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Did you know that every time you make a fashion purchase, you have an opportunity to impact our planet? Fashion is one of the world’s largest industries. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most polluting industries. Luckily, the tide is turning, and the movement toward ethical fashion is growing and gaining momentum.
Ethical fashion is a term that encompasses many facets of the fashion industry. It covers a range of issues, such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare.
It’s 2024, and green is the new black! We are gaining momentum in the ‘going green’ movement. Here at Not Labeled, we are excited to share our top tips for choosing ethical fashion and making eco-friendly decisions regarding your wardrobe.
What is Ethical Fashion?
In general, ethical fashion is fashion that prioritizes reducing negative impacts on people, animals, and the planet as a whole. This includes sustainable fashion, which encompasses efforts within the industry to protect workers, prioritize animal welfare, and reduce environmental impacts.
Embracing ethical fashion is not just about staying on top of trends. It's a conscious commitment to appreciating the full story of each piece of clothing – its social, economic, and environmental impact.
Overall, ethical fashion seeks to promote minimal harm to our planet, secure fair wages for workers, and foster a sustainable and respectful supply chain. Getting to grips with this concept is your first stride towards a more responsible wardrobe. By making this shift, you are actively fostering a greener, fairer world.
Not Labeled’s Top Tips for Ethical Fashion
Breaking free from the fast fashion cycle necessitates a shift in various habits. Don’t overwhelm yourself or your budget, though. You can start with any one of these tips. Then, slowly integrate each one into your routine as time and money permits.
So, here are our top tips for living an ethically fashionable life and embracing green as the new black.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Think long-term and invest in high-quality garments that provide lasting value rather than fleeting trends. This means choosing durable pieces designed to endure.
Ultimately, this will reduce the frequency of replacement purchases and reduce waste and pollution. Aim for versatile, timeless items that complement what's already in your closet, ensuring their longevity in your style rotation.
Transitioning to ethical fashion isn't about having less; it's about buying smarter.
Buy From Ethical Fashion Brands
Embrace brands that wear their green hearts on their sleeves. This means rallying behind labels that are candid about their manufacturing processes, take pride in providing fair wages, and strive to tread lightly on our planet. Often, these brands turn to organic or recycled fabrics and champion sustainable production techniques.
At Not Labeled, we are proud to offer clothing that is made from bamboo viscose, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. Our clothing products are made with minimal water usage and less energy production, and are oh-so-cozy!
Though it may require a bit of homework, finding these brands that resonate with your ethical stance and environmental ethos is an invaluable move towards a greener wardrobe. So, next time you're shopping, remember to check the labels for sustainability and ethical commitments.
Support Second Hand and Vintage Shops
Delving into the world of secondhand and vintage stores opens a treasure trove of unique, timeless pieces while lessening your environmental footprint. By adopting pre-loved garments, we decrease the demand for newly produced clothes, minimizing the consumption of resources involved in their creation.
Embrace Clothes Swapping
Indulge in the eco-chic trend of clothes swapping to refresh your wardrobe. This stylish, sustainable practice allows you to trade items you've grown tired of for exciting, new-to-you pieces. Moreover, this practice fosters a fashion-forward circular economy. The process not only prolongs the life of clothes but also decreases demand for new production, helping save the planet one swap at a time.
Swap events and online platforms make it easier than ever to participate in this green trend.
Make Conscious Care Decisions
Caring for your wardrobe involves more than just tossing garments into the washing machine. By washing clothes less often, opting for cold water, and allowing items to air dry, you extend their lifespan and reduce energy consumption.
Got a minor tear or a missing button? Don't be quick to toss it. Equip yourself with some basic repair skills to give your clothes a new lease on life.
Educate Yourself and Spread Awareness
Ignite your curiosity and learn about the fashion industry's impact on our world. Delve deeper into how your fashion choices influence global issues, arming yourself with knowledge to make more informed, ethical decisions.
But don't stop there. Use your newfound understanding to spread the word, sparking engaging conversations with those around you.
