Green is the New Black... Our Thoughts on Sustainable Fashion
Posted by HANNAH HAYES
Sustainable fashion is an ambiguous term and one that is widely overused. What is sustainable fashion? Well I guess that depends on who you're asking, but since you're here - I'll tell you what I think:
I subscribe to the Green Dreamer's definition of Sustainable Fashion as, "clothing that is designed, manufactured, distributed, and used in ways that are environmentally friendly."
That definition is also pretty vague, but appropriate for a topic and idea that covers a huge and multi-layered industry. By that definition, sustainable fashion can be anything from up-cycling your own clothes to thrifting to buying new clothes produced sustainably.
Thrifting and up-cycling are fairly common to everyone, but the trick is figuring out if a new item has been produced sustainably and/or has a sustainable lifecycle.
So, how can you tell if an item has been produced sustainably? A little bit of research goes a long way. You can just Google the companies name and “sustainability” to see if any articles have been written on the subject.
Or an even simpler option, is before you check out just go to the brand’s “about us” section. If they do have any sustainability initiatives, they will almost certainly have them posted here. In fact, I’d say that most of the time if a company doesn’t have anything posted about sustainability – you can usually assume they are not doing any sustainability initiatives.
For example, if you check out “Our Story”, you’ll see that we’re pretty loud and proud about our sustainability initiatives! As any sustainable brand should be, especially in the fashion space where it’s so rare and needed.
Finally, why do we think shopping sustainably is such a big deal?
Because it’s literally a stylish way to save the planet. Why not do good by shopping for things you are already buying? I know sometimes it can seem like the “sustainable” or “ecofriendly” option costs more but a) it’s not by that much so if you can do it, you should do it b) that’s changing rapidly as sustainable technology progresses!
It’s probably not possible to shop sustainably 100% of the time, even just on fashion. At least, none of us have achieved that level yet. However, doing good and investing in a piece that’s going to outlast the fast fashion alternative is a beautiful treat you should give yourself every once in a while! It feels good to do good.
We’re obviously very passionate about this subject and if you are too (which we’re hoping you will be a little bit more after reading this!) then stay up to date with our monthly blog to learn more about the sustainable fashion industry and our part in it.
Sending love, Hannah