Fashion trends come and go constantly, and it seems that everyone wants to jump on the latest trends. However, this is causing great harm to our planet. Consumers are increasingly aware of these problems, but many feel overwhelmed about what to do about it.
As a fashion designer, I constantly think about how this industry impacts the world we live in. In this blog post, I will help you understand the basics of ethical fashion.
Ethical Fashion Definition
Ethical fashion aims to completely rework the way we approach fashion. This involves totally reworking the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of clothing. The goal is to actually create a benefit to people and communities while reducing the environmental impact.
This holistic view covers everything from fair treatment of garment workers to using environmentally friendly materials. Fashion brands that are ethical commit to:
- reducing their carbon footprint
- providing and ensuring safe working conditions
- using transparent, responsible practices throughout the supply chain
Why We Need Ethical Fashion
We all need clothes. Yet, more and more it is clear that we can not live with the current way we approach fashion.
According to the European Parliament, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. That is more than international flights and maritime shipping combines. Furthermore, textile production is responsible for 20% of global clean water pollution. The fashion industry can not continue this way forever.
Besides the environmental considerations, we also need to ensure humane living conditions for garment workers. Many workers work in dangerous conditions for less than a living wage.
This isn’t just happening in far-away countries. It happens right here in the United States. Some garment workers in Los Angeles get paid as little as $1.58 per hour.
None of this will change unless people vote with their wallets and advocate for change. Consumers are starting to demand more ethical fashion choices.
5 Elements of Ethical Fashion
- Fair and Safe Working Conditions: Everyone involved in the production of clothing should work in safe conditions and receive a fair, living wage.
- Sustainable Production Processes: Methods and materials used in clothing production should cause as little harm as possible to the environment. This includes using recycled materials, using low-water and low-energy manufacturing, and using non-toxic dyes.
- Transparency and Accountability: Companies must be open about their supply chain and business practices. Consumers should be allowed to make informed decisions. This includes disclosing where garments are made and under what conditions.
- Quality and Longevity: Fashion brands should prioritize using high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Garments should last a long time to reduce the amount of clothing people buy overall.
- Social and Economic Enhancement: Brands should support community development and poverty alleviation. This is done through initiatives like skill training, education, and sustainable development projects in the communities that make clothing.
Visit Nikki Brar’s blog for more tips about sustainable fashion, trends, and more.
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