Whether you’re a fan of vintage fashion or not, the importance of slow fashion in a world which is in the middle of a climate crisis cannot be underestimated. Slow fashion, if you’re unaware of the term, is fashion that does not contribute toward the use of sweatshops and slave labour (often used by the most popular retailers), and which doesn’t contribute toward the pollution of the Earth by encouraging people to throw away their old clothing in favour of the latest fashion. What most people contribute to is called fast fashion.
Ethical and sustainable clothing can help to address many of the world’s issues. As an example, if you avoid the cheaply produced clothing of Primark, in favour of a hand made garment ordered from Etsy or a Fairtrade registered retailer, then you’re contributing to the betterment of working conditions for the people who make and sell your clothing. In addition to this, if you choose to avoid buying new clothing altogether, and opt instead to purchase garments, jewellery and shoes from vintage sellers and charity shops, then you’re preventing clothing from being added to landfill (you can find some real gems in charity shops, my mother-in-law bough a Chanel bag for about £25). Vintage clothing is also often better made and will last longer. Many of the world’s greatest issues are out of the control of normal people, however, changing our clothing habits to slow fashion is accessible for pretty much everyone, and can also save you some cash at the same time!
What is ethical clothing?
Ethical clothing encompasses a whole host of business and production practices. However, put simply, ethical fashion is eco and people friendly. The easiest way to ensure that you’re purchasing a garment that is ethically sound is to look for the Fairtrade mark. Here’s just a few of the things you are ensuring by buying Fairtrade items:
· Workers have long-term employment.
· Workers receive fair wages.
· Contracts are transparent and respectable.
· Workers are provided with safe and healthy working conditions.
· Workers have free speech.
· Workers are protected from prejudice, discrimination, abuse, sexism, racism and sexual harassment.
· Workers have access to healthcare and holidays.
Fairtrade clothing may be more expensive in the short term; however, its quality is guaranteed and it will most likely remain functional for a lot longer. Additionally, if you buy other items from charity shops, you’ll most likely end up spending a lot less in the long run.
Fairtrade Foundation Image.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion means prioritising environmentally friendly practices, not only via the fabric used to create the clothing, but also throughout productions. By buying clothing that is environmentally sustainable, it is usually:
· Safe for both the environment and people by avoiding materials such as carcinogens or other harmful chemicals.
· Made through sustainable practices which are designed to reduce waste and water consumption.
· Made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo.
· Using sustainable energy and avoiding pollution as much as possible.
Wind turbines.
In conclusion
Slow fashion is not only good for the environment, but it also helps us to take greater steps towards more ethical production practices. It’s also true that if you opt to buy second-hand garments, either via vintage stores or charity shops, your money goes to small business owners and charities, rather than to large corporations.
Please comment, share with your fellow vintage enthusiasts and let me know if there’s anything specific you want me to write about. To share this article, use the share buttons below. You can also use the social media buttons at the top and bottom of this page to visit my pages. If you want to keep up to date with my listings and discounts, then make sure to sign up for my mailing list and follow my store (https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SwabyCollections) on Etsy.
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