3 Effects Of Supporting
Sustainable & Ethical Fashion
Sustainable and ethical fashion is picking up speed, as more people are becoming conscious about saving the planet. It is slowly transcending fad status because it pushes for better quality clothes, eco-alternatives to mass production, and more responsible and humane labour practices.
The demand for sustainable and ethical fashion grows every day.
What is Sustainable and Ethical Fashion?
To understand this concept as a whole, let’s break it down. “Sustainable” typically means that the clothes are made from natural materials (often recycled or from renewable resources) and are made to last longer than clothes made from synthetic materials. It also encompasses the waste production associated with making the clothes, eg dyes, as well as the packaging used, such as biodegradable mailers.
“Ethical” describes the way that these clothes are made and who makes them. These clothes are either made locally or products of fair trade, which is an economic advocacy that demands fair pay for workers and artisans. It’s important to note that there are a variety of factories around the world that operate on Fair Trade principles, but aren’t necessarily Fair Trade Certified.
Together, sustainable and ethical fashion supports multiple advocacies that are both pro-planet and pro-people.
3 Reasons You Should Advocate Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
#1: Reduce Waste
Australia is unfortunately the world’s second highest consumers of textiles, with three out of ten people throwing away at least ten pieces of clothing each year. Synthetic fabric or any hybrid of it (cotton blend, for example, is part polyester) have microplastics and are dyed with toxic chemicals. Most of these end up in landfills and aren’t great for the environment, as they will take years to biodegrade.
When you buy 100% natural fabrics, you can reduce your clothing waste every year. Sustainable clothes last for years because of the quality of production and the strong materials keeping it together. It may cost more, but you maximise its use. You won’t have to throw it away after years of use if you take care of it.
#2: Lowers Carbon Footprint
Ethical fashion means that it was made by local communities in Australia. Most retail clothes are air shipped from China or other parts of the world with big manufacturing sites. Shipping alone causes air pollution and increases your carbon footprint. And mass production? That speaks for itself.
Ethical and sustainable clothes are made locally, which means they don’t contribute to the shipping crisis. They are also often handmade or sewn without the use of machines that produce excessive waste.
#3: Supports Humane Causes
Sustainable and ethical fashion also pushes for a fair trade system, which ensures that all workers are paid fairly for their work. The fair trade principles include the prohibition of child labour, equality among men and women, care for the environment, and humane working conditions.
Conclusion
It’s true when they say that you vote with your money. Everything that you consciously choose has an impact on your everyday life and everyone’s future in general.
Supporting sustainable and ethical clothing brands may not seem like a groundbreaking change, but it will make a difference when you buy and advocate it to loved ones—even more so when you raise children to be conscious of their choices as well. It’s a collective effort that everyone has to be onboard with to leave an impact, and it can start with you.
Sustainable fashion can come with style. Shop at Stride, one of the only online ethical clothing brands in Melbourne with over 100 brands to choose from.
Our store offers a wide selection of clothing such as sleepwear, swimsuits, everyday clothes, and more for men, women, and non-binary folk.
Fill your cart today!