Sustainable Fashion: How to Determine If a Brand is Truly Eco-Friendly
As we become more aware of the environmental and social impact of our choices, many of us are seeking ways to align our fashion preferences with sustainable living practices. However, navigating the vast online landscape of fashion shops and deciphering sustainability claims can be overwhelming.
That's why this comprehensive guide is here to help. From unraveling sustainable fashion terms to understanding certifications and exploring cost-saving strategies, we'll empower you to make informed choices and become a savvy sustainable shopper. So, join us on this journey as we embark on a path towards an eco-friendly style and a more sustainable future.
Content preview
What Are Some Ways to Check The Sustainability of A Fashion Brand?
The List of Certificates Categorized Based on Their Sustainability Focus
What Is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable fashion refers to the approach of designing, producing, and consuming clothing in a way that minimizes the negative impact on the environment, promotes ethical practices throughout the supply chain, and considers the social and economic well-being of all stakeholders involved.
It is a conscious alternative to the prevalent fast fashion model, which prioritizes cheap and disposable clothing produced at high volumes, often resulting in environmental degradation, worker exploitation, and excessive waste.
Sustainable fashion aims to create a more responsible and mindful industry that embraces practices such as using eco-friendly materials, implementing fair labor standards, reducing carbon emissions, promoting circularity, and encouraging conscious consumer choices.
Why Is Sustainable Fashion Important?
Sustainable fashion is important due to the significant environmental and social issues associated with the traditional fashion industry. Here are some examples of these issues:
Environmental Issues
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The fashion industry is estimated to contribute around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than the emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined.
Water Consumption: Traditional textile production requires vast amounts of water, with an estimated 2,700 liters needed to produce a single cotton t-shirt.
Chemical Pollution: Harmful chemicals used in textile processing, such as dyes and finishing agents, can contaminate waterways, soil, and air, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.
Waste Generation: The fashion industry generates substantial amounts of waste, with clothing and textile waste ending up in landfills. It is estimated that over 92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually.
Deforestation: The production of materials like cotton and synthetic fibers contributes to deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity degradation.
Social Issues
Exploitative Labor Practices: Many garment workers, particularly in low-wage countries, face poor working conditions, long hours, low wages, and a lack of labor rights and safety protections.
Human Rights Violations: The fashion industry has been associated with human rights abuses, including child labor, forced labor, and unsafe working conditions.
Gender Inequality: Women make up a significant portion of the garment industry workforce but often face gender-based discrimination and unequal pay.
Poverty and Economic Inequality: The fashion industry perpetuates economic disparities, with workers in the supply chain often earning poverty-level wages while fashion brands and retailers reap significant profits.
Addressing These Issues
Transitioning to sustainable fashion practices is crucial for several reasons:
Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable fashion aims to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and reduce pollution, helping to mitigate climate change and preserve ecosystems.
Social Justice: Sustainable fashion promotes fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and better livelihoods for workers, supporting human rights and reducing poverty.
Consumer Health: By using non-toxic materials and minimizing chemical usage, sustainable fashion helps protect consumer health and reduce the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Circular Economy: Embracing sustainable practices encourages a shift towards a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for longer through recycling, upcycling, and responsible consumption.
By recognizing the environmental and social challenges of the traditional fashion industry, sustainable fashion offers a path toward a more ethical and planet-friendly approach to clothing production and consumption.
Different Aspects of Eco-Friendly Fashion
Here are different aspects of Eco-Friendly fashion along with one brand example for each aspect:
Eco-Friendly Materials
Brand Example: Patagonia
Patagonia is known for using sustainable materials in its products, including recycled polyester, organic cotton, and hemp. They prioritize sourcing materials that have a reduced environmental impact.
Minimal Chemical Use:
Brand Example: EILEEN FISHER
EILEEN FISHER is committed to minimizing chemical usage in its production processes. They prioritize using low-impact dyes and natural fibers to reduce the environmental impact of their clothing.
Energy Efficiency
Brand Example: prAna
prAna incorporates energy-efficient practices in its manufacturing processes. They prioritize sourcing renewable energy for their facilities and implementing energy-saving technologies to reduce their carbon footprint.
Waste Reduction:
Brand Example: Reformation
Reformation focuses on waste reduction by implementing various strategies. They utilize deadstock fabrics to minimize textile waste, have a take-back program for recycling old garments, and promote circular fashion initiatives.
