Today, it’s more important than ever that we focus on sustainability. As consumers and shoppers, we can vote with our dollars by choosing brands that have a positive impact on the planet.
That means looking for sustainable fabrics and textiles, but also supporting companies that are making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. It also means being conscious about what you buy you don’t need ten tops when you already have five great ones!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world. |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular. |
| Choosing eco-friendly clothing and accessories can reduce the negative impact of fashion on the environment. |
| Building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. |
| Making small changes in your fashion choices can have a big impact on the environment. |
Sustainable Textiles Like Hemp And Organic Cotton Are Gaining Popularity
Sustainable textiles are fabrics that are made from natural materials and treated in a way that is eco-friendly. Hemp and organic cotton are two popular sustainable textiles.
Hemp, the fiber from the hemp plant, can be used to make everything from clothing to paper to rope. Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or fertilizers, which makes it more environmentally friendly than conventional cotton farming methods.
The popularity of sustainable textiles is growing as people become increasingly aware of how their diet affects their health and well-being, as well as the environmental impact of their habits and consumer choices.
Millennials especially have been making conscious efforts to eat healthier foods while reducing waste at home by using reusable bags instead of plastic ones at grocery stores; they’re also choosing clothing made with more sustainable materials like hemp instead of polyester because they prefer environmentally friendly products over those made with harmful chemicals such as fluorocarbons (which emit greenhouse gases).
If you’re looking for some new items for your wardrobe but would rather not support companies that don’t prioritize healthy living or protecting our planet’s resources or if you want something durable enough for everyday use buy some clothes made from organic cotton or hemp fibers!
Choosing eco-friendly furniture and decor is an important step in creating a sustainable lifestyle. Our guide on How to Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture and Decor provides tips and insights on how to make the right choices for your home.
Brands Are Offering Size-Inclusive, Sustainable Styles
As a society, we’re becoming more and more aware of the environmental toll of fast fashion. We’re also becoming more aware that many brands are missing out on a huge segment of their audience and that’s not okay.
The solution? Brands are offering size-inclusive, sustainable styles. And that’s a good thing for everyone involved: consumers, brands, and the planet alike!
| Brand | Sustainable Materials Used | Size Inclusivity |
|---|---|---|
| Girlfriend Collective | Recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and Lenzing Modal | XS-6XL |
| Universal Standard | Organic cotton, recycled materials, TENCEL Lyocell | Sizes 00-40 |
| H&M Conscious | Organic cotton, recycled polyester, TENCEL Lyocell, linen | Sizes 0-26 |
| Eileen Fisher | Organic cotton, recycled materials, TENCEL Lyocell, linen | Sizes XXS-3X |
| Mara Hoffman | Organic cotton, linen, TENCEL Lyocell, deadstock fabrics | Sizes 00-20 |
Vegan Fashion Is Picking Up Speed
Vegan fashion or more specifically, eco-friendly vegan fashion has been gaining momentum over the past few years. With its focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices, it’s easy to see why this trend has taken off in such a big way.
As an increasing number of people become aware of the impact that their clothing has on both the environment and animals, they are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint by making more sustainable choices about what they’re wearing.
This is where vegan fashion comes in! Made from materials such as hemp and cotton (a naturally grown plant), these fabrics don’t require any harmful chemicals or pesticides to grow; instead they are treated with natural products like vinegar which can be used as a disinfectant for dirt or mold spores during production processes instead of harsh chemicals that pollute our waterways when washed down drains during washing cycles at home
Organic gardening has numerous benefits for both the environment and our health. Learn more about why you should start gardening organically by reading our article on The Benefits of Organic Gardening and Why You Should Start Now.
There’s A Shift To Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is a movement that’s gaining popularity, and for good reason. In contrast to fast fashion, which values quantity over quality and leads to the waste of materials and resources, slow fashion brands focus on sustainable practices.
They use natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo (which have their own benefits), support ethical manufacturing processes, and create original designs that are more likely to stand the test of time than trends that come and go every season.
These brands are making an impact in their communities as well: The Everlane Foundation works with schools in Haiti; Madewell has partnered with American Forests since 2009; and Patagonia provides grants to environmental organizations around the world.
Repurposed Materials Are Cool Again
The future of fashion means embracing the importance of recycling. It’s a good thing, too: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2014 alone, Americans generated more than 34 million tons of clothing and textiles that were not recycled or composted.
In 2015, the EPA found that only 6% percent of these materials were actually reused or recycled—the rest went straight into landfills.
It doesn’t have to be this way—and it won’t be if we’re willing to look at what we wear with fresh eyes. Repurposed materials are cool again! And they can be used for new products as well as repairs:
- Old jeans or T-shirts can be cut up and sewn into chair cushions;
- Old sweaters turn into rugs;
- Old sheets become curtains;
And there’s no need for shoppers who want eco-friendly clothing to make do with lower quality products either: Reusing old clothes is often more affordable than buying new ones from stores that don’t care about sustainability issues like fast fashion companies do (which you should avoid).
