One of the newest fashion trends
is not a color or style but the concept of sustainable and ethical clothing.
The textile industry is wreaking havoc on the environment between the processes
to make clothing and the waste when it is discarded. In addition, there are questionable
labor issues involved. Both brands and consumers have taken a much-needed
interest in the creation of sustainable clothes. Good Housekeeping's Textile Lab worked
with environmental consultants to help explain the dilemma and what we should look
for in supporting the environment and fair trade practices.
Sustainable fashion takes into account the "life-cycle of a garment from design,
sourcing, production and everything affected it, from the environment to the workers,
their communities and finally the consumer." The issues in the fashion industry run
from our water supply, hazardous chemicals in the dyes and finishes and the workers
they affect, agriculture- using more organic products/fibers that don't use pesticides
and require less water. Addressing the problem once the products are created include-
short life-cycle of clothing and waste. Stores and designers are constantly launching
new seasons and new trends and consumers are consistently updating their wardrobes.
We don't need MORE. We need well-made designs that last. Consignment and thrift
stores also help in recycling our clothes to others. A number of brands are dealing with
a way to avoid so much waste by using recycled products in creating new garments-
like polyester made from recycled water bottles. I've mentioned Girlfriend Collective
here before that makes amazing activewear from water bottles and even suggests you
return your used leggings to them to recycle to new and gives you a credit on new ones.
http://rwrd.io/f7bmce3
Ethical practices and fair wages are part of this equation for sustainable fashion,as well.
Sustainable fashion doesn't have to be expensive. Recommerce is a new trend.
Sites like thred-up, Poshmark, Vestiaire, e-Bay, the RealReal and Refashioner
will buy, sell or consign your clothes and give you a great place to shop, too.
Rent the Runway takes another approach in recycling clothes to save the
environment, your closet and your pocketbook.
Here's a list of some brands brands who are creating sustainable fashion and some
links to explore opportunities to support this trend. In these crazy, uncertain times
of COVID-19 we need to re-evaluate our priorities and make responsible choices
for ourselves and the planet and the workers in countries who make our textiles
but lack our resources.
Levis Reformation Pattagonia
Everlane Able People Tree
Pact Vera Bradley Boden
Eileen Fisher Athleta Allbirds
https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/fair-trade-clothing
https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/what-to-wear/g22788319/sustainable-fashion-brands-to-buy-from-now/
https://www.thetrendspotter.net/sustainable-clothing-brands/
Last but not least, the brand that plays a large part in my life, Carlisle-etcetera has
joined the sustainable fashion bandwagon with a new collection. From the fabrics to
the manufacturing, we are closing the loop in an environmentally friendly garment life
cycle. The emphasis is on sustainable, timeless design that will never go out of style,
combined with quality details and the use of sustainable materials. Recycled or "green"
polyester is used in 49% of all apparel produced made from clear plastic water bottles
that are purified, chipped, heated and then spun into yarns. Lyocell is another well
employed material. It is harvested from the eucalyptus tree using 95% less water than
the production of other fabrics. The factory in Vietnam minimizes waste, water and the
energy footprint and is highly rated for the ethical treatment of employees, the quality
of workconditions and work/life balance provided. To learn more and see more of the
collection-go to https://elizabethkurz.etcetera.com/sustainablestyle/
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