Steps towards a more sustainable fashion industry

There’s been a move away from fast fashion recently. Where once retailers, brands and consumers moved with the seasons, there’s a growing trend towards preloved clothing and recycling older items.

How did we get here? And what are the steps being taken to make this fast-paced industry slow down and take stock?

A focus on going green

Sustainability has become hugely important in recent years. We’ve seen the environmental advocacy of Sir David Attenborough and the activism of Greta Thunberg, both sharing detailed messaging around climate change and its detrimental impact.

Their push towards being more environmentally aware is well founded. Last year was the warmest on record globally, indicating the impact emissions are having.

There are plans to reach carbon net zero by 2050 and it’s worth thinking of ways that we can help achieve this target. One way to do that is by focusing on fashion. There’s been an overarching move away from fast fashion for a few years. But with a goal in mind, it’s possible to make a change.

Embracing sustainable materials

Traditional cotton farming is known for its heavy pesticide use and water consumption. In contrast, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and uses significantly less water, making it a far more sustainable option. Additionally, recycled fabrics, such as those made from plastic bottles, reduce the need for raw materials and help decrease waste.

Innovative materials like mushroom leather and lab-grown alternatives are also becoming viable options. These materials offer the durability and aesthetic qualities of traditional leather but are produced with a fraction of the environmental impact.

Reducing waste

Circular fashion is designed to keep products in use for as long as possible. By recycling old garments into new ones, for example, the industry can significantly reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Upcycling, meanwhile, involves creatively repurposing old clothes into new items. Similarly, restoration of old clothes and accessories helps to reduce overall waste. This could be using plyers to restore shoes and replace soles, or the restoration of leather clothes and accessories, rather than throwing them away and purchasing new again.

Clothing rental services, where consumers can rent high-quality garments for special occasions, also contribute to circular fashion by reducing the demand for fast fashion. These services encourage the use of garments multiple times by different users, maximising the lifecycle of each piece.

Ethical labour practices

Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers in the fashion industry is essential. There’s a prevalence of low wages and poor working conditions in garment factories, particularly in developing countries. This highlights the need for more ethical labour practices. Certifications such as Fair Trade and SA8000 provide assurances that products are made under fair conditions.

Brands committed to transparency in their supply chains help consumers make informed choices. By supporting companies that prioritise ethical labour practices, customers can drive demand for more humane working conditions worldwide.

Conscious shopping

Adopting mindful shopping habits, such as buying less but investing in better quality items, supports sustainable brands and reduces the overall environmental footprint. If consumers consider the lifecycle of their purchases, they are more likely to help reduce levels of fast fashion. Opting for items that are designed to last and can be repaired rather than disposed of is a great starting point.

Policy and industry initiatives

Government policies and industry-wide initiatives are vital for driving large-scale changes towards sustainability. Recent UK government actions, such as the Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into the fashion industry, highlight the need for regulatory measures to promote sustainable practices.

Global agreements and collaborations, such as the United Nations’ Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, also play a vital role in setting industry standards and encouraging sustainable practices.

A lot of this is down to a change in our mindset. We’ve been shopping like this for generations and fashions have been designed to be quickly consumed. But there are steps being taken towards a more sustainable approach.