Set of characters buying recycled eco-friendly clothes and textile-sustainable fashion. https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/set-of-characters-buying-recycling-eco-friendly-clothes-and-textile-sustainable-gm1698396920-538418027?searchscope=image%2Cfilm
I reflect that most can agree with me when it comes to fashion. Fashion is not only clothing that we wear for everyday life or special occasions. It is much more personal. Fashion is an experience, a powerful form of self-expression. That is central to positioning our values and how we see ourselves within society. There can be a story behind every top, dress, bag, or accessory that we wear.
Our society has become dictated not only by fashion brands, and designers but also by social media influencers. It’s an unlimited, fast, and innovative way to express ourselves. That way, we can drive change towards more ethical and sustainable practices in fashion supply chains. Here is where self-expression through fashion has evolved into something bigger — a choice and our way of life.
All Starts From You
Fashion is one of the most influential industries out there in terms of social and political impacts. Worldwide, consumers purchase about 90 million new pieces of clothing each year according to The True Cost Documentary. This also means that today, we as consumers are purchasing 400 percent more clothing than 20 years ago. In most of the cases, we may not even need them.
The immensity of fashion consumption and production today substantially affects our planet and the communities surrounding it. We tend to buy more clothing because we tend to get rid of the clothes that we already own so simply. Assuredly, most of us, have no idea where unwanted clothes are going, or what rigorous impact it has on the environment. We may hear sporadically on the radio, or television, or see in newspapers a small number of updates. About the negative effects and global warnings coming from the fashion industry. However, the fashion industry is thought to be responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions. Even less we hear about solutions and how we can help to reduce the negative effect by changing our behavior as consumers.
So, I have listed my sustainable values that might work for you or open more selections to explore yourself. We are so different but, in a way, we have similarities, and want a better future. That’s why we should start acting now if have not started yet.
-
- Purchasing Eco-friendly and Environmentally Sustainable Fashion. You can choose to purchase a fashion that holds an environmental sustainability certification. You could also undertake a slow fashion approach where you focus on quality over quantity. I have searched for sustainable brands that offer the certification and sell fashion that is only made in a sustainable way.
Ethical Fashion Certifications You Should Know
It is important to understand what these particular certifications mean so you have the ability to make your own decisions confidently without fear of being greenwashed. With this in mind, we have put together a list of 5 ethical fashion certifications that you will often find slapped onto swing tags of ethical fashion products. So, do have a look next time at the store at the label, hidden inside clothes to check how sustainable clothing that brand is selling.
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) works towards making cotton a sustainable mainstream commodity and improving the environmental and social impacts brought about by cotton production. If a product includes the BCI label, the process of the cotton used in that item has been mindfully grown and exported.
BLUESIGN is an independent authority that provides sustainable solutions for processing and manufacturing to brands and industries alike. If a product is BLUESIGN approved, this means that it was made responsibly, both in regards to people and the planet, and all negative social and environmental impacts were kept to an absolute minimum.
The Fairtrade certification advocates for the protection of the rights of farming and worker communities all around the world. If a product carries the Fairtrade Mark they are supporting the rights and the livelihood of these workers; workers who, with the material or item they are producing, are meeting social, economic, and environmental standards agreed upon internationally. Don’t be fooled, though: products can be marketed as “fair trade” without having the necessary independent, third-party verification that Fairtrade has (thank you for the info, Fairtrade), so make sure you look for the Fairtrade Mark.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is exactly as it sounds; it sets the standard for textiles made from organic fibres. GOTS certified products adhere to strict environmental and social criteria and must contain a minimum of 70% organic fibres.
The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is a third-party textile certification that tests textile components for harmful substances and ultimately ensures that these textiles and components are completely safe for human use. Finished or raw yarns, woven and knitted fabrics, accessories including buttons and zips, and garments of all types are examples of the materials that can be tested and STANDARD 100 Certified. The strict criteria are globally standardized, are updated at least once a year and, if necessary, are built upon any relevant scientific findings or statutory requirements.
So now you are aware of some ethical fashion certifications that can help you fight off the evils of greenwashing so you can make more informed, more ethical purchases.
You could also undertake a slow fashion approach where you focus on quality over quantity. When you actually buy new clothing, you invest in high-quality pieces that are made to last. This way, you are maximising the usage of the clothing that you already own. According to Fashion For Good, simply wearing your clothes for an extra nine months, can reduce waste and water usage by 20–30 percent.
-
- Eco-friendly And Environmentally Preloved Sustainable Fashion. Another great way to alter your sustainable fashion values is to purchase sustainable fashion that has been worn. There are a couple of marketplaces that I used in the past and would like to share my experience with:
-
- Everused – bespoke marketplace for sustainable – preloved fashion and more. This marketplace has sustainable brands that focus on production, manufacturing and sourcing the best quality materials. Everused is also working with educational system in the UK, that promotes quality over quantity, longer wear and second-hand quality clothing. On the website you can find useful information about sustainable fashion, communities working together, swap events and more.
