SAYING YES TO ETHICAL FASHION
THERE’S A DARK SIDE TO FASHION AND IT IS HARMING THE ENVIRONMENT. WANT TO TAKE ACTION? HOMEGROWN BRANDS AND RETAILERS MAKE IT EASY, FUN AND STYLISH TO EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE FASHION.
Healthy food can’t be delectable and sustainable fashion can’t be trendy. If we were to select two topics that are most debated upon at the dining table, then these have to be it. When you think of the former, you probably think of an unappetising bowl of quinoa salad; and when you think of the latter, you are likely to think of grungy fabric and outdated styles. Neither of which is true — not anymore. Because experts — and not just the environmental activists — but also chefs, designers, and entrepreneurs are working hard to bring a change.
Green smoothies have become the talk of the town, but green fashion is catching up only now. Why? “It’s funny because you get dressed every day. But, research shows that even when people adopt a more sustainable lifestyle — whether that’s because they’re more aware of it, because they have children or because they’ve recently had an illness — fashion is the last thing that they change,” Kelly Drennan, founding executive director, Fashion Takes Action, explained at a recent talkshow on the topic.
So, what is sustainable fashion? It’s not just about identifying the harm we’re causing to the environment, but also saying no to unnecessary fashion purchases. Where should you begin?
We suggest by asking questions such as — Is one fabric better than the other?, From where was the cotton sourced?, Who were the artists behind the creation?, Can a consumer make a difference?, Is my favourite brand supporting environment-friendly practices?, What is a green-washed label?, Do I really need those extra pair of shoes? — and more.
Call it sustainable, eco or green fashion, it’s here to stay. Why should you embrace it? Because it offers you an opportunity to look and feel great, and reduce your carbon footprint and chemical load. Also, if you think you are no good at reduce, reuse, and recycle, then you can try ‘repurpose, repair, and rent’.
P.S: Soon enough, you’ll be able to order a pair of denim jeans that can last for 50 years. A kickstarter campaign called Half Century Jeans is currently working on it. We can’t wait.