Fast fashion is taking over the world, and its effects are problematic. They include the industry’s negative environmental impact, the unfair labor practices used to produce low-cost clothing, and the way fast fashion encourages consumers to buy more clothes than they need.
The production of synthetic fabrics, like polyester, requires a lot of energy and water. And when clothes made from these fabrics are washed, they release tiny plastic fibers into the environment. These fibers end up in our water supply and can make their way into our food chain.
In addition to the environmental impact, fast fashion has a human cost. Clothing is often made in factories where workers are paid meager wages and are subjected to unsafe working conditions. For example, the Rana Plaza incident, in which five garment factories collapsed, claimed the lives of thousands of workers.
Finally, one of the biggest problems with fast fashion is that it encourages people to buy more clothing than they need. As a result, it leads to mountains of unwanted clothing in landfills or incinerators. Americans are estimated to throw away 11 million pounds of textile clothing annually. Thankfully, there is a way to deal with these problems, and that is through sustainable fashion.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion is a new way of thinking about the production and consumption of clothing. It considers both the fashion industry’s environmental and social impact. Sustainable fashion brands produce clothing in a way that is environmentally friendly and fair to workers.
One of the ways sustainable fashion brands are environmentally friendly is by using natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk. These fabrics come from plants or animals, so they are biodegradable. They also don’t require a lot of energy or water to produce.
Sustainable fashion brands also use recycled materials in their clothing. For example, they might use recycled plastic bottles to make a dress. This reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Sustainable fashion brands also pay their workers fairly. Often, these workers are in developing countries where the minimum wage is low. By paying a fair wage, sustainable fashion brands help improve these workers’ quality of life.
Sustainable fashion is not only good for the environment and workers, but it’s also good for consumers. When you buy sustainable fashion, you know you’re getting high-quality clothing that won’t end up in a landfill.
How Can You Be a Part of It?
The best part of sustainable fashion is that everyone can be a part of it. You can start by purchasing artisan products.
Artisanship
Artisanship is the art of making things by hand. Artisan products are usually of higher quality because they are made with care and attention to detail.
When you buy artisan fashion, you support the people who make the clothing. These people often live in developing countries and depend on their craft to support their families.
You can also support sustainable fashion brands. These are brands that produce clothing in an environmentally friendly and fair way.
For example, in fast fashion, bracelets are made using mass-manufactured plastics, which is harmful to the environment. However, artisan bead bracelets are made differently. Artisans make these bracelets using only natural materials like wood, seeds, and stones. This process is better for the environment and creates a beautiful, one-of-a-kind product.
There are many sustainable fashion brands to choose from. You can do a quick online search to find one that fits your style.
Secondhand Clothing
One of the best ways to be sustainable is to shop secondhand. Secondhand clothing is clothing that has been worn before but is still in good condition.
When you buy secondhand clothing, you’re giving new life to clothes that would otherwise go to waste. You’re also saving money and supporting sustainable fashion at the same time.
There are many places to find secondhand clothing. For example, you can check out your local thrift store or consignment shop. Or, you can search for secondhand clothing online.
The important thing is to start thinking about the impact your clothing has on the environment and workers. Sustainable fashion is a great way to be part of the solution. So, next time you need some new clothes, consider shopping sustainably.
Buying Locally
Another great way to support sustainable fashion is to buy locally made clothing. When you buy locally made clothing, you know that the people who made it were paid a fair wage. You also know that the materials used were sourced sustainably.
Plus, buying locally made clothing helps to reduce your carbon footprint. That’s because the clothing doesn’t have to be shipped from far away.
You can find locally made clothing at farmer’s markets, craft fairs, and small boutiques. You can also search for it online.
Sustainable fashion is a great way to be kind to the environment and workers. It’s also good for your wallet and your style. So, next time you need some new clothes, consider shopping sustainably. You’ll be glad you did!
