Reasons Why Sustainable Fashion Matters
You’ve probably heard about the environmental impact of fast fashion and the ethical issues surrounding it. But what does sustainability in fashion mean for you? Is it something you should care about, or is it just another buzzword to ignore? In this article, we’ll discuss why sustainable fashion matters and how you can incorporate these principles into your own wardrobe.
Sustainability as an Ecological Choice
The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries. It accounts for more than 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, and 25% of all waste produced in the United States. These numbers are staggering considering that this sector only employs about 5% of our workforce and makes up less than 6% of global GDP.
The environmental impact from clothing manufacturing can be seen throughout our supply chain: from raw materials to finished products, there are many factors involved in creating sustainable products which go beyond just making good choices about what you buy at fast fashion stores — these choices have real consequences for people around the world who rely on these companies for their livelihoods!
So, look for sustainability certifications when you buy new clothes. Truly sustainable brands will use them to give you information on the carbon footprint of their garments and other things.
Sustainability as a Social Choice
Sustainability in fashion is not just about the environment, but also human rights, social justice, and ethical business practices. It’s a movement that links multiple causes together to create a more responsible world. As consumers we have the opportunity to make informed choices when shopping for clothes. We can support companies who are making positive changes in their supply chains or by buying less or shopping second-hand. Our clothes are an extension of ourselves and how we want to be perceived by others; they project our values, beliefs and aspirations onto us every time we wear them!
The average textile worker in Indonesia earns $2 per day; that’s less than half of what they need to live on, even by local standards. The average American spends $88 per month on clothing alone; that’s more than twice as much as the Indonesian textile worker makes in the same time!
Sustainability is about making informed purchases. You can look for a label that shows where your clothes are made and by whom, or do some research on the company’s website. If you’re not sure where to start, try asking questions like:
Is the company ethical? This means it has a code of conduct that protects workers’ rights and environmental standards.
Do they pay fair wages? A living wage varies from country to country, but even in developing countries at least two dollars an hour is usually considered to be an acceptable minimum amount for people who work full time.
How are these things monitored? Some companies have independent auditors who make surprise visits to ensure compliance with regulations.
Sustainability as an Economical Choice
Sustainable fashion is an economical choice for several reasons. First of all, it’s a better investment in your wardrobe because sustainable brands who use certain natural fibres like hemp or linen are known for their superior quality and longevity. Because they use these high-quality materials, with little to no waste in production or manufacturing processes, these clothes will often last you longer than the lower-quality pieces you’d find at fast fashion retailers.
Secondly, sustainable fashion is more affordable than conventional clothing. While many people associate sustainability with high prices (and therefore assume that buying sustainably must be too expensive), that’s not necessarily true! When you buy less often and shop smarter by saving money on quality pieces over time instead of getting caught up in trends every season, it allows you to invest in fewer items at higher prices — meaning each piece becomes more valuable as time goes on — and save money overall without sacrificing style.
Sustainability as a Style Choice
Sustainability is more than just a trend or a way to look stylish. It’s a life choice that means you care about the future and want to contribute to making it better, which is something we can all get behind.
People choose to wear sustainable fashion because they not only love the way it looks and feels; they find meaning in what they’re wearing. Sustainable fashion makes you feel good because it’s made from organic materials, recycled materials, or both; each piece is unique and tells a story about its past life as well as its present one. And you always know that you have done something good for the environment and the people.
It’s important to think about the impact our clothing has on the world
Sustainable fashion is a new way of thinking about fashion. It’s important to be aware of the environmental impact our clothing has on the world, and how it can be made more sustainable. Sustainability also includes social and ethical aspects, such as animal rights, fair wages or fair trade.
