When we think of pollution what comes to mind are the big oil companies, car manufacturers, coal mines etc. But the truth is that the fashion industry is one of the top polluters in the world. But there is an alternative! Therefore with more and more people becoming ethically conscious and switching to more environmentally friendly and socially conscious brands, the market for ethical fashion is growing. Brands, in turn, are also becoming increasingly mindful of how and where their clothes are produced. More eco-friendly companies are entering the industry with innovations like leather made of plants and more sustainable fabrics.
These brands are showing what ethical fashion and what eco friendly means in their essence. This means using low-impact dyes, natural materials, growing pesticide-free cotton and innovating constantly.
We have selected 10 of the best sustainable fashion brands that are making a positive change in the world and serve as an example of sustainability in fashion industry.
1. Piñatex is the company that produces leather from pineapple waste thus reducing the heavy environmental and welfare impact that leather production has.
2. People Tree is a UK based company that produces their eco friendly, organic clothes through Fair Trade and guarantees high-quality garments.
3. Tentree is a Canada based company which uses sustainable fabrics as well as responsible and eco-friendly manufacturing. Plus, they plant ten trees for each item purchased.
4. Organic Basics is a Danish brand that makes underwear. They use 100% organic cotton which is eco-certified. Their production is also powered by solar and wind energy.
5. Cienne is the choice of every working woman. The company produces small batches of unique, artisan clothes which are low waste and with 100% natural dyes. Eco-friendly indeed.
6. EcoVibe Apparel is all about where and how things are made. They sell only ethically produced items and also donate 1% of their profits to environmental causes.
7. Threads 4 Thought was started 10 years ago in an effort to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly textile and fashion industry. Therefore the company uses recycled and organic materials which are environmentally friendly.
8. Alternative Apparel is a leader in the eco-friendly production of clothing, using low-impact dyes also organic and recycled materials and fibers. They also ensure safe and fair working conditions for their workers around the world.
9. Amour Vert is another inspiring example of a company with zero waste philosophy, non-toxic materials and sustainable sourcing.
10. Pact uses only organic cotton for their clothing which is responsibly made and eco-friendly. Their clothes are free of chemicals and toxic materials. Pact are best known for their basics.
With so many inspiring, environmentally friendly and socially conscious brands on the market, it is hard not to switch to ethical fashion.
The figures are that every year 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced worldwide
The most commonly used material is cotton. It makes about 43% of the clothes. However, its cultivation is associated with pesticides and the need for large water resources. Therefore the production of clothing – with different chemical materials such as paints. It may take about 15,000 liters of water to grow cotton enough to make a pair of jeans. The numbers become huge and frightening. Seems like one of the countries that felt the most devastating effect of the fashion industry is Kazakhstan. Today, the 68,000 square meters of Aral Sea water have become a desert.
Indonesia has also boosted production for the fashion industry. Here the factories are over 400 and most of them are along the river valleys. As a result many of the chemicals used to make our clothes fall into their waters. Furthermore, this effects aquatic animals, soil and also plants. And Indonesia is not even among the top producers. We are afraid of suggesting levels of pollution in them…
The biggest change can come from ourselves
It is our desire to always keep up with fashion and as a result that provoke this overproduction. Therefore, the decision is simple: less and better quality clothes to wear longer. Also control over the shopping obsession. It is also a great idea to return our already unnecessary models for recycling, which in most cases is rewarded with a discount on the purchase of new ones. Where? Well at H & M for example.
In addition a new documentary by British journalist Stacy Douli reveals the dirty secrets of the fashion industry and its influence on us all. According to her, this industry is among the top five environmental pollutants, alongside fuel extraction.
The quality of their clothes and the growing fan base of these companies speak for themselves. Now it is possible to be stylish, without destroying the environment, your own health and that of other people. It is important that more people think about the things that affect the environment because we have one planet to care for.
