Fashionable Sustainability
March 5, 2024
Promoting Ethical and Sustainable Clothing Consumption: The Struggle of a Consumeristic Society
Did you know that in 2019, the fashion industry was responsible for 10% of total carbon emissions? The role of ethics, sustainability, and diversity in the world of fashion are being reevaluated, and we must strive to become agents of change in a disgustingly consumeristic society. The world of fashion may appear to be glamorous, but there are many hidden aspects that we are just starting to discover. The issues surrounding sustainability and ethical practices in the world of fashion are relatively recent, as fast fashion began to emerge in the 1990’s. Looking past the complex and idealistic notions and endeavoring to find meaning in simplicity is how we will discover effective solutions.The significant link between these three pillars, sustainability, ethics, and diversity is illustrated by the complexities in the fashion industry. In order to make our way towards complete sustainable and ethical fashion, it is pivotal to research and understand the connection between these key ideas. Understanding this complex relationship will eventually lead to clearer solutions and easier resolutions. For example, studying the association between the environmental and moral aspects of fashion can lead to more conscious decisions surrounding the topic. Exploring the relationships between these complicated subjects is important when learning, as it is impossible to make accurate statements and observations when one does not have the necessary background information. Therefore, the key to obtaining sustainability, ethics, and diversity in the world of fashion lies in the comprehension of this relationship.It is vital to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of our lives, and especially into the World of Fashion. Sustainability in terms of clothing has been disputed and discussed for years, and the first “sustainable” clothing companies started to show up in the 1980’s. The main difference between ethics and sustainability is that ethical fashion is speaking in terms of employees and humans, while sustainable fashion is generally reserved for explaining the effect on the environment. Participating in the sustainable fashion movement can also help save animal lives, as countless animals are killed or abused in the name of fashion every day. Promoting sustainability can reduce the demand for animal furs and hides, and instead, we should turn our attention towards more ethical options, like thrifting, faux fur, buying second-hand, and vegan leather. We must make an individual effort to include the use of sustainable fashion in our day-to-day lives, because if we do not do it, who will? The average high-street article of clothing is only worn 7 times. This statistic emphasizes the need for sustainability in a consumeristic world, and it is not necessary to purchase articles of clothing more than once a month, barring exceptions. It is encouraged to reflect on our own purchases, and to consider whether we really needed that new sweater that only gets worn a few times. A contributing factor to the rise of fast fashion can be found in social media. We are influenced by millions of people on the screen, with the latest trends being introduced incredibly often. We are led to believe that it is normal for clothing to become popular as often as every month. This generation is constantly influenced by these so-called “micro-trends,” and we must find ways to combat them. Another creative alternative to fast fashion is making your own clothes. It can be extremely rewarding to sew, knit, crochet, or embroider your very own closet, whether upcycling or selecting sustainable and ethical fabric or yarn. Upcycling means altering garments already in your possession into brand-new clothing. Repurposing is a recurring theme in the discussion of fast fashion and change in the fashion industry, however there are more options to consider. Another key debate is the ethical fabrication of textiles and materials. Ethics play a vital role in our lives, but one area where they have often been ignored is in the world of fashion. It is estimated that 2% of employees working in the fashion industry are currently making a living wage. This number is proof that ethics have consistently been disregarded to make way for profit. The role that ethics play is of utmost importance as it is the moral fiber of ourselves, and our take on ethics can be what defines us as a person. Ethics in the fashion industry need to be mandatory and enforced, such as fair wages, safe working conditions, worker's rights, and social responsibility. While ethical fashion is the responsibility of the company, it is also up to individual consumers to do their best to purchase ethically produced fashion and reflect on their choices. The cause of the rise of ethical concern in the fashion industry has been debated. Many people find themselves asking the question, is this concern genuine or just a trend? While there may have been an increase in ethics interest during recent years, the conversation of morals has long been standing. The significant tie between ethics and sustainability demonstrates the connection between social and environmental issues. A captivating solution can be found in donating and buying second-hand clothes. The popularization of “thrifting,” especially amongst teenagers and young adults took off in the late nineties. Thrifting, or buying second-hand, became a trend not long ago by way of social media, but some people raised the matter of whether this was a good thing. Buying second-hand clothing and objects is a form of sustainable and ethical living, however when wealthier people thrift, what is left for those who need to buy second-hand? While thrifting is objectively commendable, it is necessary to pause and remember that while you are purchasing in a more sustainable manner, you are still contributing to global warming and the slow destruction of our planet, and potentially raising prices for low-income households. A simple resolution to this complication is to donate your own clothing, and not to purchase something unless you will wear it often. It is estimated that over 100 million animals are murdered every year, solely for their fur or skin. This means foxes, rabbits, minks, snakes, and more are slaughtered in the name of fashion. Animal cruelty plays a key role in the ethical debate of high fashion, and the ways in which they are killed has long been subject to criticization. The exploitation of animals in the fashion industry is rampant, and most of it is done by large corporations, who have the means to evade prosecution for their crimes. It is worthwhile to take into consideration the fact that even though you may not be the one murdering the animals, there will always be a reason if there is demand. Therefore, choosing to go cruelty-free is an extremely vital decision to make, as the conditions animals endure are extraordinarily unethical and harmful to the environment, as well as dangerous and deadly to the animals. Taking steps towards being cruelty-free and against animal abuse is the most likely course of action to fully eliminate the horrifying exploitation of animals. A further crucial factor when discussing the issues of the world of fashion is the lack of representation and inclusivity. There is an appeal for the fashion world to more accurately display the diversity of its customers, and to have models who represent people from varying backgrounds. In addition, there are very few women in leadership roles within the fashion world, even in brands that solely produce women's clothing. Women need to have larger responsibilities and roles in the designing of womenswear, as who knows the female body better than actual women? Most companies have a plan in place to have better representation, but most of these plans are ineffective. Embracing inclusivity and advocating for accurate representation within the world of fashion is essential to create a diverse and welcoming environment. Therefore, the need for diversity and inclusion inside the fashion industry is imperative in this day and age.Another peculiar aspect of the fashion world is the paradox of Generation Z and their addiction to fast fashion. Generation Z, or Gen Z, is comprised of young adults born between 1997-2012. Gen Z is known for their desire for sustainability, thrifting, and a better world for the future, but also, their non-stop dependency on fast fashion. This creates a unique paradox in which Gen Z is advocating for sustainability whilst contributing greatly to the effects of fast fashion. This begs the question, what can young adults do to promote ethical, sustainable, and diverse clothing consumption? A potential solution to this predicament may be by promoting change within young communities. The reach of social media and the internet is a newfound phenomenon, something teenagers and youth are capable of doing expertly. Just or not, it is the responsibility of young people to transform the way we create and consume within the world of fashion. In summary, the incorporation of sustainability, ethics, and diversity into the world of fashion is vital in the modern world. Solutions to sustainable fashion can be found in numerous ways, such as buying second-hand, thrifting, and shopping from small businesses. All of these reduce the demand for fast fashion. Fast fashion and microtrends are some of the main contributors to the problems relating to the rise of social media and recent ethical concerns about safe working conditions, a living wage, and employee safety. Another issue that needs to be considered is the inaccurate representation of people from various backgrounds, the lack of diversity, and the absence of women in leadership and management roles. A final interesting paradox is Generation Z’s wish for a sustainable future, but also their addiction and dependency to fast fashion. Lastly, it is up to the younger generations to fix the fashion industry by exploring new solutions and improving older ones. That said, everyone must play a role in the mission for sustainability, ethics, and diversity.
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