CATWALK TAKES A VEGAN TURN

First food, now fashion is putting ethical products to the fore

Vegan tacos, almond milk, tofu burgers – is there anything we can’t make that’s animal-product-free?

Not that long ago, vegan sandals quietly hit the market but now they have been followed with an explosion of vegan and animal-friendly fashion.

However this doesn’t just mean that items of clothing are made without using leather and the like – vegan clothing includes the philosophy that our garments shouldn’t harm the earth and should be ethically made.

This means getting rid of “sweatshops”, where third-world country citizens are paid a pittance for long hours and horrible, unsafe working conditions, and choosing manufacturers that treat their workers fairly.

It means not dumping toxic waste in waterways, which are crucial in life for people, animals and plants alike.

It means using water-based inks and colouring agents that won’t hurt the environment.

It means using materials to make fabrics without a toxic chemical process.

Previously, finding clothes that fit those philosophies were few and far between, let alone fashionable.

But more and more, fashion houses are getting behind this movement.

If you are interested in learning more about vegan fashion, visit www.veganaustralia.org.au.

Alternatively, you can find a free check list on how popular clothing brands hold up against ethical practices at www.baptistworldaid.org.au/ resources/2018-ethical-fashion-guide/.