Earth Day is the perfect time to reflect on our relationship with our planet, and sustainable fashion is the answer to staying in style and being eco-conscious. Welcome in slow fashion and ethically made garments. Making the switch to ethical clothing is the easiest thing people can consider doing to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint!
Eco-friendly fashion means that companies have minimized their environmental impact to make a difference.
Producing an article of clothing takes up valuable resources including water and involves the utilization of hazardous chemicals from dyes. A report from the University Institute of Fashion Technology estimates that the textile industry is responsible for 20% of the world’s industrial water pollution. According to the article, approximately 72 toxic chemicals identified in bodies of water were solely from the textile dyeing process – 30 of which are unable to be removed from the source. Fast fashion pieces are produced with a short life in mind. However, slow fashion brands take time with sourcing their labor and produce quality pieces that are made to last.
Photo: Victor Garcia on Unsplash
Conscious fashion helps the environment and other humans.
Choosing sustainable fashion brands is a conscious effort that will help benefit everyone. As a consumer, being selective with your dollar is important not only to the environment but also to fellow humans who live in the communities where garments are produced. By selecting an ethical brand, water use and waste can be reduced. According to a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry consumes 21 trillion gallons of water annually.
4 Eco-Conscious Brands that are Working to Bring Sustainable Fashion to the Forefront
Vitamin A
Locally made in California, Vitamin A is the go-to brand for luxury swimwear and beach attire. Their mission statement enhances their sleek design, “Super Sexy, Super Sustainable.” Vitamin A garments use eco-friendly and recycled materials to mitigate the amount of waste in chemicals and water. By producing clothing locally, the brand further reduces its carbon footprint. You can be confident in your choice with Vitamin A and look fabulous too!
Conscious Step
Conscious Step is a vegan brand focusing on socks and sweatshirts. It is perfect for those who care about animals as much as they do their clothing. Their tagline states, “Wear what you believe in.” It’s important to support a sustainable brand. Conscious Step is transparent about their organic and fair-trade cotton sources, and the brand is committed to giving back. They state that with every purchase, a cause is supported. From donating books to children in Asia and Africa, planting trees, or providing meals to children, Conscious Step shows that every stride toward ethical fashion is the right one.
Parade
Branded as the “perfect underwear,” Parade commits to sustainability and comfort. The brand is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful chemicals, according to the brand’s website. Oexo-Tex certification is a voluntary process and testing is done by an independent third party. Parade also uses recycled material in some of their offerings, so you can wear their underwear with pride. The brand uses reduced and 100% compostable packaging for their products, helping eliminate waste production and shipping emissions from excess weight. They claim that their packaging can biodegrade in 300 days when composted. Even the postcard that you receive when placing an order is printed on recycled paper! Now that’s something to parade about.
The Classic T-Shirt Company
It’s back to the basics with The Classic T-Shirt Company! This brand specializes in 100% organic and fairtrade cotton shirts. Their products are long-lasting and quality-made. The Classic T-Shirt Company is manufactured locally in the United States to reduce its carbon footprint. You can be at ease in their comfy attire because the brand donates a portion of their proceeds and also ensures a living wage across their production line. Now that’s ethical.
By Kaleen Luu
Featured Photo: S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
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