This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
Published on August 12, 2019, the conversation around sustainable fashion has been ongoing for years. With more companies adopting environmentally friendly business models, the definition of sustainable fashion remains ambiguous.
At its core, sustainable fashion aims to reduce the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment. This includes improving working conditions, minimizing carbon footprints, and promoting the recycling of clothing and accessories.
Celebrities have been quick to jump on the sustainable fashion bandwagon, but what does it really mean? The truth is, all fashion merchandise has a negative impact on the environment, no matter how small.
One of the main issues with the fashion industry is the overproduction of cheap clothes. According to statistics, the UK alone buys clothes equivalent to about 15,000 t-shirts every minute. This has led to massive waste, with clothes continuing to pile up and contributing to environmental degradation.
Some of the suggestions to ease waste include making the life cycle of products shorter and making products more reusable once they have served their purpose. However, the demand for cotton is high, with cotton farms representing nearly 50% of all irrigated land and being responsible for nearly 24% of all global insecticide use and 11% of all pesticide use.
Despite the challenges, sustainable fashion is worth it. Brands that follow ethical practices, pay fair wages, and use organic fibers to create durable items are leading the way. And the good news is that sustainable fashion looks just as good as its fast-fashion counterparts.
Some of the brands that produce high-quality eco-friendly fashion include Labo Mono, Pursuit The Label, Levi's, Pact, NAECO, and more. To get on board, consider swapping items with thredUP and Poshmark, or opt for affordable options like Eileen Fisher and Patagonia.