Biodegradability
Brand Example: Tentree
Tentree is committed to producing biodegradable clothing. They use materials such as organic cotton and Tencel™ lyocell, which are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Brand Example: Allbirds
Allbirds prioritizes eco-friendly packaging by using materials such as 90% recycled cardboard for their shoe boxes and sugarcane-based polybags. They aim to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging solutions.
These brands exemplify different aspects of eco-friendly fashion, showcasing their commitment to using sustainable materials, minimizing chemical use, reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency, ensuring biodegradability, and adopting eco-friendly packaging practices.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics In Fashion
Eco-friendly fabrics play a vital role in sustainable fashion, offering alternatives to conventional materials that have a lower environmental impact. Here are some examples of eco-friendly fabrics used in fashion, along with brands that prioritize their use:
Organic Cotton
Brands like Happy Earth and Terra Thread prioritize organic cotton, a fabric that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic cotton farming promotes better soil health, reduces water pollution, and supports biodiversity. It offers a soft and breathable feel, making it a popular choice for sustainable clothing brands dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint.
Hemp
Eileen Fisher, Patagonia, and ONNO are examples of brands that embrace hemp fabric. Hemp is a highly sustainable crop that requires minimal water, and no pesticides, and grows quickly. It has a durable and breathable nature, making it suitable for various clothing items. Hemp fabric has a natural texture that softens over time, providing comfort, and versatility while minimizing environmental impact.
Tencel (Lyocell)
Brands such as Tentree, Amour Vert, Groceries Apparel, and Paneros prioritize Tencel, a fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. The production process of Tencel involves a closed-loop system, where solvents are recycled, resulting in minimal waste.
Tencel fabric is known for its exceptional softness, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability. It drapes beautifully and offers a luxurious feel, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious fashion brands.
Bamboo
Boody, Cozy Earth, Mary Young, and ONNO are brands that incorporate bamboo fabric in their clothing. Bamboo is a highly sustainable and rapidly renewable resource. It requires fewer resources, such as water and pesticides, compared to conventional crops. Bamboo fabric has a naturally smooth and soft texture, offering comfort and breathability. It also has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for activewear and undergarments.
Recycled Polyester
Patagonia and Girlfriend Collective are examples of brands that utilize recycled polyester in their clothing. Recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles or textile waste, diverting them from landfills. The recycling process involves melting down the plastic and transforming it into new fibers.
Recycled polyester fabric retains the properties of traditional polyester, such as durability and wrinkle resistance. It offers a sustainable solution by reducing the demand for new petroleum-based fibers and contributing to a circular economy.
Recycled Nylon
Mara Hoffman incorporates recycled nylon in their clothing. Recycled nylon, also known as ECONYL®, is created from discarded nylon materials like fishing nets recovered from oceans and landfills. The regeneration process involves transforming the nylon waste into new fibers with the same properties as virgin nylon. Recycled nylon fabric is lightweight, durable, and quick-drying, making it a suitable choice for swimwear, activewear, and outerwear.
Piñatex
Maravillas Bags, Po-Zu, and Hugo Boss are brands that embrace Piñatex, a sustainable alternative to leather made from pineapple leaf fibers. Piñatex is created through a byproduct of existing pineapple agriculture, utilizing the fibers extracted from the leaves.
It offers a cruelty-free and eco-friendly option with a similar texture to leather. Piñatex fabric is lightweight, breathable, and has a unique textured appearance, making it a preferred choice for accessories and footwear.
Cork
LaFlore and Mantoncork utilize cork fabric, which is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree. Cork is harvested without harming the tree, making it a renewable and eco-friendly material.
Cork fabric is lightweight, water-resistant, and has natural antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for accessories and footwear. It has a distinct textured appearance, adding an element of uniqueness and sustainability to fashion items.
By incorporating these eco-friendly fabrics, sustainable clothing brands prioritize environmental stewardship while offering consumers a wide range of stylish and conscious fashion choices.
Different Aspects of Ethical Fashion
Here are different aspects of ethical fashion:
Ethical Labor Practices
Ethical fashion brands prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and labor rights for workers throughout their supply chains. They ensure that garment workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Transparency
Transparent fashion brands openly share information about their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and sourcing practices. They provide visibility into their ethical practices, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Social Responsibility
Ethical fashion brands take social responsibility seriously by considering their impact on communities and society as a whole. They may engage in initiatives that support local communities, contribute to social causes, or empower marginalized groups.