Working closely with UK’s charities, Everused the core focus is to shift consumer shopping habits. Where sustainable and high-quality second-hand items are preferred than cheap-low quality, fast fashion. The company believes that it would help to diminish fast fashion production. It might look like an impossible goal, knowing how much companies such as Zara, Shein and Prettylittlething profits from low quality trendy fashion. However, I think that already consumers are moving towards that. It would help not only reduce environmental damage but also invest disposable income elsewhere. For example, I saved £50 per month once I have started to purchase clothing on Everused. I buy quality pieces that last longer and does not go out of fashion. Plus, the platform allows consumers to list their own items and make extra cash!
-
- Vinted – fast fashion marketplace. Vinted was probably, the first platform that I came across. I would say, that they were everywhere. Advertising on each social platform, television and radio. It is hard to miss. The company operates not only in the UK, but in most of the European countries. With a strong marketing and advertising investment, their built a large data base. Vinted is on the mission to become number one second-hand marketplace in the world. Last year introduced second-hand high fashion authorization service with additional fee of £10 for the buyer. Similar to Vestiairecollective a high-end second-hand fashion marketplace. In 2023, Vinted’s revenues reached £321.7m with a rise of 51% from previous year. The platform offers large collection of fast fashion clothing and other items. However, they are not focusing on sustainable fashion that it matters to me.
-
- eBay – the longest existing marketplace in the world. This year, eBay waived seller fees for second-hand items in order to compete with main rivals Vinted and Depop. Ebay reported 130% growth in second hand fashion last year. The main reasons are living crisis in the UK, more conscious shopping and risen popularity of vintage clothing. I found that some charities are directly list their items on eBay for sale. Important to notice that, that starting 1st Jan 2024 eBay will pass on data to HMRC automatically. Only if you are selling 30 or more items a year OR have total earnings over the equivalent of £1,770 while other marketplaces will not.
Marketplace Everused that sell preloved sustainable fashion is my best-loved. I distinguish that I am paying more for the quality that last longer. Hence, I see a growth in sustainable fashion market. Consumers thinking harder before spending their money. Clothing as I say, is a sort of investment. We want to invest a long-term and receive greatest returns.
-
- Ethical labor and social responsibility. You can choose to shop for fashion that is ethically produced. From a product level, you can look for products that are Fair Trade or B-Corp certified for example. Ethical fashion brands ensure that the people who make their garments are paid fairly, work in discrimination-free, empowering and safe environments. Stella McCartney is synonymous with ethical luxury. The brand prioritizes cruelty-free materials, sustainable sourcing, and a commitment to animal welfare. The brand is setting a standard for high-end fashion with a conscience. Mother of Pearl is a more sustainable and ethical luxury womenswear and accessories designer brand. UK made brand celebrates individuality and authenticity. The brand uses a high proportion of more responsible materials including organic cotton and ensures the payment of a living wage across some of its supply chain. More affordable brands are also available such as People Tree, we are. and Thought.
-
- Animal rights (vegan and cruelty-free). These inspiring fashion brands know that leather, fur, exotic skins, and other animal-derived material contribute to a multifaceted environmental crisis, so they are making responsible choices by creating their fashionable wares with recycled, cruelty-free, and sustainable materials. Also, most of the marketplaces such as Everused, do not allow to list any items that contains animal material or tirals. Here is some vegan fashion to try out:
- Harvest & Mill
- Ccil
- SUSI Studio
-
- Charitable approach to sustainable fashion. We recognize that charities are the right place, for most, where they can get rid of clothes for free. We assume that we are doing amazing job by giving our cheap, sometimes ripped and no more wearable clothes to charities. Well, perhaps it is better than throwing them straight to the bin.
However, did you know that majority of your given clothes are throwing away once received. There many reasons why so. Also, did you know that even when given clothes are displayed in the local’s charity shop, it does not guarantee a sale. Actually, only 10-20 percent of charitable items are sold before there are sent abroad. Therefore, you think it is REALLY the most sustainable approach to deal with unwanted apparel? I personally, think that listing items on marketplace such as Everused or eBay can be more useful. Most of us have internet and your used clothing can reach a wider audience. Then, if no sale, there are more options available too such as swapping clothing online or locally, or taking to recycling bins directly.
I introduced with so many options that are available right now…how can you find fashion that aligns with your sustainable values?
As I talked about importance of expressing ourselves through fashion, I can assume that what we wear in most cases aligns with our sustainability values. Wearing slow fashion, conscious, and preloved sustainable fashion is a very powerful way to express ourselves, and what we believe in. This way, we are moving beyond the materialistic side of fashion.
As consumer, I had to change the perceptions I had towards clothing. Where I had to conduct deep research about sustainable fashion and benefits of it. It is important to understand and start creating meaningful and long-lasting relationships with clothing instead of giving in to excessive or meaningless consumption. Thus, we can actively make a difference towards a more sustainable future. Will all available options and counting, I am sure that we can start making difference from today.
