4 minute read
Sustainable Fashion
By SHARON JANE @sharon.js
Increasingly, the blue and green planet we call home has been reminding us how important it is to take care of it and what the consequences are when we don’t. Beloved forests are being diminished, oceans contaminated, and species harmed. Therefore, people have progressively begun to take action by living a more sustainable lifestyle that immensely benefits the environment. What is a “sustainable” lifestyle? A sustainable lifestyle consists of making minor changes in our daily routines that can make an enormous impact to the betterment of our planet. Composting, using reusable items, reducing the usage of plastic objects, switching from paper bills and receipts to electronic ones, gardening, and unplugging power strips at night are some of the many things we can do that will surely have a healing effect (and it will be kind to your wallet, as well!). More specifically, in an industry like fashion where the term “fast fashion” exists and is greatly feared, making it more sustainable would be a major step forward for our environment. Amazing brands like Mate the Label, H&M, Reformation, Stella McCartney, and Mara Hoffman have been sustainable fashion pioneers and are setting a grand example of techniques and changes other brands could and should make.
MATE THE LABEL
California-based, they bring the cool factor in the most simple and minimalistic way with comfy sets, timeless basics, and statement tees. This label most importantly values sustainable and ethical production by partnering with nearby factories (within a 5-mile radius), producing each item sold in small batches, and using non-toxic and organic fabrics and materials in everything they make.
H&M
H&M is certainly a global powerhouse when it comes to producing a huge variety of affordable and stylish clothes. It is important to also note that they value sustainability and are so dedicated to being a patron of it as well. Aside from fulfilling yearly improvements in more sustainable production and fabrication methods, H&M also has a collection named “Conscious” that is solely made with a sustainable method. Some of these methods include the use of organic materials like cotton, sustainable production methods that reduce carbon footprint, using recycled materials like polyester, and making garments with materials from the tons of clothes that are donated to H&M. According to www.independent.ie, H&M collected 20,649 tons of clothing in 2018. It’s also pretty cool knowing that when you bring clothes you don’t need anymore to your local H&M, you will receive a 15% discount on your next purchase for every bag you bring in! These garments are then reworn (as second-hand goods), reused (cleaning cloths, etc.), or recycled (fibers are used to make other garments and products).
REFORMATION
This particular brand is straightforwardly and incredibly passionate in creating beautiful clothing that also heals the planet. Reformation is known for constantly creating contemporary clothes that fit the vast variety of shapes and sizes that women wonderfully have. So, not only will you look good but feel good because you will know the amount of care that each garment has for you and the planet you live in.
STELLA McCARTNEY
Stella McCartney has been setting the bar high when it comes to designer brands becoming conscious. This brand has been implementing sustainable fabrics and production techniques into their garments more and more. One of the materials Stella McCartney has mastered is cashmere, which virgin cashmere is known for being one of the most valuable fabrics yet the most environmentally damaging. Therefore, regenerated cashmere is used which greatly reduces the existence of harmful raising environments for animals and increases the existence of healthy grasslands. Additionally, Stella also uses faux fur, vegetarian leather, and cruelty-free wool and silk, which are all animal and environment-friendly. The magnificence of Stella McCartney is that this is only the beginning of the numerous ways this brand operates sustainably and it is dedicated to continue improving and inspiring change.
MARA HOFFMAN
Beautiful, timeless and quality: these were the 3 words that came to mind when I first discovered this brand. Every garment is carefully and consciously made with organic, recycled or regenerated fabrics, materials, and dyes. It is incredibly inspiring to see how dedicated Mara Hoffman is in also creating safe and ethical working environments which are immensely contrary to the working environments fast fashion provokes. They are also dedicated to finding ways on how to decrease carbon footprint, using engineered digital printing, and creating artisan groups support among the many philanthropic actions they fulfill. Additionally, it was interesting to see a helpful guide on how to wash and care for their garments in a most sustainable, quality prolonging, and effective way. This guide can be seen here: https://www.marahoffman.com/world-of/our-approach/wear-more-wash-less/
This is truly just touching the surface of the multiple sustainable fashion brands that exist out there that are fulfilling their social responsibility in taking care of you, nature and the environment. I could honestly go on for hours talking to you about all of these sustainable fashion pioneers. As for now, here are some more inspiring sustainable brands you should check out: Patagonia, Rag & Bone, Misha Nonoo, BITE, Boyish Jeans, Bethany Williams, Tretorn, Allbirds, Alice Early, Kitx, Gabriela Hearst, Amur, Ninety Percent, Lark & Berry, Nak, Bottletop, Tome, People Tree, Good News, Simon Miller, Edun, Veja, Phine, and soooo much more!!
Mahatma Gandhi
