It’s no secret that the fashion industry has had its share of troubling ethical and environmental issues in the past. But with more and more sustainable fashion brands popping up, the industry is shifting in a positive direction. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the power of their purchasing decisions, and the demand for safe, ethical practices and materials continues to grow. Through research and innovation, these brands are leading the way in re-defining sustainable fashion and creating products manufactured with an ethical conscience.
I. Breaking Up with Fast Fashion
The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, after oil. Fast fashion has become the major culprit of this waste and pollution. So it’s time to break up with this toxic relationship!
For starters, fast fashion is a type of clothing production that prioritises mass production of garment through the quick turn-over of a new look and design. The results of this process have created an unsustainable, waste-producing fashion system.
So how can you avoid and combat fast fashion, for a more sustainable world?
- Buy second-hand clothing.
- Support local, independent fashion labels.
- Research about the brand you choose.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of impulse buying at cheap prices, however there are many disadvantages to buying mass-produced clothing items. Low-cost clothing is often made with cheaper fabrics and synthetic materials, with poorly constructed items and low-working conditions. Industrially produced clothing usually has a low-quality of production, meaning they wear out faster and don’t last very long.
By buying second hand, supporting independent brands, and doing your own research before buying, you are taking a stand against fast fashion. You will feel better knowing your wardrobe is not associated with exploitative mass production and that your money is not being funded into damaging production processes.
II. Reimagining Sustainable Style
Reimagining the fashion industry to be more sustainable and ethical requires looking at how we’ve built the current system and how we can modify it. It’s important to recognize the fabrics, dyes, and processes used in production and look for alternatives. Here’s how we can start:
- Rethink natural or organic materials. Instead of synthetics, use sustainable and ethical fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, silk, and wool. Carefully research these materials and the processes used in their production to ensure a good impact on the environment and fair trade for workers.
- Look for alternative dyes. Natural dyes made from plants are becoming more popular in the fashion world as they are more eco friendly and don’t contribute to pollution of water and land. Ancient techniques such as kantha work are also used to create colourful fabrics that are both eco friendly and unique.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle. We can reduce the amount of fabrics consumed each year by investing in clothing that will stand the test of time. We can also look for ways to reuse and recycle fabrics to create clothing. Shopping for vintage is one way to reduce demand and create unique pieces.
From creators to consumers, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to move away from the current unsustainable fashion system. With a shift in mindset towards more sustainable and ethical practices, we can create a new system of fashion that supports people and the planet. This starts with awareness and understanding, which can then be applied through research and action.
Traditional craft techniques are also an important piece of the puzzle. Rather than mass producing clothing, we have the opportunity to bring back the craft of tailored pieces. This could create more unique and durable garments, which will also benefit the environment as they last longer.
Fashion industry has the capacity to be both stylish and sustainable. By reimagining our processes and embracing different fabrics, dyes and practices, we can create new models that are better for everyone. This means investing in our communities and planet to create positive change.
III. Celebrating Ethical Leaders in Fashion
The fashion industry is often seen to lack ethical leadership, with designers churning out clothes, bags, and shoes just for the sake of making money. But this doesn’t have to be the case! There are a handful of fashion designers out there who exemplify responsible leadership and sustainability — and we’d like to take the time today to celebrate them.
First on the list is Stella McCartney. As one of the most famous names in sustainable fashion, no ethical fashion-inspired leader round-up would be complete without her! She has created a line of luxury sustainable fashion without ever having used leather, fur, or animal exploitation– a major stroke of genius, considering her pre-existing reputation in the fashion world.
Another outstanding leader in sustainability and ethical practices within the fashion industry is Eileen Fisher. Inspired by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Fisher goes to extraordinary lengths to be as ethical and earth-friendly as possible in her production practices. Her company uses earth-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled wool, and Tencel—and has even launched a garment take-back program for used clothing.
It’s also worth mentioning the incredible Sukina Douglas, who brings an unbelievable level of creativity and innovation to her work. As the creative director of L Marks, a venture catalyst, she managed to reinvent fashion retail models with her pilot project, “A Fashion Opportunity”. The project invited non-traditional fashion designers to participate in developing their own fashion lines, with Douglas taking a mentor role in each collection.
Celebrating ethical fashion doesn’t have to be limited to just designers. Many retailers are also stepping up their game. A notable example is H&M which has embraced sustainable initiatives. Its Conscious Collection uses sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, in its clothing line. Plus, H&M’s garment collection program has been selling used clothing since 2013!
At the end of the day, we know that a single blog post can’t do justice to the amazing ethical leaders in fashion. But we hope by celebrating these pioneers, we can help inspire more ethical leadership throughout the industry. These sustainability-driven designers, startups, and retailers are an inspiration to us all!
IV. Crafting a More Conscious Future
As our world continues to rapidly evolve, it is simply not enough to do what has been done before. We need to start thinking more critically and creatively about how to craft a more conscious, vibrant and flourishing future for ourselves, our communities and the planet at large. Here are a few action-oriented initiatives that we can take to help shape a better tomorrow for all:
1) Change Our Mindsets
The first step in crafting a more conscious future is to change our mindsets and cultivate new thought patterns that challenge the status quo. This means breaking away from traditional, linear ways of thinking and instead learning to listen deeply to those around us, ask meaningful questions and take risks in our decision-making. It also involves examining our beliefs and values to ensure that they are in alignment with our desired outcomes.
2) Prioritize Sustainable Solutions
In order to truly promote a more conscious future, we must also prioritize sustainable solutions that are aligned with the triple bottom line; balancing environmental, economic and social considerations. This means carefully considering the kind of materials we use, the sources to which we turn for information, and the long-term impacts of our decisions. To do this, it’s important to understand the value of both short-term gains and long-term investments.
3) Embrace Holistic Practices
Beyond mindful decision-making, embracing holistic practices can also be an instrumental tool for crafting a more conscious future. Utilizing creative practices, such as art, storytelling, meditation and yoga can help us to become more connected with ourselves and others, while teaching us how to tap into our intuition and think beyond the scope of what is already known. This allows us to explore the unknown and consider the perspectives of the future.
4) Intentional Collaboration
A major part of creating a more conscious future is intentional collaboration. Engaging in productive conversations with diverse stakeholders, researching the innovative initiatives already in place, and learning from the multitude of cultures and beliefs that exist around us can open us up to new ideas and pooling resources in a way that doesn’t exist yet. We can build connections and start to see our commonalities, in order to truly co-create a better tomorrow.
By changing our mindsets, prioritizing sustainable solutions, embracing holistic practices, and engaging in intentional collaboration, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting a more conscious future. It won’t happen overnight, but with an open heart and an open spirit, anything is possible.
As a result of the positive steps taken by these sustainable fashion brands, it’s clear that more conscious consumerism and better business practices are becoming the standard. By continuing to lead the way in ethical practices, these brands will have a lasting impact on improving the fashion industry and paving the way to a sustainable future.
