In the past 10 years, there has been a rise in environmentally-friendly clothing that is called “sustainable fashion”. What does this mean? Sustainable fashion refers to clothes and other items made from sustainable resources. This means they are not harmful to the environment and can be used for a long period of time without harming it.
The term sustainable when it comes to sustainable fashion means that the resources used to make the clothes were renewable. For example, several fashion trends can be made from natural fabrics such as cotton and silk, which are both renewable resources. When you search for ladies clothing online, don’t forget that you can also get handmade items in Sri Lanka that are made from recycled materials.
In recent times there have been many new developments in terms of fabrics that are made from natural materials. Hemp is one such fabric; it is durable, absorbent and grows quickly without using much water or pesticides. Another sustainable option for fabrics is bamboo fibres. Bamboo is a grass that grows very quickly, doesn’t require fertilisers or irrigation and releases more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees. It can also be made into a soft, luxurious fabric.
Although natural fabrics are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics, there are some synthetic fabrics that can also be sustainable. Polyester, for example, can be created from recycled plastic bottles. So, when you are looking for clothes that are described as being “sustainable”, don’t just assume they are made from natural materials; read the label carefully to find out whether they are actually made from sustainable material.
There are three main conditions that make something sustainable
For something to be considered sustainable, it needs to fulfil the following conditions:
- It needs to be environmentally responsible.
- It needs to have a long-life cycle, causing less waste in the future.
- It has to be economically beneficial for both the business that is making it and the people using it.
For instance, sustainable clothing should last longer so that you can wear them more often or sell them on after use instead of throwing them away.
Investing in pieces you will wear over and over again can save money and reduce your carbon footprint
One of the best ways to contribute towards sustainable fashion is to buy pieces of clothing that you can wear multiple times. This reduces the number of new clothes made and shipped, which in turn cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. It also saves you money in the long run as you won’t have to keep buying replacements for items that don’t last very long.
There are lots of sustainable fashion brands out there, so it is easy to find something you will love that will help the environment too, such as comfortable batik skirts in Sri Lanka. Just be sure to do your research before investing in anything, as not all “eco-friendly” clothing is created equal.
When purchasing new items, look for natural fibres like cotton or wool because these materials require less energy to produce than synthetic fabrics do
Natural fibre fabrics are those that are made from plants or animals. They are generally more environmentally friendly to produce than synthetic fabrics, which are man-made. The reason for this is that natural fibre fabrics require less energy to process, meaning they release fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
They also do not use chemicals and pesticides during production. However, natural fibre fabrics can be more expensive than synthetic fibres and may not last as long or wear as well.
Advantages and Disadvantages of sustainable fashion
- There are many advantages to sustainable fashion, some of which include:
- It helps the environment by reducing waste and pollution.
- Sustainable fashion is made from natural materials that come from renewable resources.
- The production process is often more ethical and humane than traditional clothing manufacture.
- Natural fibre clothing is better for your skin.
- Better quality products at lower prices.
- Increases people’s awareness regarding ethical issues within the industry.
- You are supporting local artisans and small businesses, and helping to provide jobs for low- or zero-income earners in rural areas. For example, artisans create batik sarees in Sri Lanka.
However, there are also a few disadvantages to consider before making the switch to sustainable fashion. These can include:
- The clothes might not be as trendy or fashionable as traditional clothing options.
- You might have to pay more for them (although this is slowly changing).
- They might be harder to find in your local store or online shop.
- Less variety and styles.
Choosing sustainable fashion over other types can be one of the best decisions you make for the environment.
- It can help in making a change and reducing your environmental footprint.
- You might be able to save money by choosing sustainable fashion over other options, as it is becoming more readily available in stores and online at an affordable price.
- If we all choose to purchase clothes that are made from sustainable materials, this will reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources such as oil and coal which pollute the earth with toxins when they’re processed into clothing fibres.
So, these are just a few things you should know about sustainable fashion.