Fast fashion has a significant impact on the environment, and it’s time we start making changes. Our article on The Truth About Fast Fashion and Its Impact on the Environment sheds light on the issue and provides actionable steps towards more sustainable fashion choices.
People Are Becoming More Conscious About Their Spending Habits.
People are becoming more conscious about their spending habits. You might have heard the term “conscious consumerism,” which refers to a movement in which people are increasingly aware of the environmental impact, social impact, and ethical impact of what they buy.
As a result of this awareness, many shoppers will now only purchase items that align with their values.
This means that brands need to act accordingly: if you want your customers to support your brand and keep coming back for more products, then you need to offer them something they can feel good about buying into.
| Spending Category | Percentage of People Who Considered Impact on Environment |
|---|---|
| Food | 68% |
| Household products | 63% |
| Clothing and accessories | 57% |
| Travel | 47% |
| Electronics | 42% |
Renting Clothes Is The New Fast Fashion
Rental culture is a $100 billion industry, and it’s growing fast. Rent the Runway and Le Tote are two of the most well-known companies in this space, but there are plenty of others that offer clothing rentals to their customers as well.
These companies allow you to rent high-quality clothes for a fraction of what they’d cost if you bought them new.
They also keep your closet fresh with fashionable pieces you can rotate in and out on a regular basis.
And because they’re so affordable, it’s easy to keep up with trends without breaking the bank! All in all, renting is a great way to save money while still having access to an impressive selection of trendy outfits so why not give it a try?
If you’re looking for ways that fashion can be both eco-friendly and stylish at once, check out our article about sustainable style here!
Reusable Shopping Bags Are On The Rise
Reusable shopping bags are on the rise. Perhaps you’ve heard about them before, or maybe you haven’t. The most important thing to know is that reusable shopping bags are better for the environment than plastic ones.
That’s because they can be reused hundreds of times, which means they save a lot of material from ending up in landfills and oceans.
They’re also better for your wallet because they cut down on impulse buys that result from buying more groceries than necessary (which is why people sometimes overload their carts with plastic bags).
Reusable shopping bags are easy to carry and store, too they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space at home or in your car since they fold into compact shapes like triangles or squares when not in use. They come in many different shapes and sizes from small totes that fit inside purses or backpacks all the way up through large cart covers so there’s something out there for everyone!
Building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our guide on How to Create a Sustainable Wardrobe on a Budget to learn tips and tricks on how to build a wardrobe that’s both eco-friendly and affordable.
There’s More Recycling In Fashion Than Ever Before
One of the most exciting developments in the fashion industry is how it’s moving toward a more sustainable model.
Although recycling has always been part of the fashion business, there are now more recycled products than ever before and they’re being made into new things that are just as useful and beautiful as ever before.
There are many different types of recycling in fashion right now: recycled materials can be used to make new products, new fabrics, new accessories and even new shoes!
Fashion Brands Are Becoming More Transparent
Today’s fashion brands are becoming more transparent. They’re now sharing the materials they use, the manufacturing process, and even the environmental impact of their products. This is all in an effort to get consumers to buy more sustainable options.
This transparency isn’t just good for the environment or animals it’s also good for you! When you know what brands use safe materials and how they treat their workers, you can make better decisions about where to shop.
Choosing eco-friendly hotels and resorts can make a big difference in reducing our environmental impact while traveling. Our article on The Top Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts Around the World highlights some of the best sustainable options for your next trip.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the future of fashion is moving in a sustainable direction. But sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or uncomfortable it can also mean better clothes for you and your body, whether that means more inclusive sizing or vegan options.
And as consumers become more aware of the harm that fast fashion does to our planet and our bodies, they’re making their purchases count by buying less stuff but choosing quality over quantity.
Further Reading
Eco-Fashion: Meaning and Future Prospects: This article provides an overview of the eco-fashion industry, its growth, and future prospects.
The Future Looks Green: Sustainable Fashion Trends: This article explores current sustainable fashion trends and the growing importance of eco-consciousness in the fashion industry.
The Future of Sustainable Fashion Around the World: This blog post provides insights into sustainable fashion around the world, including trends and future prospects for the industry.
FAQs
What is eco-fashion?
Eco-fashion refers to clothing and accessories that are made using sustainable materials and production methods that have a minimal impact on the environment.
Why is sustainable fashion important?
Sustainable fashion is important because traditional fashion production methods have a negative impact on the environment, including pollution, water waste, and carbon emissions. By promoting sustainable fashion, we can reduce these negative impacts and promote more environmentally friendly clothing and accessory production.
What are some sustainable fashion materials?
Some sustainable fashion materials include organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and materials made from renewable resources like bamboo or hemp.
What is fast fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the trend of producing low-quality, inexpensive clothing and accessories that are designed to be quickly and cheaply produced and sold at a low price point.
Why is fast fashion harmful?
Fast fashion is harmful because it has a significant environmental impact due to its reliance on cheap and unsustainable production methods. Fast fashion also contributes to exploitative labor practices and creates a cycle of overconsumption and waste.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.