One of the most fun parts of changing weather is new clothes. New seasons are often the perfect excuse to run to the mall and scope out the new trendy pieces. (AKA the ones Instagram told you are hip.)
Or if your clothing obsession runs a little deeper, you might be up on all of the new designer collections from fashion week. Twice a year, fashion month takes over the globe hitting cities like New York, London, Milan, Paris, and even Los Angeles.
That’s right, LA Fashion Week is getting bigger and better, and this year the main focus (other than modeling killer outfits) is sustainable fashion. The environmental impact of clothing in the fashion world has been on its way to the forefront for quite some time. As climate change continues to grow as a major issue the planet is facing, the fashion community has started to take responsibility for creating more responsible and ethical, eco-friendly clothing.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6vY1Ap9mF20spe7u/giphy.gif”]
Well, there’s good news, as brands began to dive into fast fashions environmental impact, they have also started to look for new fabrics and methods to create more sustainable clothing.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AiDgEpOTx/”]
Major labels centered around creating sustainable fashion and eco-friendly options. Shows like Dior even lined the runway with real trees and announced that after the show they would be planted around Paris. London Fashion Week was the first this year to be completely fur free, and in New York the United Nations held its first ever Climate Action Summit.
Here’s everything you need to know about sustainable fashion – what fabrics can you switch to to make less of an environmental impact, where to get it, and small changes you can make when your shopping that will make a huge different for our planet.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/l0IykggGSYfLIgYJa/giphy.gif”]
Sounds like a no-brainer to us. But we know how intimidating it can be! So how do you start an eco-friendly closet?
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Ng_yon9AX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link”]
Unfortunately, the fashion industry is taking a major toll on the environment. In fact, it’s the second highest polluter around the world right behind agriculture. (Yes, that means fashion is killing the planet faster the cars or energy. Yikes.)
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/LnpOsupNVqaPGhV3TX/giphy.gif”]
Sustainable fashion is sort of an all-encompassing phrase that means the clothes were made in an ecologically responsible manner. According to Livia Firth, found of Eco-Age, Sustainable fashion equals a sustainable wardrobe.”
If you’re investing in something long term, or buying something that is vintage, or recycled, you’re positively impacting the environment by making a choice that will last longer.
Brands are starting to make products using materials like organic fibers and lower water usage during production as they move towards sustainable clothing practices.
In the process, they also want to “protect people’s health and well-being.” What’s not to love about that?
“Think of clothing kind of how you think of food, if something was dripping in chemicals you definitely wouldn’t eat it – so why would you put it on your body?” A fair point!
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B3DzhfdgazH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link”]
The concept of fast fashion is centered around taking inspiration from the latest trend on the runway and producing it in a large scale as quickly and cheaply as possible.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/gikLMw5rlmARq/giphy.gif”]
It almost means that fast fashion has a scary environmental impact.
You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and see that Kylie Jenner is rocking a hot pink dress from Balmain’s most recent collection. As always, you think to yourself, ‘God she looks fantastic, and where can I buy that.’
This is where fast fashion comes into play. Brands like Forever21, Missguided, and Fashion Nova will instantly create a dress that looks just like it, only this time it’s around $30.
While it may seem like a win-win situation, this method of creating clothing is taking a huge toll on the environment–and your health.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/687924911813533467/”]
This leads to increased “water pollution, use of toxic chemicals, and levels of textile waste,” according to The Independent.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/1zkaZ6uefZIbmmCK1i/giphy.gif”]
Most fabrics from stores that have quick turnaround are dyed using chemicals that are extremely toxic both to humans and the environment.
To combat the issue, Greenpeace has started a Detox campaign that will take action to force brands to remove toxin from their supply chains.
Think again. These carcinogenic chemicals are so dangerous they are banned in some countries for being too dangerous. So, yeah it’s something to watch out for.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/7ToejBRotwok7y50Qw/giphy.gif”]
Chances are, if you’re buying a piece of clothing under a certain amount, there’s a good amount of polyester in it. We know the fabric isn’t that comfortable (or flattering honestly) but it tends to be cheap.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540361655289705133/”]
Polyester is quick and cheap to make, and it’s causing major damage to the planet really quickly. When garments made of polyester or nylon get tossed in the washing machine,they shed plastic microfibers.
Since the fibers are so small they easily pass through any water treatment facilities to catch waste. Suddenly these non-biodegradable pieces of plastic are ending up in the ocean. They’re eaten by marine life, and then often ingested by humans eating fish. In a word, gross.
The main issue from cotton stems from how it’s grown and the toll it’s taking on farmers.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/QjrrSbYaqgi1q/giphy.gif”]
According to the World Health Organization, three of the “most acutely hazardous insecticides” are used to grow cotton. One, called Aldicarb, can “kill a man with just one drop absorbed through the skin,” says the Organic Trade Association.
There’s been several studies and documentaries linking cotton farming to brain damage and birth defects for those who farm it.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/3ov9k6CtgRSUnSC1Mc/giphy.gif”]
Most tampons! Loads of feminine hygiene products are made with cotton, and Dr. Joseph Mercola likened using these products as “a ticking time bomb” thanks to years and years of wear.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192951165261603866/”]
Brands like H&M and Zara are starting to move toward using organic cotton, which reduces the use of pesticides and helps the planet. While this process is slow, the move to a more organic source of cotton will eventually make a big environment impact.
