Fashion Goes ‘Sustainable’
Beyond the stereotyped images of Parisian runways and skinny models, fashion has taken a new meaning by embracing green advocacy. Recently, there seems to be a steadily growing sector within the fashion industry that tries to promote the concept of sustainable fashion. The term has been loosely identified as a type of fashion which comprises various articles of clothing and different kinds of accessories that are manufactured using eco-friendly materials. Being ‘sustainable’ also highlights the importance of advocating environment-friendly methods in manufacturing such fashion items.
The growing activism of many green movements across the world calls for economic restructuring which puts the ‘ecosystem’ at the heart of the economy. In line to this aim, sustainable fashion endeavors to produce clothing products and accessories with the least use of carbon gases. The concept doesn’t just stop there. It is rather a broad concept which also incorporates the idea of industrial peace between the employer and the employees. It aims to create a desirable ‘working ecosystem’ that is fair for everybody. Human resources are as important as the environment which the advocacy seeks to protect. Another equally important part of the concept is the reuse of already existing fashion items generally referred to as vintage fashion.
Manufacturing fashion items in the traditional way entails the use of non-renewable natural resources in huge amounts. Sustainability in the fashion industry requires the utilization of easily renewable materials that are either organic or re-purposed. Abundant materials such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo are very good examples because they can re-grow very rapidly. Even textile production leftovers can be recycled to make interesting clothing articles. All it takes is creativity and resourcefulness.
The whole concept of sustainability in the fashion industry will not be complete without the inclusion of the methods of production. Mass production consumes a lot of energy. Reducing the carbon footprint in manufacturing is an important concern. Advocates are rather keen on promoting eco-friendly custom production just like the old days before the advent of mass production changed the course of the industry.
Humans are part of the ecosystem. From a socio-economic point-of-view, human resources are an important component of sustainable fashion. People are highly valued resource because they are the workforce behind the products. As such, there must be a harmonious, fair, and honest working environment which seeks to promote the interests of the owners of the production, workers, and even the customers.
To promote the eco-centered aims of sustainable fashion, many boutique dress shops have taken interest in bringing green fashion to the mainstream. Creative designers also find a creative channel where they could put their talents to good use. Some women clothing boutiques even feature interesting fashion items from re-purposed textile scraps.
Fashion is not just about forms and styles. It is also about substance and meaning.
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