How To Support Sustainable Fashion

Sustainability is a term that has been thrown around a lot in recent years, and for good reason. It is becoming increasingly important for individuals and businesses alike to take steps towards reducing their impact on the environment. One area that has seen a rise in interest is sustainable fashion. This refers to clothing and accessories that are made in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible. In this article, we will explore the impact of fast fashion, ways you can support sustainable fashion, and a list of some of our favourite sustainable bloggers who help to raise awareness and give great tips through their content.

The impact of fast fashion

1. Excessive Water Consumption:

The fast fashion industry is known for its high water consumption, with the production of a single cotton t-shirt consuming around 2,700 litres of water, and a single pair of jeans requiring approximately 7,000 litres of water.

2. Chemical Pollution:

The textile industry uses a vast amount of chemicals in the production of clothing, including pesticides, dyes, and bleaches. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment and the workers exposed to them, as they can contaminate soil, air, and water.

3. Waste Generation:

The fast fashion industry generates an enormous amount of waste, with around 92 million tons of textile waste being produced each year. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

4. Carbon Emissions:

The production and transportation of clothing result in significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions.

5. Labour Exploitation:

The fast fashion industry often relies on cheap labour from developing countries, where workers may be paid low wages and work in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. This exploitation can have severe social and environmental impacts, including poverty, inequality, and the depletion of natural resources.

The positive impact of sustainable fashion

1. Reduced Environmental Impact:

Sustainable fashion focuses on reducing the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment. It involves using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and pollution, and promoting ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

2. Conservation of Resources:

Sustainable fashion encourages the conservation of natural resources by using materials that are renewable, biodegradable, or recycled. This reduces the depletion of non-renewable resources and helps to preserve the environment.

3. Carbon Footprint Reduction:

Sustainable fashion aims to reduce carbon emissions by promoting local production, using renewable energy sources, and minimising transportation. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry, contributing to the fight against climate change.

4. Social Responsibility:

Sustainable fashion recognises the importance of social responsibility and ethical practices in the fashion industry. It promotes fair labour practices, supports local communities, and ensures that workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

5. Consumer Education:

Sustainable fashion encourages consumer education and awareness of the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. This helps to promote responsible consumption and reduces waste by encouraging consumers to buy high-quality, long-lasting clothing that is sustainably produced.

How Peper Harow supports sustainable fashion

Peper Harow is a UK-based brand that produces high-quality, sustainable socks. A selection of our socks are made from sustainable materials such as organic and recycled cotton, and we prioritise ethical production practices. We also use recycled materials for packaging.

How to support sustainable fashion

1. Buy from sustainable brands. Look for brands that prioritise sustainable materials, production practices, and ethical labour practices.
2. Shop second-hand. Thrifting and shopping at charity shops is a great way to give clothing a second life and reduce waste.
3. Invest in quality pieces. Buying high-quality clothing that is made to last can save money in the long run and reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.
4. Repair and repurpose clothing. Instead of throwing away clothing that has a small tear or stain, try to repair it or repurpose it into something new.
5. Educate yourself. Learn about the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry and make informed choices when purchasing clothing.

Some of our favourite sustainable fashion bloggers

1. Curiously Conscious - Besma Whayeb was recently named Peper Harow’s ambassador, as we believe she embodies the same values when it comes to environmental practices as we do. She is a sustainable fashion blogger based in Brighton. Her blog covers topics such as sustainable fashion, beauty, and travel.
2. Sustainably Chic - Natalie Kay is a sustainable fashion blogger based in the US. Her blog features ethical and sustainable fashion brands, as well as tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle.
3. The Good Trade - The Good Trade is a website that focuses on sustainable and ethical living. Their fashion section features sustainable brands, shopping guides, and articles about the fashion industry's impact on the environment and society.
4. Ethical Unicorn - Francesca Willow is a UK-based sustainable fashion blogger. Her blog covers ethical and sustainable fashion, as well as topics such as mental health.

In conclusion, sustainable fashion is an important issue that deserves attention. By supporting sustainable brands like Peper Harow, shopping second-hand, investing in quality pieces, repairing and repurposing clothing, and educating oneself about the industry, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and promote ethical labour practices.