Local Production
Brands that prioritize local production aim to reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation and support local economies. They may source materials and manufacture their products locally, promoting sustainable business practices.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Ethical fashion embraces inclusivity and diversity by promoting representation of all body types, ethnicities, and identities. Brands focus on creating clothing that caters to a wide range of sizes and shapes, and they feature diverse models in their campaigns to celebrate and reflect the diversity of their customer base.
By considering these aspects of ethical fashion, brands can contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive fashion industry.
Slow Fashion vs. Fast Fashion
Slow fashion emphasizes sustainable and ethical practices, prioritizing quality, durability, and conscious consumption, while fast fashion focuses on rapid production, low-cost garments, and disposable trends.
Upcycling and Recycling
Upcycling involves transforming discarded materials or garments into new products of higher value, while recycling involves breaking down materials to create new items. Both approaches reduce waste and promote resource conservation.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Vegan fashion refers to products made without using animal-derived materials, while cruelty-free fashion ensures that no animals were harmed or tested on during the production process. These options align with ethical and sustainable values.
Circular Fashion
Circular fashion adopts a closed-loop system, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. It involves designing for longevity, recycling materials, and promoting repair, reuse, and resale.
Digital and Virtual Fashion
Digital and virtual fashion explore eco-friendly alternatives through virtual experiences and digital clothing. This includes concepts like virtual try-on, where consumers can virtually "try on" clothing without the need for physical production or waste.
What Are Some Ways to Check The Sustainability of A Fashion Brand?
When assessing the sustainability of a fashion brand, here are some ways to evaluate their practices:
Transparency: Look for brands that provide transparent information about their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and sourcing practices. Brands that are open about their sustainability initiatives are more likely to prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
Certifications: Check if the brand holds any recognized sustainability certifications, such as GOTS, Fair Trade Certified, or Bluesign. These certifications provide independent verification of the brand's commitment to specific sustainability standards.
Sustainable Materials: Consider whether the brand uses sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled fibers, or upcycled materials. Upcycled clothing, in particular, refers to garments made from repurposed or reclaimed materials, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new resources.
Supply Chain Ethics: Assess the brand's efforts to ensure fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and fair wages for workers in their supply chain. Look for brands that engage in fair trade initiatives or are members of ethical sourcing organizations.
Environmental Impact: Research how the brand manages its environmental impact. Look for initiatives such as reducing water usage, minimizing chemical usage, implementing energy-efficient practices, and promoting recycling or circular economy models.
Longevity and Durability: Consider the brand's approach to creating long-lasting products. Slow fashion principles prioritize durability, encouraging consumers to buy less and invest in quality garments that are designed to last.
Customer Reviews and Feedback: Read reviews and feedback from customers to gain insights into the brand's sustainability claims and overall reputation. Look for brands that actively engage with their customers and respond to inquiries or concerns about sustainability practices.
By considering these factors, consumers can make more informed choices and support fashion brands that align with their sustainability values.
Ethical Fashion Certificates And Labels
Here are some ethical fashion certificates and labels, including slow fashion:
Fair Trade Certified: Ensures fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Certifies organic fibers and environmentally friendly practices.
Fair Wear Foundation: Improves labor conditions in the fashion industry.
Certified B Corporation: Meets high social and environmental standards.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Verifies products are free from harmful substances.
Bluesign: Focuses on reducing environmental impact and ensuring worker safety.
PETA-Approved Vegan: Indicates cruelty-free and animal-free products.
These certifications and labels help consumers identify brands and products that prioritize ethical practices, including slow fashion principles of durability, conscious consumption, and sustainable production.
The List of Certificates Categorized Based on Their Sustainability Focus
These certifications provide transparency and assurance regarding the sustainability practices of businesses. By supporting brands with these certifications, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable business ecosystem that prioritizes environmental stewardship, labor rights, and animal welfare.
Environmental Sustainability
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS focuses on promoting organic materials and environmentally friendly processing throughout the textile supply chain. It ensures that products meet stringent ecological and social criteria, including the use of organic fibers, non-toxic dyes, and responsible manufacturing practices.
OEKO-TEX Standard: The OEKO-TEX Standard certifies that textiles have been tested and verified to be free from harmful substances. It sets limits for the use of chemicals and ensures that products are safe for both consumers and the environment.
Cradle to Cradle (C2C): Cradle to Cradle certification evaluates products based on their overall sustainability performance. It considers factors such as material health, recyclability, renewable energy use, and social fairness, aiming to create a circular economy where products are designed to be recycled or repurposed.
