Can Fashion Ever Be Sustainable? A Guide to Sustainable Fashion

We are increasingly aware of environmental issues, and the fashion industry is often under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and cheap clothing, contributes significantly to pollution, waste, and resource depletion. However, there’s a growing movement toward sustainability within the industry. But what exactly is sustainable fashion, and can the fashion industry ever be truly sustainable?

What Is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion refers to a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. It includes the entire lifecycle of a garment, from the materials used to how it’s produced, transported, and even how long it lasts. The goal is to reduce the environmental and ethical impact that fashion typically has. This might include the use of organic or recycled materials, ethical labor practices, and minimizing waste.

What Should I Look for in a Sustainable Fashion Brand?

When shopping for sustainable clothing, there are several factors to consider. Here’s a breakdown of key characteristics to look for in a sustainable brand:

• Ethical Sourcing: Look for brands that are transparent about where they source their materials. Are they using organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled fabrics? Ethical sourcing also includes ensuring that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
• Eco-Friendly Production Processes: A truly sustainable brand uses production methods that reduce water consumption, energy usage, and waste. Some brands invest in low-impact dyes or waterless dyeing techniques.
• Longevity: Sustainable brands often focus on creating durable products that last longer, reducing the need for constant replacements. Some offer repair services to further extend the life of their products.
• Certifications: Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, and OEKO-TEX, which verify the environmental and social responsibility of a brand.
• Transparency: Brands that are transparent about their practices, from sourcing to production, are usually more trustworthy when it comes to sustainability. They should be able to tell you where and how their clothes are made and what they are doing to lessen their environmental footprint.

Can Sustainable Fashion Be Affordable?

One of the most common concerns consumers have is the price of sustainable fashion. Sustainable clothing often costs more than fast fashion, but for good reason. The higher prices reflect the use of better materials, ethical labor practices, and more responsible production processes. However, buying sustainably doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. Here are some ways to make it more affordable:

• Buy Secondhand: Thrifting or buying from resale platforms is a great way to shop sustainably without breaking the bank.
• Shop Less, Choose Better: Instead of frequently buying cheap clothing, invest in a few high-quality pieces that will last longer.
• Wait for Sales: Many sustainable brands offer discounts or sales throughout the year. Patience can help you get sustainable pieces at a reduced cost.

How Does Returning Fashion Items Harm the Environment?

While many people take advantage of easy return policies, the environmental cost of returning items is often overlooked. When an item is returned, it’s not just about the shipping emissions from sending the package back. In many cases, returned items are not resold and end up in landfills.

According to some estimates, over 25% of returns are sent to the landfill because it is often cheaper for companies to discard the items than to inspect, repackage, and restock them. The environmental cost includes both the additional transportation emissions and the waste produced.

As a responsible consumer, it’s important to minimize returns. Before purchasing, make sure to check sizing charts carefully, read reviews, and consider whether you genuinely need the item. If something doesn’t fit, try reselling it or giving it to someone who can use it rather than returning it.

How Can I Support Sustainability as a Consumer?

Aside from shopping with sustainable brands, there are several things consumers can do to support fashion sustainability. Here are some tips to make your fashion choices more eco-friendly:

• Buy Local: By purchasing clothing made locally, you help reduce the carbon emissions associated with shipping goods across continents. Plus, you support local economies and artisans.
• Care for Your Clothes: One of the simplest ways to be sustainable is to take good care of your clothing. Wash less often, use cold water, and line dry your clothes when possible. Taking care of your garments ensures they last longer, reducing the need for replacements.
• Upcycle or Repurpose: Instead of discarding old clothes, consider upcycling or repurposing them. There are many creative ways to turn old clothing into something new, such as using old t-shirts to create reusable bags.
• Donate or Sell: If you no longer want a piece of clothing, donate it to charity or sell it through a secondhand platform. This keeps garments in circulation longer and prevents them from ending up in the landfill.
• Support Brands With Green Initiatives: Some brands take extra steps to support sustainability. They might invest in reforestation, carbon offset programs, or have recycling initiatives where customers can return their old garments to be repurposed or recycled.

Is Buying Organic Fabrics Important for Sustainability?

Yes, choosing organic fabrics can make a significant difference in sustainability. Organic cotton, for example, uses less water and no harmful pesticides compared to conventional cotton. However, it’s important to note that sustainability is about more than just the materials used. Organic fabrics should ideally be combined with ethical production practices and durability to have the greatest impact.

Beyond organic cotton, consider other eco-friendly materials like Tencel (made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process), hemp (which requires minimal water and pesticides), or recycled fabrics (which reduce the need for virgin materials).

How Can We Balance Fashion and Environmental Responsibility?

Fashion is an important form of self-expression, but it’s essential to recognize its impact on the environment. By being mindful of where our clothes come from, how they are made, and how we care for them, we can help reduce fashion’s negative impact on the planet.

To achieve a more sustainable wardrobe:

• Shop Intentionally: Think before you buy. Do you need this item? Will you wear it frequently? Is it made from sustainable materials?
• Support Ethical Brands: Invest in brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
• Consider Longevity: Look for timeless pieces that you can wear for years, not just trendy items that might only last a season.

Conclusion: Can Fashion Ever Be Sustainable?

While fashion may never be 100% sustainable due to its inherent reliance on resources, there is great potential for improvement. Sustainable fashion is about making more responsible choices as consumers and supporting brands that prioritize the environment and fair labor. By being more thoughtful in our shopping habits, we can reduce waste, support ethical practices, and move the fashion industry toward a more sustainable future.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash