Importance of Sustainable Fashion

Importance of Sustainable Fashion

Why is sustainability in fashion important?

We can all help to make a difference in sustainable fashion by buying less and recycling what we do buy.By shopping in a way that helps our environment, we are also helping ourselves. We can shop smarter by avoiding fast fashion, which is a term used to describe an industry that sells cheaply made clothing at a high speed. If you're not sure whether an item is made sustainably, look for the word "eco" or "sustainable" on the label.

Sustainability has been defined as "meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries on earth. It creates tons of waste and contributes to global warming. By aiming for sustainability, we can make a difference in the world and help future generations.

 

What is the difference between fast fashion and sustainable fashion?

The amount of waste produced by each is the main difference between sustainable and fast fashion. Sustainable fashion decreases waste by making clothing that is of better quality. Less waste results in less water pollution and fewer carbon emissions during production. As opposed to fast fashion, sustainable fashion focuses more on ethics as well as the environment. They take extra precautions to ensure safety and provide livable wages for their workers in order to promote a healthier work environment.

Read our related article about Defining a Sustainable Fashion Brand so you too can determine whether or not your favorite brand is practicing sustainable fashion.

 

How does fashion impact the environment?

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, just behind the oil industry. And the environmental damage the fashion industry causes is increasing as the industry grows as well. The fashion industry should be held accountable to more sustainable practices because the industry is a large contributor to climate change.

Fashion designers need to look for ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their designs so that the fashion industry can be part of the solution. The industry produces an estimated 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The production and distribution of the crops, fibers, and garments used in fashion all contribute to differing forms of environmental pollution, including water, air, and soil degradation. The textile industry is the second greatest polluter of local freshwater in the world, and is culpable for roughly one fifth of all industrial water pollution.

The average American spends about $1,000+ on clothes every year.  Fashion is a fast-growing industry, with the average consumer buying a new outfit every 3.4 days. In the market for a sustainable clothing brand? Visit Cape Cod Choker's clothing collection for locally screen-printed designs and eco-friendly pieces. 

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