Organic Content Standard (OCS): The OCS verifies the presence and percentage of organic material in textiles. It ensures that products containing organic fibers meet specific criteria for responsible sourcing and transparent labeling.
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): BCI promotes sustainable cotton farming practices by providing training and support to farmers. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of cotton production, improve water and pesticide management, and promote fair working conditions for cotton farmers.
Climate Neutral Certified: Climate Neutral Certified businesses have achieved carbon neutrality by measuring, reducing, and offsetting their greenhouse gas emissions. This certification demonstrates a commitment to addressing climate change and reducing environmental impact.
Labor and Social Responsibility:
Fair Trade Certified: Fair Trade Certified ensures that workers involved in the production of goods receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection of their rights. It aims to empower workers and promote sustainable livelihoods in communities around the world.
Fair Wear Foundation: Fair Wear Foundation works collaboratively with brands, factories, and workers to improve labor conditions in the garment industry. It focuses on ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions throughout the supply chain.
Fair Labor Association (FLA): The Fair Labor Association promotes the fair treatment of workers and upholds labor standards in global supply chains. It conducts independent assessments and works with companies to address labor rights issues and improve working conditions.
Certified B Corporation: Certified B Corporations meet rigorous social and environmental standards, indicating their commitment to using business as a force for good. These companies prioritize ethical practices, transparency, and positive impact on workers, communities, and the environment.
Animal Welfare and Veganism
PETA-Approved Vegan: PETA-Approved Vegan certification ensures that fashion products do not contain animal-derived materials and are produced without any harm to animals. It promotes cruelty-free and compassionate alternatives in the fashion industry.
Is Sustainable Fashion More Expensive?
Sustainable fashion is often perceived as more expensive upfront, but it offers numerous long-term benefits that can make it a more cost-effective choice in the end. Here's how sustainable fashion impacts our lives:
Durability and Longevity
Sustainable fashion prioritizes quality materials and craftsmanship, resulting in garments that are built to last. They are more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to fast fashion items, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Reduced Consumption
By investing sustainably, we can break away from the cycle of constant consumption. Instead of purchasing cheaply made, disposable clothes, sustainable fashion encourages us to buy fewer, higher-quality pieces, which saves money in the long run.
Cost Per Wear
Sustainable fashion items may have a higher upfront cost, but they often offer a lower cost per wear. Due to their durability, they can be worn repeatedly over an extended period, spreading the cost over more uses.
Resale Value
Sustainable fashion brands tend to retain their value better than fast fashion brands. When you no longer need or want a sustainable garment, you can sell or consign it, recouping some of the initial investment.
Timeless Design
Sustainable fashion embraces timeless design principles, focusing on classic styles rather than trendy, short-lived fads. This means that sustainable pieces can be worn for multiple seasons and years, eliminating the need to constantly chase after fleeting trends.
Ethical Labor Practices
Sustainable fashion places a strong emphasis on ethical labor practices. By supporting brands that prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions, we contribute to creating a more equitable and sustainable industry.
While sustainable fashion may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits such as durability, reduced consumption, cost per wear, resale value, timeless design, and ethical labor practices make it a more financially viable and responsible choice.
Tips for Affordable Sustainable Fashion
Follow the tips below to claim a more affordable sustainable fashion:
Shop Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of sales and discounts to purchase sustainable clothing at more affordable prices.
Secondhand and Thrift Shopping: Explore secondhand stores, thrift shops, and online platforms for pre-loved clothing that is both sustainable and budget-friendly.
Swap or Trade: Participate in clothing swaps with friends or join community events to exchange clothes and refresh your wardrobe without spending money.
Buy Less, Choose Wisely: Adopt a minimalist approach and prioritize quality over quantity. Invest in timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for frequent purchases.
DIY and Upcycling: Get creative by upcycling old clothes through DIY projects. Transform them into new designs or repurpose them for different uses.
Rent or Borrow: Consider renting outfits for special occasions or borrowing clothes from friends, allowing you to enjoy new styles without the expense of buying new items.
Support Local Brands: Explore local, sustainable fashion brands that align with your values. Supporting local businesses not only promotes a more sustainable economy but can also offer unique and affordable options.
Recycle Clothes: Instead of discarding, recycle old garments through textile recycling programs.
Quality over Quantity: Invest in well-made, durable pieces that last longer.
These tips help you embrace affordable sustainable fashion, reduce waste, and make conscious choices for an eco-friendlier wardrobe.
