All About Eco-Friendly Fashion

One of the latest terms in the fashion industry to gain attention is "eco-friendly fashion." And with the world's focus on being more conscious about the environment and our impact as humans, it's no surprise that this term has popped up in the clothing industry. But what is eco-friendly fashion and how can individuals do their part to reduce waste and still dress in a way that makes them feel and look their best? Let's explore what eco-friendly fashion is and why it's important for today and the future.

What Is Eco-Friendly in Fashion?

The term "eco-friendly" refers to products and services that are provided with minimal impact on the planet and its resources. It also means that products are made to last longer, creating less waste to go into landfills. When it comes to fashion, eco-friendly refers to clothing and fabrics that are made in a sustainable way. Companies that take an environmentally friendly approach to fashion can leave a smaller carbon footprint and help the planet thrive.

Definition of Eco-Fashion

To define eco-fashion, one must understand what "eco" means. Eco, or ecology, is the study of how organisms interact in their natural environment. Relating this to fashion, eco-friendly is the concerted effort of designers and others involved in clothing production processes to create clothing that's climate neutral, meaning it has no negative impact on the environment or the other people involved in the process of making fabrics and clothes. There are many things that can help to make eco-friendly fashion more available to everyone.

Why Is Sustainable Fashion Important?

Sustainable fashion is important for many reasons, including that it can help the planet and have a positive impact on social and environmental issues. With fast fashion, clothing designers are putting out new lines frequently, making it hard to keep up with the latest styles, plus they use cheap materials that don't last. It's important that we all do our part to ensure that our fashion isn't leaving an unsustainable carbon footprint. Consider these ways that the fashion industry impacts the world:

 

Fashion Industry's Impact on the Environment

Each and every material used in the process of making clothes, whether it's including recycled materials or virgin plastics, has an impact on the environment. From production to manufacturing and retail sales to the recycle bin, the fashion industry impacts our daily lives. With fast fashion, clothing is all too often made cheaply, from fabrics that look worn and old quickly. Sustainable production requires items to be made in a way that lowers the negative effects on the environment.

 

Fashion Industry's Impact on Our Health

As the world's second-largest polluting industry, the fashion industry definitely affects our health. Pollutants from manufacturing processes, as well as from raising or growing sources for fabrics and textiles, go into the water every day. In addition to this, many clothing items are made with harmful chemicals that, over time, can be detrimental to our health. This includes things like formaldehyde, azo dyes, and various flame retardants. Fast fashion is a big contributor to the poor health implications of the fashion industry.

 

 Fashion Industry's Impact on Working Conditions

While working conditions in the U.S. or Canada are fair, this isn't the case in many of the countries where most of our garments are produced. Many workers are exposed to harmful and toxic chemicals daily while not even making a living wage. This means that they make less than what's required to survive in their community. There is no shortage of unethical behavior in the fashion industry. Therefore, choosing local manufacturing minimizes the impact on the health of textile workers and reduces pollution from international shipping.

 

The Supply Chain: A Crucial Issue in the Years To Come

A supply chain is how goods are produced and delivered to consumers. Depending on the product, the supply chain starts with agriculture and then moves through to processing, manufacturing, distribution, and then it eventually ends with a product in the hands of consumers. In the years to come, the supply chain for many products and services will be a crucial issue, including the fashion industry.

 

What Is a Fashion Supply Chain?

A supply chain starts at the beginning, or conception, of a product. So, for fashion, the supply chain typically starts with farmers, such as for cotton, alpaca, or sheep. Once the material for the clothing has been produced, it must be changed into fabric. The fabric is then made into a T-shirt or a pair of pants, where it's eventually taken to a warehouse to be distributed to retail outlets. When it's on the shelves, consumers can then purchase the items to wear.

 

How Can a Fashion Supply Chain Be More Ethical?

An ethical supply chain has to start with sustainable materials and sustainable production. A company with a high level of transparency and traceability can allow you to discover whether it uses ethical means for obtaining and creating its materials. By purchasing from companies that have high standards for using eco-friendly materials and environmentally friendly processing methods, you can do your part to help ensure a brighter and cleaner future.

Eco-friendly fashion is a trend that's hitting runways and retail outlets en force, as many people are becoming more aware of the negative impacts the fashion industry has on the environment and our health. There are many fashion brands that now sell clothing made of organic materials and sustainably sourced cottons and dyes. This means less clothing in landfills and more garments that you love to wear.