Sustainable Fashion.
Is it Worth Fighting For?
Hey there,
Once again, allow me to thank you for sparing a few minutes of your time to look at and subscribe to my sustainable fashion newsletter.
But before we proceed, ask yourself these questions:
Do you want to see a less polluted globe?
Do you care about where the products you use come from, how they were manufactured, and the environmental impact associated with their production?
Do you believe that everyone deserves to be fairly paid at work?
Do you wish the next generation to live in a suitably less toxic environment?
Do you care about the ethical treatment of workers and the fashion industry?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, you're in the right place. If you answered "HELL NO!" somewhere, you’re still in the right place. I will show you why this is important in the long run. But before we get to that, allow me to first define sustainable fashion.
What Is Sustainable Fashion?
The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world. The production and distribution of fibres, crops, and other materials used in the production of fashion products contribute to different forms of environmental pollution, including air, water, and land pollution. While the fashion brands bag hefty profits, workers are often paid peanuts in comparison, and the majority work in tough conditions.
Do you want this work climate to persist? Assume you were the one working for such brands. What would you advocate for. (While I’ve never worked for a fashion brand myself, I want everyone to be treated and paid fairly, and I want a greater emphasis on environmental conservation so that the next generation can live in a safe, green world).
Sustainable fashion is a movement and revolution aimed at nurturing change in the fashion industry, ecological sincerity, and social justice.
In addition to the fashion products themselves, the movement involves social, cultural, financial, and ecological systems. The sustainable fashion industry considers perspectives of key stakeholders, from producers to users.
As global citizens, it is our responsibility to support and advocate for sustainability and ethical action.
Dr Vandana Shiva explains, “We need to reinvent our eating and drinking, our moving and working, in our local ecosystems and local cultures. Enriching our lives by lowering our consumption, without impoverishing others. And above all, we need to subject the laws that govern production and consumption to the laws of Gaia; the laws of the planet.”
In simple terms, we can create a sustainable society by addressing human needs within the boundaries of the planet and without causing harm to the earth. You can read more about the set planetary boundaries in The Johan Rockström Framework of 2007.
Congratulations, you now have an idea of what sustainable fashion entails. It's now time to dive into reasons why the fashion industry needs to change.
Why is There a Need for Change in the Fashion Industry?
Like it or not, we are all affected by the fashion industry in some way or other starting with the clothes we wear to the celebrities we adore and the fashion brands they promote.
Take a close look at how you are dressed now. Have you ever asked yourself where these clothes come from? How the clothes were made and what it took to make them? Stay tuned for these answers in future articles.
Unfortunately, the earth is suffering, and we are all partially responsible. The good thing is that we can help reverse this destruction.
As we now know that the fashion industry is the second largest pollutant in the world, it is our job to affect change. Trust me, we can, and we will.
We currently face a trend toward excessive production. Luckily, this trend is reversible. The impact of production on our lives, garment workers, supply chain workers, and, above all, the planet's resources warrant immediate action.
Transparency is a fundamental tenet in a more sustainable future of the fashion industry. Moving forward, brands need to publish information on who their suppliers are and how they conduct business with them. Brands need to be accountable for how they pay their workers, working conditions, and the impact their production processes have on the environment.
Next week, I'll talk about the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, how they relate to the fashion industry, and the relevant certifications you should look for in a brand that claims to be sustainable.
Thank you for your time. Until then, feel free to comment, share with your circle, and critique.