Eco fashion, ethical fashion, sustainable fashion, eco-friendly fashion and green fashion. You would have heard of the terms, but what are they really?
Although eco fashion may sound like a new trend but it started out way back as an organic movement in the 60’s. In fact, it’s not even a trend but rather a movement that has grown to revolutionise and transform the fashion industry of the 21st century.
What is Eco Fashion?
The nonprofit Sustainable Technology Education Project (STEP) defines eco-fashion as clothes “that take into account the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of people in the fashion industry”.
But that was not the case until recently, as many eco clothing manufacturers were focusing only on the final product. Like many other industries, cost reduction was a high priority. Production was often outsourced to sweat shops with unethical business practices, fabrics were often treated with high levels of pesticides and other chemicals, which contributed to green house gases, which were never given much thought.
The late 90s activist movement against worker exploitation, saw a new code of labour practices for clothing companies being created resulting many sweat shops of the apparel industry being shut down, and more people supporting the need for fair trade, leading to employees being paid with respectable wages and quality working conditions.
Material of clothing in the fashion industry has also seen changes the past decade. Organic cotton is one of the major developments within eco fashion. Although the production of all cotton creates a fairly large carbon footprint, choosing organic is the safer route for the environment, as it is free of chemical fertilisers and toxic pesticides.
All-natural fibres such as silk, hemp, and even bamboo have also found their way as sustainable materials. Being resistant to bacteria and mold, these fibres are easier to grow, improve soil quality and are even biodegradable. Animal fibres such as wool, alpaca and cashmere are also finding their way to the eco fashion runway. Using plant-based dyes, as well as new printing quality, which adds colour to clothing without using water is another turning point for eco fashion industries contribution to a greener earth.
With more inspired key players in the eco fashion industry improving both the creation as well as the production of apparel, eco fashion is a rapidly growing movement. Some of the biggest fashion houses are already displaying extensive ‘green collections’.
Nowadays, eco fashion is no longer attached to the hippy tie-dyed stereotype of the past. It has now been adopted by clothing distributers for the masses as well as the high fashion couture of the runways.
One argument still persist, that the eco-fashion development is over-priced, as many consumers still view it as elite. However, as more and more sustainable apparel companies enter the market, the supply will begin to match the high demand, and prices will begin to level out… hopefully.
One of the hottest trends in the world of style is eco friendly or natural fibre clothing. But what really separates eco fashion from ordinary clothing?
There are a few elements that make a great outfit into an eco-friendly one:
Organic materials
Clothing made from all or mostly all organic materials is usually said to be eco fashion. The style of clothing made from these organic fabric clothing can range from sleepwear, outdoor apparel and activewear to the latest in haute couture. Choosing materials not treated with pesticides and herbicides clearly benefits the earth. But it may also help the wearer as well. There is a growing body of evidence that traces the chemicals used in growing cotton and other materials may remain in the fibres. These traces could be absorbed through the skin of the wearer, especially if they sweat.
Sustainable materials
Even if the material used in a garment is not organic, it may be a sustainable material. That means it’s produced from a crop that can be replanted and regrown without damaging the eco system. Cotton or hemp grown in an environmentally-friendly way, even if some chemicals are used, would qualify as sustainable. Other examples of sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics might include animal based choices like wool, alpaca and cashmere. Unlike leather and suede, the animals need not be harmed in gathering the fibres.
Healthy, plant-based dyes
Even organic materials can become less eco-friendly if the dyes used are synthetic, heavy metal based or otherwise dangerous to the workers who make the clothing, the earth or the wearer. Choosing clothing dyed with healthy, natural plant-based dyes means less irritation for the consumer and less toxic exposure for the clothing makers and the earth.
Free trade practices
Another element of eco fashion has to do with the way the clothing is manufactured and sold. If the employees making the clothing are not paid a livable wage, or if the working conditions are substandard and hazardous, the clothing fails the free trade practices test. That means otherwise good clothing made from natural or even organic fabrics might not be a true eco fashion if the workers are children or if adult workers are paid only pennies for their labour.
Giving back to the community
A final test of true eco fashion is whether the company is giving back to the community. Are they setting aside a certain portion of their profits for charities or environmental action? Are they working to improve the lives of so-called Third World employees making the garments? Are they planting trees for catalogs or supporting local (or remote) schools? One of the tenets of the eco lifestyle is recognising the interconnectedness of the earth and its people, and sharing the bounty with those in need.
Make full use of limited natural resources
One of the positive side effects of the global recession has been a growing awareness of limited natural resources. People are more anxious than ever to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the earth. Eco fashion is just one expression of that shift.
