December 20, 2022
What is Sustainable Fashion and Why Does it Matter
You’ve probably heard the term “sustainable fashion” before, but what does it actually mean? Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of change within the fashion industry to help make it more environmentally and socially sustainable. In other words, it’s about creating better conditions and practices for both people and the planet throughout the entire life cycle of our clothing. From fabric sourcing and garment production to how we care for and eventually dispose of our clothes, sustainable fashion considers the entire journey of our clothing. And it’s not just about what we as consumers do, but also about changing the system as a whole. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, so there’s a lot of work to be done. But sustainability is possible, and it starts with each one of us. In this article, we will explore what sustainable fashion is and why it matters.
What Is Sustainable Fashion?
In short, sustainable fashion is about producing clothing in a way that minimizes environmental impact and supports the workers involved. It’s a complex issue, but one that we can all play a part in solving. But why exactly does it matter? Let’s take a look below.
It Saves Natural Resources
It takes a lot of resources to produce clothing – from the water used in growing and processing fibers, to the energy required for manufacturing, shipping, and retail. Sustainable fashion is designed to minimize the impact of these activities on the environment. There are many ways to make fashion more sustainable. One is to use natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen instead of synthetic ones like polyester and nylon. Natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable, so they have a lower environmental impact than synthetics. Similarly, you can also use modal fabric. You may be wondering what is modal fabric. Modal fabric is one type of sustainable fabric that is made from renewable wood sources. Modal is a soft, smooth fabric that is often used in making lingerie, pajamas, and activewear. It is also less likely to pill or shrink than other fabrics.
Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
When you buy sustainable fashion, you are voting with your dollar for a cleaner, greener planet. Sustainable fashion is made with environmentally friendly materials and processes, which reduces your carbon footprint. It also supports fair labor practices and often uses recycled materials, which helps to reduce pollution and waste.
Is More Ethical Working Conditions
Working conditions in the fashion industry have been under scrutiny for years. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile scandals involving major fashion brands and their suppliers. These scandals have brought attention to the often poor working conditions in the fashion industry, particularly in developing countries. There are a number of reasons why more ethical working conditions are important. First, poor working conditions can lead to dangerous and unhealthy work environments. This can result in injuries, illness, and even death. Second, workers who are treated poorly are often paid poorly as well. This can lead to extreme poverty and difficult living conditions for workers and their families. Finally, poor working conditions often lead to bad publicity for brands. This can damage a brand’s reputation and make it difficult to sell products. There are a number of ways that brands can improve working conditions for their workers. One way is to improve communication between brands and suppliers. This can help to ensure that workers’ rights are respected and that working conditions are up to standards. Another way is to improve transparency in the supply chain. This means making sure that consumers know where their products come from and how they were made. Finally, brands can improve working conditions by investing in training and education for their workers. This can help workers gain the skills they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Saves Animal Lives
One of the most important aspects of sustainable fashion is its impact on animals. The textile industry is one of the leading industries responsible for animal cruelty, with millions of animals being killed each year for their fur and feathers. By choosing to buy sustainable fashion items made from alternative materials, you can help reduce the demand for animal-based textiles and save animal lives.
Requires Less Water
And finally, sustainable fashion is often more water-efficient than conventional fashion. For example, sustainable fabrics like bamboo and hemp require less water to grow than cotton. Likewise, sustainable methods of dying and printing, such as low-impact dyes and digital printing, use less water than traditional methods.
Go Sustainable
These are just a few of the many reasons why sustainable fashion is so necessary and important for the future of the planet and the people that live on it. If you’re currently on the fence about going more sustainable, hopefully, this article has managed to provide you with some persuasion. Trust us when we say, the earth will thank you for it!