What is Sustainable Fashion, and Why Does It Matter?

Sustainable fashion is about creating and consuming clothes in ways that reduce harm to people, animals, and the planet. From eco-friendly materials to ethical labor practices, sustainable fashion aims to change the fashion industry from fast-paced, throwaway trends to a more mindful, responsible approach.

Key Terms to Know

1. Fair Trade: Fair Trade ensures that products are made ethically, meaning workers are paid fair wages and work in safe, humane conditions. It’s a certification you can look for when purchasing items like clothing, coffee, and chocolate. Fair Trade Certified is one reliable certification to check for.

2. Circular Fashion: Circular fashion focuses on extending the life of materials through reuse, recycling, and minimizing waste. It’s the opposite of the “take-make-dispose” model. Brands and systems in circular fashion work to keep materials in circulation, avoiding landfills.

   
   

3. Organic & Natural Materials: Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and TENCEL™ are some examples of eco-friendly materials. They’re grown or processed with minimal chemicals, reducing pollution and water usage.

4. Carbon Neutral: A carbon-neutral company or product offsets its carbon footprint, either by reducing emissions or compensating through carbon credits. Many brands are committing to carbon-neutral goals to fight climate change. Patagonia and Allbirds are two big names leading this effort.

Did you know

The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, making it one of the largest polluters worldwide—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

Additionally, it consumes around 93 billion cubic meters of water annually—enough to meet the drinking needs of five million people. The environmental cost of fast fashion is alarming, with synthetic materials like polyester releasing microplastics into oceans, and waste from unsold clothing piling up in landfills across the globe.

Sustainable Fashion Brands You’ll Love

1. Everlane: Known for its “radical transparency,” Everlane shares its factories, costs, and processes openly. They use eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods.

2. Patagonia: A pioneer in sustainable fashion, Patagonia uses recycled materials, offers repair services, and donates to environmental causes. They’re famous for their “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign, encouraging consumers to buy less.

3. Reformation: With a focus on sustainable materials and production, Reformation brings eco-friendly clothing with a chic, modern vibe.

4. Girlfriend Collective: This activewear brand makes leggings and sports bras from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. Girlfriend Collective’s transparent manufacturing process is as impressive as their comfy products.

5. Veja: Known for its eco-friendly sneakers, Veja uses organic cotton, wild rubber from the Amazon, and recycled materials while ensuring fair wages and ethical production.

Where to Find Secondhand & Resale Options

If you’re all about reducing waste, shopping secondhand is one of the most sustainable choices. Here are some great platforms:

• ThredUP: Known as one of the largest online consignment and thrift stores, ThredUP offers a wide range of high-quality secondhand clothing from popular brands.

• Poshmark: This app lets users buy and sell secondhand clothes, shoes, and accessories, making it easy to find everything from luxury brands to casual wear.

• Depop: Depop is a favorite among younger shoppers for its mix of vintage, designer, and unique secondhand pieces. Great for finding something truly original!

• The RealReal: For luxury lovers, The RealReal offers authenticated designer items at a fraction of retail prices. They also provide details on each item’s condition, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Policies Shaping Sustainable Fashion

The push for sustainable fashion isn’t just coming from consumers—it’s increasingly backed by new legislation and global initiatives aimed at making the industry more accountable and eco-friendly. Here are some of the top policies shaping the future of sustainable fashion:

1. The Fashion Act (New York, USA): Proposed in New York, the Fashion Act would require large fashion brands doing business in the state (with $100 million+ in revenue) to map at least 50% of their supply chains, set clear carbon reduction goals, and disclose information on wages, energy usage, and raw material sourcing. If passed, it would hold companies accountable for their environmental and social impacts. This act is seen as a model for similar legislation across the U.S.

   
   

2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR policies, particularly in countries across Europe, hold companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products—from production to disposal. Brands are responsible for managing waste, which means they must create items that are durable, recyclable, and less environmentally taxing. France, for instance, has EPR laws that require fashion brands to contribute to textile recycling efforts and fund waste management programs.

   
   

3. The Paris Agreement & Fashion: While the Paris Agreement isn’t specific to any one industry, its global commitment to reducing carbon emissions has encouraged the fashion sector to step up. Many brands are aligning with the Paris Agreement’s targets, pledging to reduce emissions across their supply chains to limit global warming. Initiatives like the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action help brands set and meet goals to reduce their environmental impact in line with the Paris Agreement.

How to Check Your Favorite Brands for Sustainability

Good On You is an amazing tool for anyone starting their sustainable fashion journey. The Good On You app rates brands on their environmental impact, labor practices, and animal welfare policies. It’s a quick, reliable way to see how your favorite labels stack up, and they also suggest sustainable alternatives if a brand isn’t up to par.

Wrapping Up: Why Sustainable Fashion Matters

Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessary shift toward a more responsible and thoughtful way of living. Every choice you make, from supporting ethical brands to shopping secondhand, plays a part in building a better world. And with resources like Good On You and brands like Patagonia and Reformation leading the charge, it’s easier than ever to make choices that align with your values.

Happy sustainable shopping!