by waiting until you have a full load rather than washing just an item or two) and using your washing machine on the economic cycle can help save the planet.
Saving Energy
Sustainable materials like hemp, bamboo and linen are easy to grow in almost any condition and require very little energy for processing. And that’s just the first step. Creating garments from natural fabrics that haven’t been dyed helps reduce energy consumption even more.
Buying local fashion cuts off energy consumption by reducing transport. Ethical fashion brands that create original, handmade products even replace factories with craftsmanship and human labour, so buying from them will help support local economies while staying green.
Less Toxic Waste and Water Pollution
The textile dyeing and leather tanning processes include lots of harsh chemicals that end up in our lands and waters. It’s only a matter of time until they make it to the oceans, with negative consequences on the marine life and life on Earth at large.
Contaminated rivers, on the other hand, can kill wildlife and make humans sick. Luckily, sustainable fashion doesn’t contaminate the environment. Since this industry doesn’t dispose of any toxic waste, turning to sustainable fashion is the only logical step.
Fewer Animals Harmed
Environmental destruction is harmful to wildlife, but sustainable fashion protects animals at large. Not only does it prohibit the use of animal materials such as natural fur and leather, but it condemns all cruel practices and animal exploitations. Nowadays, sustainable fashion is mostly completely vegan.
Happier People
We often forget to think about people when talking about the environment. The conventional fashion industry is often synonymous with modern slavery. Clothes and accessories are produced in third-world countries by underpaid and overworked workers. Factory employees are often exposed to chemical substances without being offered any protective equipment.
On the other hand, sustainable fashion brands focus on people. They use craftsmanship but pay accordingly. While these products are more expensive, they sustain the environment and local economies. That’s why sustainable fashion can make people happier – one of the most important reasons why you should switch to sustainable fashion as soon as possible.
