Benefits of Choosing Ethical & Sustainable Clothing
The concept of ethical fashion and sustainable fashion is no longer a trend. It has become an industry imperative. Customers are obviously actively taking part in reducing the impact of fashion on the environment. To keep up with this trend, brands need to adapt.
According to Statista, 35% of US customers said that they would spend more money on clothing that is sustainable and eco-friendly than on fast fashion. For professionals looking to break into the fashion industry, understanding the concept of sustainability is essential knowledge.
By acquiring this knowledge, they can create brands that make their business practices more ethical and sustainable. Not only does this show that you are an informed professional, but it will also demonstrate your commitment to making a positive change in the world.
What is sustainable fashion exactly?
Sustainable fashion is the process of creating, selling, and designing clothing, shoes, and accessories from sustainable materials. Sustainable fashion has two goals: to minimize the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and to ensure that all employees involved are treated fairly.
It helps reduce the pollution caused by the fashion industry. It is also a way to save water and energy as well as reduce waste. There are many reasons that people might opt to wear ethically and sustainably made clothing. Some people choose to buy ethical and sustainable clothing for environmental reasons. Others do it for political or social reasons. There are several ways you can verify if a clothing brand is eco-friendly. Let’s say you have your eye on a piece from the brand Cider. All you have to do is look up “is Cider clothing sustainable and ethical” and you will find multiple results and reviews from both industry professionals and past buyers who can vouch for their claims. Let’s look at the reasons why ethical fashion matters.
Reduced waste generation
The world’s municipal solid waste production is expected to grow to about 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050. It is due to a variety of factors including consumer shopping patterns, urbanization, population growth, and others. Premium sustainable apparel is made with durable materials to reduce waste. These clothing companies attempt to reduce the necessity of seasonal fashion trends, thereby reducing waste.
Fair wages in a healthy work environment
Many fast fashion companies, that produce cheap clothes and launch multiple collections within a year of each other, source their clothing mostly from developing nations. Their workers are often working long hours under poor conditions while being paid very little. Manufacturing pressures contribute to an environment that encourages the exploitation of workers. These companies have been accused of child labor numerous times. To be sustainable, clothing companies place high importance on safety and fair compensation for their employees.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
The fashion industry today is one of the main sources of pollution. From their production to their final disposal, it consumes a lot of water and energy, which in turn releases harmful pollutants into the environment. Because sustainable clothing uses biodegradable materials made from natural or repurposed fibers, it is becoming more popular.
It is fashionable, durable, and affordable
Although you might believe that ethical and sustainable clothing is dull and boring it is actually quite the opposite. There are many fashion brands that offer stylish, ethical clothing. The cost of ethical and sustainable clothing isn’t always higher than the price of conventional clothing. It is possible to get the same or even lower price.
It is often more sustainable to produce ethical clothing than fast clothing. Because ethical and sustainable clothing is more durable, you will save money on your purchase.
The issue of Greenwashing
Greenwashing is a marketing technique. False marketing is used in order to convince consumers that a brand’s goals, products, or policies are environmentally friendly since it is fairly easy to fake certifications and make claims that greenwash fashion. The certifications aim to increase retailer and consumer trust. For a brand, however, one organic cotton tee shirt in their inventory is usually enough to earn one of these certifications. You should always verify the legitimacy of the certificate issuer as well as the origin of the materials.
Final words
Ethical and sustainable clothing is becoming more popular as people are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their fashion choices. With the fashion industry’s environmental damage continuing to increase, it is becoming increasingly important to turn towards sustainable fashion as a viable solution.
Sustainable fashion can help reduce the negative effects of traditional manufacturing techniques, and create more eco-friendly alternatives for individuals looking to make a positive impact on the environment. With the growing awareness of environmental sustainability, people are becoming more conscious of their clothing choices and are increasingly opting for ethical, sustainable fashion that does not have a negative impact on our planet. Brands are now dedicating time and effort to ensure that their designs and materials cause no further damage to our environment.
