The global fashion waste recorded a whopping 92 million tonnes in 2022, so if you find yourself questioning the need for sustainable fashion, you have the answer. However, building a fresh wardrobe with environmentally ethical clothes is not only impractical but also heavy on the pocket.
Now the question is, do you really need to spend a fortune fulfilling the idea of sustainability in fashion? The answer is an obvious no. This blog will cover everything you need to know about sustainability in fashion and how to achieve it without spending a fortune.
What is Sustainable Fashion?
The recent global shift towards a more ethical, responsible, and conscious consumption of fashion has resulted in the rising popularity of the word “sustainable fashion”.
Sustainable fashion or ethical fashion is based on the principles of reducing the negative social and environmental impact of fashion production and consumption. Ethical fashion goes beyond being environmentally friendly but encompasses various aspects of production, including fair labour practices, conscious choices, and prioritizing values for an industry that works for both people and the planet.
Impact of Fast Fashion and the need for Sustainable Fashion
Fast fashion is the term used for low-cost, trendy clothing, that neglects the environment, human labour, and work ethics. The purpose served by fast fashion is to cater to the masses, maximize profits, and meet rising consumer demand.
Why is fast fashion such a big concern, you ask? Let us look at the statistics of the fast fashion industry and its impact on the environment,
At present, the fast fashion industry is responsible for over 20% of global waste emissions, and the statistics are expected to grow up to 48% by 2030. The global fast fashion industry is worth $99.23 billion and growing, which justifies the 50% growth in the production of fast fashion since 2000.
Another alarming fact to consider is that reportedly, the fast fashion industry records an average of 1.4 million injuries every year. Moreover, out of the 75 million factory workers employed by fast fashion, less than 2% are able to earn a living wage.
The statistics sum up the fact that sustainable fashion is not a need, but a necessity for the betterment of the planet and those living on it.
How to be sustainable in fashion?
Now that we are clear on the concept of sustainable fashion and its need in the present day, the question is how to be sustainable in fashion.
Rebuilding your entire wardrobe with sustainable clothing and accessories sounds a bit excessive, and a lot of effort indeed. But getting started on ethical fashion doesn’t have to be that hard. We have listed 5 steps to start with if you are planning to go sustainable with your clothing choices.
Look out for greenwashing
The first step in the sustainable fashion guide is to do your own research and find brands that are true to what they portray. Various brands use the words “sustainable”, “conscious”, “ethical” and so on, for the buzz and for the most part, miss out on the objective of sustainability.
So the next time you go out on a hunt for sustainable clothing, study the objectives and visions of the brand and try to understand how they are implementing sustainability and ethical fashion practices in their business.
Another thing to keep in mind is that sustainable fashion is not restricted to the environmental friendliness of your garment but also covers optimal pay for the workers, quality of fabric produced, waste emission in manufacturing, and so on.
Stop investing in trends
The limitless access to the internet gives you greater access to ongoing trends and innovations in the fashion industry. It may have its positives but in a long term, it gives rise to impulsive buying and in turn promotes fast fashion.
To be sustainable includes reducing your carbon footprints, and the best practice to implement the same is to focus on quality over quantity. Start by limiting your investment in trendy clothes that are sure to go out of style with a shift in season. Rather buy timeless and good quality clothes that will last longer. This doesn’t imply limiting your spending to biodegradable and natural fabrics, but to buy minimalist clothes that you can actually wear for a long time.
Thrift and Donate
Thrifting or buying vintage is a great measure to be sustainable in fashion and not promote fast fashion. This is not only a great alternative to purchasing a fresh piece of clothing every time, but also a great way to limit fashion waste. Moreover, a little hunt can help you get your hands on one of a kind clothes and accessories.
Additionally, make your contribution to avoiding fashion waste by donating the clothes that you don’t wear anymore. You can always sell your pre-loved clothing to online thrift stores instead of throwing them away.
Rent
Without a doubt, sustainable clothing can be far more expensive, as compared to on-trend fast fashion items. Besides, it’s not always possible to limit your urge to get new clothes. A great way to keep your fashion purchases sustainable in a pocket friendly way is to rent your clothes.
Thrifting is gaining its popularity nowadays, but that doesn’t mean we can rule out the fact that not everyone has access to local thrift stores. Alternatively, rent clothes that you may not wear repeatedly. Various online brands offer a closet full of options to rent, ranging from formals to party wear. This way you can also save a big buck on those fancy dresses that you might wear only once.
Make your clothes last long
No matter how good the quality of clothing is, in the absence of proper care, even the best of fits can lose their freshness. It is important to take good care of your garments to avoid possible damage to your clothes. We are linking some must-reads to keep your clothes fresh as new,
Common mistakes that can ruin your clothes
How to increase lifespan of your t-shirts?
How to save your whites from losing shine?
How to get rid of the toughest stains on clothes?
In a Nutshell,
Sustainable fashion is a need and not just a trend in the present days. The alarming rise in fashion waste and the miserable work condition of fashion workers calls for a more sustainable and ethical fashion.
However, sustainable fashion can be expensive and rebuilding your entire wardrobe with ethical fashion items can cost a fortune. As a measure to be sustainable in fashion without being heavy on pocket, there are measures like thrifting, renting clothes, and donating your pre-loved clothing.
Besides, by taking good care of your existing clothes, you can help avoid fashion waste to a great extent. Note that while making purchase for sustainable fashion, look out for greenwashing and carefully study the objectives of brands before making a purchase.
