As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change and social inequality, sustainable fashion offers a beacon of hope for a more ethical and eco-friendly future.
By prioritising longevity, responsible production, and fair treatment of workers, sustainable fashion addresses current environmental and social issues and paves the way for a better future. This chapter delves into the myriad benefits of sustainable fashion, from environmental conservation to social justice and consumer health.
Environmental Benefits
One of sustainable fashion's most significant advantages is its positive environmental impact. Unlike fast fashion, which relies on resource-intensive and polluting practices, sustainable fashion emphasises eco-friendly materials and processes. Here are some key environmental benefits:
Reduction in Waste
Sustainable fashion promotes a circular economy, where products are designed to be reused, recycled, or biodegraded. This approach drastically reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. For instance, brands like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher have pioneered take-back programs, encouraging customers to return worn-out garments for recycling. Studies have also shown that simply wearing your garments for longer (and taking care of them) can dramatically reduce their lifetime impact. That this common sense idea is now a novel concept speaks to just how pervasive the fast fashion mentality has become to the modern consumer.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Sustainable fashion brands significantly reduce their carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources and sustainable materials. According to the Textile Exchange, organic cotton, for example, produces up to 46% less CO2 than conventional cotton. Additionally, while trend-driven throwaway fast fashion is synonymous with a short used-by date, McKinsey notes that if the number of times a garment is worn were doubled on average, greenhouse gas emissions would be 44 percent lower.
Water Conservation
Sustainable fashion minimises water usage by opting for materials requiring less water to produce and implementing water-efficient dyeing and finishing processes. Brands like Stella McCartney and Reformation are known for their water-saving initiatives, which include using eco-friendly dyes and recycling water while Outland Denim prioritises the use of vegetable dyes in its indigo denim and the use of water and energy saving technology in its vertically integrated wash house.
Social Benefits
Sustainable fashion also brings about substantial social benefits, particularly in improving the lives of workers involved in garment production. Here are some key social benefits:
Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions
Ethical fashion brands ensure that their workers are paid fair wages and work in safe environments. This approach helps to eradicate exploitative practices such as child labour and forced labour, and even “working poverty” whereby workers earn a wage but not one sufficient to meet their daily needs. The Fair Trade movement, for instance, has been instrumental in promoting ethical labour practices in the fashion industry.
Empowerment of Local Communities
By supporting local artisans and small-scale producers, sustainable fashion brands can help to empower communities and preserve traditional crafts. Brands like Outland Denim provide training and employment opportunities to women rescued from human trafficking, helping them to rebuild their lives. Additionally, most cotton farmers globally are small scale, and their livelihoods are tied directly to the global commodity market and fashion supply chain. There are said to be about 100 million cotton farmers globally supporting about 250 million people.
Consumer Health Benefits
Consumers also benefit from the shift towards sustainable fashion. Here are some key consumer health benefits:
Reduced Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Sustainable fashion avoids harmful chemicals in production, resulting in safer clothing for consumers. Organic fabrics are free from pesticides and other toxic substances, reducing the risk of skin irritations and other health issues.
Higher Quality and Durability
Sustainable fashion emphasises quality over quantity. By producing well-made garments that last longer, sustainable brands offer better value for money and reduce the need for frequent replacements. This saves consumers money in the long run and reduces overall consumption.
Economic Benefits
Sustainable fashion can drive economic growth and innovation. Here are some key economic benefits:
Job Creation
The rise of sustainable fashion has led to the creation of new jobs in areas such as recycling, eco-friendly textile production, and sustainable design. This growth supports a more resilient and diversified economy. Theoretically, transitioning workers out of the fast fashion industry and into the sustainable and ethical fashion industry will see an overall lift in work and living standards.
Market Differentiation and Brand Loyalty
Brands that prioritise sustainability can differentiate themselves in a crowded market and build strong customer loyalty. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values, driving demand for sustainable fashion.
Conclusion
The benefits of sustainable fashion extend beyond the immediate impact on the environment and workers. By fostering a more ethical and eco-friendly approach to fashion, sustainable brands are setting the stage for a future where the industry can thrive without compromising the planet or the well-being of its people. As consumers, by supporting sustainable fashion, we contribute to a movement that values quality, fairness, and responsibility, ensuring a better world for future generations.
