Author: Chelsea Zhang

Have you ever thought about the reasons behind your most recent clothing purchase? Was it influenced by your favorite social media influencer flaunting a similar outfit, the perfect complement to your new sneakers, or the necessity of staying warm as winter approaches? Regardless of your motivation, have you ever taken a moment to scrutinize the label that discloses the garment's composition? If you have, are you aware of which materials can be considered both natural and sustainable, as opposed to those that fall short of sustainability? Furthermore, can you identify the materials that align with sustainable fashion principles? And have you ever delved into the precise definition of “Sustainable Fashion”?

As you can tell, determining the exact essence of sustainable fashion is a multifaceted challenge. It encompasses various facets such as recycling, promoting social justice, conserving resources, and striving for climate neutrality. Remarkably, the most sustainable fashion choice may well be the one we've had in our wardrobe for an extended period. A recent study conducted by the U.S. company Genomatica delved into this very subject and unveiled that a substantial portion of participants exhibited uncertainty when it came to defining sustainability within the realm of fashion.

In a recent study conducted at the beginning of April, a sample of 2,000 U.S. teenagers and adults was surveyed to understand their attitudes and behaviors regarding sustainable clothing. The findings revealed a strong desire among U.S. consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices when purchasing new apparel. In fact, a significant 86% expressed their belief in the importance of sustainability within the fashion industry.

However, a significant challenge emerges - sustainable fashion remains elusive. It becomes evident that 1 in 3 U.S. consumers would readily opt for shopping exclusively at a sustainable clothing store if such an option existed. As one respondent candidly put it, “Navigating sustainable choices can be quite perplexing because the true meaning of sustainability, especially in clothing, remains unclear to many”. An astonishing 48% of those surveyed admitted to being uncertain about where to locate sustainable clothing options at all. All of these phenomena explain the reason why the consumers need to be schooled about “Sustainable Fashion”.

What is Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion pertains to a clothing production and distribution network that prioritizes ecological and social responsibility. Its goal is to shift the focus of both the fashion industry and consumers from the fast fashion paradigm to more sustainable approaches in the realms of sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, and usage. According to research, fashion is one of the most polluting industries. The manufacturing of clothing often involves the use of highly toxic dyes and heavy metals, which are subsequently discharged into our clean water streams, rivers, and aquifers. This harmful runoff not only poses a serious threat to the health of humans and animals but also inflicts significant damage on delicate ecosystems. The consequences extend further, contributing to the alarming loss of biodiversity within affected regions. Addressing these environmental concerns is an imperative step toward a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. The sadder news is that the fashion manufacturers in excess of 100 billion garments annually, of which approximately 87% ultimately find their way to landfills or incineration facilities, amounting to roughly 40 million tons. Regrettably, only a mere 1% of these garments are recycled.

To be specific, sustainable fashion can be categorized into the following kinds:

apparel created with a focus on environmental sustainability in both its design and production, such as the use of eco-friendly materials like organically grown fibers, post-consumer fibers, or natural & biodegradable materials;
apparel created with a strong consideration for the well-being and rights of both humans and animals in its design and production, such as the use of ethical labor, the fair trade certificated, or handmade/artisan-crafted;
garments that have had previous owners and are being resold in their original condition, such as the secondhand or vintage resources;
apparel created with a focus on resilience and lasting quality;
or garments that are repaired to maintain their original shape or transformed into entirely new items, all with the objective of extending the product's lifespan.

What can we do as consumers?

As consumers, we have the power to support sustainable fashion, and here are a few things we can do:

Learn about sustainable fashion. You can not buy or live in a sustainable way if you know nothing about sustainable fashion.
Buy less, choose well. Opt for durable garments that have enduring style and adaptability, thus diminishing the necessity for frequent replacements.
Choose natural materials/100% recycled fabrics.
Recycling and upcycling. Engage in clothing recycling initiatives or repurpose old garments to create new styles or find alternative uses for them.
Rent or swap. Consider clothing rental services or join clothing exchange events with friends to lessen the requirement for buying new items.
Support sustainable and ethical brands. Conduct research and back fashion labels that emphasize environmentally-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing methods, and openness. Leverage your buying influence to impact brands. If a brand's values don't match your own, communicate your concerns via social media or email.