WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
To summarise, the sustainable fashion movement attempts to provide ethically produced and environmentally beneficial apparel. Seems simple, doesn’t it?
The problem is that being "ethical" seems to imply a loss of profit, thus brands and businesses are hesitant to do so. Exclusively if consumers start only buying ethically, pushing them to change their ways, will they be able to make the changeover? Read ahead to find out.
The fashion business is one of the world's largest pollutants, which may surprise you. In fact, the industry is second only to oil in terms of pollution, accounting for 20% of all industrial water pollution worldwide. Textile mills also utilize 20,000 chemicals in the production of clothing, many of which are carcinogenic.
The majority of those garments are composed of plastic, which is causing a microfibre disaster in our oceans. Sustainable fashion also means improved working conditions, fairer pay, and fewer illegal sweatshops for those who manufacture these products. Aiming for sustainability is the only way to end the cycle of death, destruction, and pollution.
Companies can't simply claim that because their packaging is comprised of recyclable materials, they are a sustainable brand; it doesn't work that way.
Sustainable clothing manufacturers need to keep in mind every little detail about their production process. From the farms that cultivate the cotton that is eventually woven into the fabric to the treatment of animals who are sheared for their wool, sustainable fashion can only be achieved if every step of the process is transparent. Sustainable development, according to the UN Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, is defined as "filling current demands without jeopardizing future generations' ability to satisfy their own needs." Sustainable fashion in India can be defined as clothing that is produced by organic apparel manufacturers in India from environmentally friendly materials, utilizes natural resources wisely, and does not harm anyone in the process.
Here are four reasons why you should switch to sustainable and ethical clothing:
Reduced textile waste
Every second, one garbage truck carrying textile waste is deposited in a landfill or burned around the world. Fast fashion is mostly to blame for these high levels of waste since these brands sacrifice apparel longevity in exchange for lower pricing and more client purchases. Sustainable organic clothing wholesalers, on the other hand, place a premium on garment quality and use long-lasting materials in their creation.
Fast fashion trends are rarely followed by sustainable fashion firms. They concentrate on traditional and timeless pieces rather than releasing new collections on a weekly basis to compel clients to purchase more. Whether you're looking for trendy leggings or eco-friendly watches, sustainable fashion is built from long-lasting materials. Getting involved in the sustainable fashion movement can help you get better apparel and accessories.
Animal friendly
Animals are an extremely important part of our ecology, with each one having a unique function in keeping our planet habitable. As a result, any threat to the safety of wildlife and other animals should concern us all. Leather purses, boots, and other things made of fur, leather, feathers, and wool have a negative impact on the animal populations that provide the resources. Some endangered animals, like the Sumatran Tiger and the American Alligator, are still severely depleted as a result of garment hunting.
You can help animals by wearing apparel like bamboo apparel, recycled cotton apparel, and others that are eco-friendly. Many ethical manufacturers are leading the way with cruelty-free clothes, and some fast fashion brands are following suit by eliminating fur from their collections. Human-made fibers, bamboo clothing wholesalers, and recycled materials are potential alternatives to animal products that these sustainable fashion firms rely on. Several animals are saved from danger, mistreatment, and death as a result of this, keeping the ecosystem's balance.
Better working condition
Poor safety and health conditions, excessive working hours, and constant pressure to produce all contribute to a work environment that is exploitative of workers. Fast fashion companies have also been accused of using child labor on a regular basis. You can be more certain that your apparel was manufactured under safe and fair working conditions if you switch to more ethical and sustainable brands.
Personalize your style
Fast fashion is all about what's new and trendy, and it caters to a wide spectrum of people. Many fashion experts, however, would argue that fashion is rarely about wearing what everyone else is wearing. Sustainable fashion brands are known for their traditional, timeless, and high-quality pieces, and today's vast selection of options allows wearers to be more creative, express themselves, and develop their own unique style. Many customers of sustainable clothing say they like wearing items that truly reflect their personal style. Sustainable fashion is a fantastic approach to create a new wardrobe of amazing, high-quality garments that reflect your personality.
Less water wastage
The dyeing and finishing operations for practically all clothing use a lot of water in the fashion business. According to experts, one cotton shirt requires approximately 2,720 liters of water, while a pair of trousers need a whopping 7,000 liters!
Clothing production, in addition to consuming a lot of water, also adds to the pollution of our waters, since harmful chemicals from the manufacturing process swiftly find their way into waterways. To reduce their water usage during clothes production, several sustainable design businesses use a "water budget."
These firms' production materials and fabrics, such as Bamboo, linen, hemp, and organic cotton, are either natural, renewable, or recycled materials that require little water during the manufacturing process. Sustainable fashion is an excellent way to conserve water and prevent pollution.
Reduction of carbon footprint
As part of its operations, the fast fashion sector leaves a significant carbon footprint, including the amount of textile waste in landfills, water pollution, and other broad detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Fast fashion apparel is frequently produced from petroleum-based materials, such as acrylic and polyester, which need a lot of energy to manufacture.
Sustainable fashion, on the other hand, uses materials made from natural or recycled fibers. To grow, these materials require little to no chemical treatment, as well as minimal energy, water, and no pesticides and fertilizers. Linen and hemp, for example, are biodegradable, resulting in less pollution in the environment.
Another key contribution to the large carbon footprints that fast fashion firms leave behind is transportation. During production, the back-and-forth transit of raw materials and finished commodities from nation to country releases a large number of greenhouse gases.
Local sustainable clothing manufacturers, utilizing local resources, and employing local craftspeople are common features of sustainable brands. These enterprises not only enhance local economies but also minimize the need for frequent transit, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving the planet's sustainability.
Our step towards sustainable fashion
There will be a lot of huge adjustments ahead for businesses if the textile sector is to progress towards sustainable fashion. Every facet of the production chain must change, from raw material sourcing to worker treatment to shipping and consumer attitudes. People are starting to shift as the world evolves and changes, and sustainable fashion is the next stage in that evolution.
We at Femi Fashions strive towards sustainability as a firm and encourage our clients to do the same, both for the sake of the environment and the future of their businesses.
If you or your organization is looking for a bamboo apparel manufacturer in India and require assistance in making environmental and sustainable changes, please contact us to know how we can assist you in preparing for the future. Whatever the future holds for the fashion industry, we will continue to work with our clients, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that everyone benefits from fair and sustainable methods.
