While most consumer goods steadily increase in price, clothing has become considerably cheaper. This is namely thanks to the low-cost labour that comes with overseas production, as well as cheaper materials such as polyester. According to a report by Quartz, polyester production has exploded since 1980, surpassing cotton, wool, and other natural fibres.
Unfortunately, the low cost to the consumer comes at a high cost to the planet and overall population. Synthetic fabrics require vast amounts of energy to produce and the manufacturing processes often utilise harmful chemicals. It should come as no surprise that working conditions aren’t great, either.
One noteworthy case is the 2013 collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh, which took the lives of over 1,000 workers and injured 2,000 more. While one of the better-known examples, it’s far from an isolated case. The good news is that there’s a growing number of ethical fashion brands that are attempting to address these problems.
These brands pledge to use eco-friendly materials and avoid harmful chemicals while ensuring fair conditions and wages for their workers. But this does mean that the end product is passed down at a higher price to the consumer.
Supporting Sustainable Fashion
You don’t have to break the bank to outfit your wardrobe with more sustainable garments. One approach is to simply buy less of it. The advent of fast fashion has driven people to buy far more clothes than they used to. According to KQED, Americans used to buy 25 new pieces of clothing per year in 1960. Today, that number has risen to 70.
Given the popularity of fast fashion chains in the UK, it’s safe to say that most Brits are no different when it comes to their clothing consumption. So, the less you buy, the more you can afford to spend on each garment. You can also shop smarter and invest in high-quality pieces that last longer. Buying second-hand is another great option.
What Makes Clothing Sustainable?
Sustainable clothing is both planet-friendly and worker-friendly. They’re typically made of eco-friendly fabrics that are versatile and durable enough to be used for many seasons. These fabrics can be reused or recycled. Sustainable clothing companies also offer better working conditions and fairer wages.
Sustainable Materials
Many people assume that common natural fabrics, such as cotton, are greener than their synthetic alternatives. However, this isn’t always the case. Conventional cotton-growing methods utilise significant amounts of pesticides and potentially toxic fertilisers. Even organic cotton requires large amounts of water to be grown.
Some better alternatives include linen, hemp, bamboo, alpaca, silk and organic wool. Each material offers its own benefits. This can include requiring much less fertiliser and water to grow, as they are made of sustainable materials and are easy to recycle.
If you’re looking to get a garment printed for personal or business reasons, there are also eco-friendly alternatives available. One such example is eco-friendly sublimation printing, which is considerably more efficient and less wasteful than traditional printing methods.
Conclusion
Supporting sustainable clothing doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. The benefits it has on people and the planet make it well worth the effort.