What Is Sustainable Fashion and How Can You Move Forward?
Fashion today is flaunting a cape of sustainability urgency! Morphing at breakneck speed into an actual mindset, strategy, and practice, it has become the modus operandi for many fashion activists. But what exactly do we mean by “sustainable fashion”?
In a nutshell, it’s a term that refers to clothing that is produced and consumed in a way that, quite literally, can be sustained, while safeguarding both the environment and the producers of garments. While you’re now thinking you’re frequently spotting brands’ clothing bearing the label ‘sustainable’ and claiming the same, drops the surprise that they actually aren’t! And, this is where the confusion falls. For a fashion business to be sustainable, not only should it be adopting a circular mindset, but its practices are entailing reprocessing and regeneration, as in aptitudes to create clothes out of recycled or bio materials, redefining the meaning of “new” as well as reducing the environmental costs of fast fashion.
What’s the deal though? Now and more than ever, brands and customers are thinking more responsibly to protect the planet. And, if the last few years brought forth any valuable insights about Generation Z and millennials– the age group born post-1996 and the 1980s – it’s that they’re environmentally woke, more conscious about the facts than earlier generations. So, here’s how you can increase your awareness and enjoy the sustainable taste of fashion in just a few easy ways!
photo credit: Marta Giaccone for The New York Times
6 Effortless Ways to Ride the Sustainable Fashion Wave
1. Scout Sustainable Clothing Brands
Whether they’re big, fledgling, or small; fashion companies are unlocking the potential for sustainable fashion that looks good and actually does good, thus inspiring fashion activists to jump on the course! By supporting brands that have a positive impact and investing in designers who use repurposed materials in their stunning creations, such as Collina Strada and Prada, you’re actually leading the way of sustainability. So, not only are you getting fashion trendy but also environmentally friendly!
2. Encourage Buying Pre-loved Clothes
Looking to pamper your wardrobe? You can thoughtfully do so with amazing pre-loved fashion gems! Buying pre-loved items as secondhand and vintage clothing are becoming buzzwords scooping many websites like Libas Collective. Even celebrities like Rihanna and Bella Hadid had vintage spark their dress-code inspiration. By buying pre-loved clothes, not only are you extending the lifespan thereof- one of the ways to reduce the environmental impact of your closet- you are getting your hands on one-of-a-kind finds and catches!
3. Steer Clear of ‘Greenwashing’
You’re growing more conscious of your environmental impact and eager to make a change, great! But watch out for greenwashing. As fast-fashion awareness is on the rise, many brands are making ambiguous and deceptive claims to highlight their environmentally-friendly clothes, more than they actually are. You’ve nothing to be worried about though! You can delve deeper into the buzzwords ‘sustainable’ and ‘eco-friendly’, and take a closer look at brands’ policies to see if they support their claims.
4. Search for Sustainable Development Goals
Checking whether a brand has committed to scientific targets is an excellent get-go to spot whether it’s serious about reducing its environmental impact; Don’t we all look for science-based endeavors because they carry the credibility we all seek? Brands that have joined the Science Based Targets Initiative, such as Gucci owner Kering and Burberry, are required to establish CO2 emission reduction targets that are compliant with the Paris Agreement. That’s a good place to start!
5. Take Care of Your Clothing
When it comes to reducing the environmental impact of your clothing and making sure it doesn’t end up in landfills after a few uses, extending the life of your garments is essential; and it’s very easy! Avoid washing your clothing frequently (which will help reduce your water and CO2 emissions) and seek its repair rather than toss it out.
6. Give Your Clothes a New Chance in Life
Decluttering your wardrobe every now and then? How about shaking it up while being mindful of how you dispose of your clothing? Not only are you preventing it from going to waste, but you’ll be making a profit while keeping the luxury alive! The best way to do so is to resell them or donate them to charities and organizations that are in dire need of used clothing. Many apps and websites offer the opportunity to sell your pre-loved clothing. Libas Collective, for example, basks you in a carefree experience, where you can negotiate selling prices with buyers, and seal the deal at your convenience!
Fashion is notorious for setting trends, and right now fashion sustainability is that industry’s most crucial inclination. Now is the time to grasp the eminence of a greener space in the fashion industry and favor more ethical practices!
