Is the fashion industry going greener?

March 9, 2022

Picture by Kiana Bosman

There’s a lot to talk about in the context of fashion. For years, we’ve rallied about self-expression, individual authenticity, and letting our personalities dictate what we wear and the wardrobe we sport. But now that the message is clear, how much longer will we keep establishing fashion as this emblem of identity and reflective awareness?

To clarify, there is nothing inherently wrong with weaponizing our outfits and get-ups as a manifestation of who we are and what we believe in. Our clothes are a telling component of our style and individuality. On the opposite end, it is the belief that, because what we wear directly mirrors what we want to project to others, we will have to keep buying clothes as a means to keep up with trends, and everyone else.

Picture from @klow_slowfashion

What is wrong with the current situation? Capitalism has driven fast fashion to heights that have clearly played a damaging role in the way the globe spins. Fashion sustainability has always been a hot topic. And given that this particular industry is responsible for practically 10% of global carbon emissions, and is one of the leading consumers of water, you can already bet that these figures outweigh all of the maritime shipping and international flights combined. Precisely because of this, climate watchdogs and vegan activists have been more adamant about how brands should approach the production of clothing and style accessories.

In essence, only a very few shoppers think about carbon footprint and environmental impacts when purchasing styling goods and clothing pieces. So in the absence of these consumer considerations, it is only right for manufacturers and corporations to up their efforts in eco-friendly creation and fabrication. However, that’s not to say we shouldn’t hold buyers accountable for their shopping behaviors. At the end of the day, it takes a village to support an industry… and this proves to be just as true in the world of fashion.

The fashion space fills such an elemental role in the welfare of our environment in that the textiles and clothes that we wear are manufactured in varying conditions. And more often than not, as the majority of clothing production utilizes chemicals and pesticides, these conditions cause more harm than good to our planet.

The question remains: is the fashion industry going greener? The answer is yes, but it is struggling.

Fashion is an expansive universe in itself and its coverage encompasses several layers. Still, it’s important to acknowledge the evident efforts many brands, including industry leaders are taking to better address pollution and labor issues.

We can also only admire smaller brands that are working toward sustainability but also equality across their respective workforces. Because as much as it is about shedding light on conservational matters, laborer’s work conditions are equally crucial in understanding the bigger picture.

Unfortunately, despite the commitment of several RTW brands to better practice informed and conscientious retailing, many of the biggest names in fashion are still unable to let go of perilous processes. Things like non-biodegradable packaging, dangerous chemicals, the global export and import of goods, and the unnecessary use of too much water all add to the worsening environmental consequences.

Experts predict that in the next 30 years, the global population will rise to two billion. Without studied eco-friendly solutions, adverse effects are expected to drastically increase. A lot of industry players are more vocal about their efforts to keep it green, but we need an influx of actionable strategies if we’re hell-bent on actualizing sustainability. The more we eliminate the production of unimportant clothing trends, the easier it will be for us to attain environmental plausibility.

What can we do to help? We have such a long way to go before we can truly rule out the dangerous effects of fast fashion. For that reason, it is vital that this subject remains at the forefront of societal discussions to continually give valuable insight to both consumers and business leaders.

Lucky for us, there is no shortage of resources when it comes to everything eco-friendly, sustainable, and earth-supportive. The internet provides us a plethora of leading digital publications that continually celebrate and highlight companies, practices, and entrepreneurs whose bodies of work are designed to promote inclusivity, diversity, creativity, and above all the mission to go green.

It should also be in our best interest to keep promoting the merits of upcycling, too. Forego the convenient habit of throwing clothes and accessories you no longer need. In fact, the second-hand clothing market is booming and there are many ways to give a second life to the clothes you no longer wear... from vintage shops to online platforms. And if you feel like helping out those in need, you can always donate clothes. As for items that are too used, look for other ways to utilize them!

The journey to sustainability is a collective effort, and we can only ever get there if we continue to talk about this cause. Nonetheless, despite how slow the progress is in this department of consumerism, it’s notable how eco-fashion is slowly getting the recognition it demands and deserves. A handful of manufacturers, designers, stylists, celebrities, and even internet influencers are starting to take responsibility for the materials they promote and the causes they advocate for.

Ultimately, we all have a role to play in the equation. The products we purchase, the items we use, and how we go about used clothing all contribute to “closing the loop.”