While we know that substances like fur and other products taken from animals are extremely unethical, there’s a hidden toll on the earth as well. Increased production of these goods create additional emissions of methane (a dangerous greenhouse gas).
If we removed all of that gas from the planet, our ozone would be much, much happier, and safer.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/l1KVcrdl7rJpFnY2s/giphy.gif”]
Shopping for a sustainable closet can be somewhat overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start.
According to the National Resources Defense Council, there is no “perfect” fabric, but there is a good amount of fibers that are much more low impact. Here’s a good breakdown of common labels you might seen on clothing – and what exactly they mean.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/749779037942058397″]
An umbrella term that means the company made the product with regards for the environment and its workers. There’s a good chance there are not harsh fabrics or chemicals in it. But it’s always good to check the tag, just to be safe.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/749779037942058397″]
Probably a little more expensive, but made from more responsibly sourced materials like cotton that was made without using harsh pesticides.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/652670170977438060/”]
The clothing was made from materials that will naturally decompose back into the Earth, reducing waste on the planet. Fabrics like linen, silk, and hemp are good to look out for.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/hPWoC2hw4de6Y/giphy.gif”]
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513058582547832006/”]
Much like heading to your favorite vintage store for some new finds, recycled means that the clothing was made with materials that were used in another product beforehand. This method is becoming a popular way to reuse materials like metal, plastic, and rubber.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/261490322100846728/”]
The unfortunate reality is tons of clothing is made in underdeveloped countries where many men, women, and children aren’t treated properly.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/b5WsjNpMc35za/giphy.gif”]
Just like cutting out meat and dairy, vegan means that the fabric was made using absolutely no animal products.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/MEgGD8bV72hfq/giphy.gif”]
Sustainable fashion tends to get a bad rap for being more expensive than its fast fashion counterparts. The truth is, much like buying organic food options at the grocery store, sustainable clothing tends to be slightly more expensive–and we stress slightly.
Helping fight climate change and the environment, ensuring that the workers who made it were treated fairly and paid for their efforts, and that your keeping dangerous toxic chemicals far away from your body.
Keep in mind that if you’re spending money on quality items, the less chance it has of being something you toss away a month later after an unfortunate shrinking incident in the dryer.
According to Eco-age, the average U.S. citizen throws away around 81 lbs of clothing every year. Yes, as in each person. And guess what? Roughly 95% of the clothes thrown away could have been recycled.
[fm_giphy url=”https://media.giphy.com/media/xT9DPwpZktmbABO97G/giphy.gif”]
If you’re shopping online, check out the product details for a material breakdown and avoid harmful materials. If you’re in person, be sure to check the tag.
Well, this part seems fun. But seriously, if you’re investing more money into an item of sustainable clothing, chances are you’ll want it to last you for a longer period of time.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/314689092711877304/”]
You can also buy more up-cycled and vintage clothing items. Suddenly you’ll have a wardrobe that is not only environmentally friendly, you’ll up your style game in the process.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B2JZWzfgXTS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link”]
According to Stella McCartneythere is a misconception around the word “eco.”
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B29tTXZHwcZ/”]
Check out brands like Reformation, Boyish Jeans, and Ninety Percent, all of which are not only full of great sustainable clothing choices, but also give you a report of all of the resources you saved by purchasing on of their items.
Sustainable clothing is all about fashion and comfort, AKA the dream. Who knows, maybe there’s even a dress with pockets.
[fm_instagram url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/B3GI9USn1nF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link”]
Lastly, it’s good even when shopping at regular stores to keep an eye out for more earth friendly fabrics. Soon they might be on the forefront of the fashion world – and some of the materials are getting pretty innovative.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/135389532532950098/”]
We all know that a leather jacket is the ultimate fashion staple, and we’re not asking you to give it up. What we are asking is to invest in vegan options like pineapple leather.
The material, called Piñatex, is made from pineapple leaves and is sourced in the Philippines. Other plant and fruit leather alternatives are starting to gain major steam.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/391742867589842050/”]
The fabric linen is made from flax plant fibers and has been used for centuries to make clothing. It takes very little water to grow and doesn’t require any fertilizing.
Plus, you always casually look as if you’ve just stepped off your yacht in the Hamptons.
[fm_pinterest url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/518617713338632345/”]
Lyocell is actually derived from the cellulose in wood pulp, but we promise it’s softer than it sounds. The material is not only biodegradable, but it can be made with recycled water and grows without chemicals. It’s similar to hemp, which is another low impact fabric.
And while it may seem like super small changes, they make a huge impact on the environment.
كانت الثمانينيات بمثابة العصر الذهبي لملابس تدفئة الساق ذات الألوان النيون، وتمارين الأيروبيك عالية الطاقة،…
Keeping your home clean can be a breeze with the right tools. These standout cleaning…
Ever bumped into a celebrity at your local coffee shop or while walking your dog?…
Are you tired of cramped closets and messy wardrobes? Meet your new best friend –…
Building a home gym can be an exciting way to stay fit without the hassle…
Looking to capture and share memories instantly? We've got you covered with some great options…