The Meaning of Sustainable Fashion #2020

The fashion industry is showing progress towards better social and environmental performance. Sustainable fashion is steadily pushing fast fashion away and, as a result, brands implementing new initiatives where sustainability becomes number one priority. It’s important to understand what sustainable fashion is and how to become a part of this change. So, what exactly does sustainable fashion mean?

Sustainable fashion takes care of the whole supply chain covering environmental and social concerns and the full life cycle of products. From the production of the fibre to the dyeing, washing and final assembly of the garment. In doing so, it is also ensuring the reduction of water and air pollution and well-being of the workers and communities surrounding the production plants.

In 2020 the Global Fashion Agenda set up 8 sustainability priorities for the fashion industry:

1. Supply Chain Traceability.

Implement more sustainable practices and to also assess risks to biodiversity, climate and human well-being.

2. Reversing Climate Change.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in operations and to build a net zero-emission economy.

3. Efficient use of water, energy and chemicals.

To reduce the use and release of hazardous chemicals in textile and leather processing, including dying. To enhance water and energy efficiency, as well as chemical usage.

4. Respectful and secure work environments.

Ensure secure and respectful work environments, that will lead to higher productivity, fewer sick days, less errors and shorter turnaround times.

5. Sustainable material mix.

To change the mix of materials, that can reduce the environmental footprint of a fashion producer significantly.

6. Circular fashion system.

Embrace a more circular approach with a focus on durability and avoiding waste, instead of a linear system that is take-make-waste.

7. Promote of better wage systems.

Fashion brands can support a dialogue between manufacturers, local governments and employee representatives to improve wage practices.

8. Fourth industrial revolution.

Technology can rid workers of repetitive and dangerous tasks, such as dyeing and cutting fabric, and allow them to focus on more creative and rewarding activities. Additionally, technological advances that improve accuracy, productivity and transparency could help reduce energy use and waste.

Sustainable brands concentrate on using fabrics that are made to last longer and without harmful substances. On the contrary, fast fashion brands isn’t made to last – the aim is to get you to buy more. “The most sustainable you can be with a garment is to make a garment that lasts a lifetime” says Hap Klopp, former CEO of The North Face. If brands will be able to integrate sustainability into very first phase of designing clothes, then the adverse impact of the fashion industry will be minimised.

By choosing sustainable fashion you can say NO to supporting the negative environmental impact of fast fashion industry is causing, and in-turn reduce your own environmental footprint. Start making difference by being more thoughtful as consumers and stop buying from brands that do not act responsibly. Love our nature, people, animals, and everything in our planet, the same as you love fashion!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you have found this topic useful and helpful. Please leave your comments below.

All references available on request.