Why is Sustainable Fashion Important: 10+ Reasons to Know

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Have you ever heard the term “carbon footprint?” It refers to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released into the atmosphere, primarily because of us humans. And trust me when I say this: the more, the more harmful it is for us.

So, have you ever wondered what promotes the increase of the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment? It is fast fashion: the viral fashion that is low-cost but very harmful to the ecosystem.

The increase in carbon footprint is just one simple example; there are many harmful things fast fashion can do to the world.

The main phenomenon that can counter fast fashion is sustainable fashion. So, let us look at the 10+ importance of this fashion that can make the earth and its people happy.

1. Reduction of Harmful Impact on the Environment

One of the main factors that put sustainable fashion above other types of fashion is its positive impact on the environment.

In these types of fashion, the products are made using organic elements that are easily biodegradable. This ensures that soil health remains good and that no polluting materials are added to the water.

Also, farmers and related personnel grow organic materials without the use of any harmful insecticides or pesticides; this automatically reduces the impact on the environment.

The carbon dioxide released from the fast fashion industry contributes to around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions.

So, sticking to sustainable fashion is very helpful in tackling these environmental demons.

2. Promotion of Ethical Work Practices

According to a report by Statista, the monthly wage of garment workers in 2021 in Bangladesh was a grim $95. Other low-wage countries have a similar pay rate.

But, nowadays, such countries are adopting the production of sustainable fashion, which highly minimizes the problem.

Not only that, sustainable fashion also introduces the concept of gender equality, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment of the labor force.

Sustainable fashion operates in a close chain, which makes it very transparent to everyone involved.

3. Reduction of Waste Materials

With better inventory management and the use of biodegradable raw materials for production, sustainable fashion aids in the sector of waste materials reduction.

Speaking from experience, I have a hemp T-shirt that I bought nearly a year ago. Now after wearing it for more than 500 hours, I feel like I need to trash this. But here is the catch, I made some rags from it to clean my kitchen slab, and guess what, it works wonders.

Sustainable fashion focuses on secondhand products, thanks to its recycling and upcycle provision. On top of that, the materials used in this industry are all sustainable materials, which ensures the product lasts for a long time.

4. Decrease in Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Emission

One of the popular reasons people rate sustainable fashion over fast fashion is its help to the environment. While practicing sustainable fashion, manufacturers focus on using local products as raw materials. This reduces the use of transportation and thus indirectly reduces carbon emissions.

This type of fashion is also sometimes referred to as slow fashion, which implies that people focus on quality over quantity. This breaks the demand chain in the market, and thus, the production is limited.

Also, modern dyeing techniques comprise of harmful chemicals and the use of lots of water. Besides, sustainable fashion ensures that the dyes are created from organic materials to make positive impact on the environment.

5. Eco-Friendly Fashion Trends

Sustainable fashion incorporates the products that are naturally found in the environment, like bamboo, cotton, hemp, etc. These materials are not only durable but also very environmentally friendly. On top of that, some of these are easily found in nature.

Looking into Starbucks, an American chain of coffeehouses, the brand is very cautious about putting forward eco-friendly products. From the coffee beans they use to the cup, they focus on reducing the carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the environment.

On top of that, they also promote fair wages and get their coffee beans from sustainable farming. Over the years, Starbucks has developed ways to reduce water usage and waste consumption.

6. Recycle, Reuse and Reduce

Sustainable fashion uses products that are recycled from previously used materials, reducing the need to produce.

Certain examples include the use of used nylon, polyester, or cotton, easily available via old bottles or garments.

Consumers sometimes also have the liability to return the products so that they can be recycled into new textiles.

Another important aspect of sustainable fashion is that the products can be upcycled and turned finer by adding embellishments.

Also, the sudden rise of the thrift stores and online markets helps in the reuse of usable products.

Reduction of production is another important factor that promotes sustainable fashion.

In the “slow fashion” trend, the market demand is highly reduced, which in turn reduces the production needs. Less production means less water consumption and less waste output.

7. Empowerment of Consumers

Do you remember? I gave an example of Starbucks in the above section. Where did I get that information?

First, I am a Starbucks customer, and second, they are pretty vocal about their use of ethical environmental practices.

Most of the sustainable brands are transparent about their use of raw materials and hence earn eco-labels and certifications.

Some of them are also actively engaging with their consumers and promoting their products, indirectly promoting the environment.

As a consumer of sustainable brands, I also feel proud when I use their products. It gives me the thought about how I am helping the environment by using their product and makes me content.

8. Prevention of Microplastic Disaster

Microplastics are smaller plastics (generally smaller than 5mm in length) that originate from various products and eventually harm marine and aquatic life.

Sustainable fashion focuses on reducing the use of such products that shed plastic and stick to cotton, hemp, linen, wool, etc.

Certain brands minimize the use of plastic products, and even if they use them, they promote recycling and sometimes even sell the recycled goods at a better price.

New innovations are being created and tested that can even trap the microplastics and consume less water.

Because if we do not act now, it will be very late, as the oceans will be filled with microplastics, and that will eventually bring an end to aquatic life.

Also, we all know the world is going towards a drinkable water crisis, and the microplastics will make it worse.

9. Support to the Local Communities

When we dig deeper, we can find a lot of business opportunities in the local communities. Sustainable brands know that; hence, they support the local communities.

And by local, I mean local everything, from raw materials to manpower.

Sustainable fashion supports fair wages and ethical work practices, regardless of gender. They are fully aware of labor rights, ensure the work environment is safe, and highly respect the laborers.

On top of that, if they use local products, the transportation and shipping cost is highly reduced, and the farmers get paid a fair price.

It is a win-win for everyone, right?

10. Safe Earth for Animals

One of the main threats traditional fashion brings is the eradication of animals by causing deforestation, polluting the water, butchering them for fur, etc.

Sustainable fashion focuses on preventing the trees and using easier alternatives like silk, hemp, etc.

The use of materials that do not shed microplastics is also one of the better steps sustainable fashion takes to ensure that aquatic lives remain undisturbed.

The dyes used are all made from natural materials, which prevents the mixing of harmful chemicals in the water.

Certain alternatives to animal leathers have come up in the market now. You can use mushroom leather, made from fungi, and apple leather, made from the apple waste.

There are also various plant-based alternatives to leather that look equally fashionable. Well, following sustainable fashion ensures that the cruelty on animals is reduced, is that reason not enough?

11. Slow and Conscious Fashion

Brands that follow sustainable fashion are more conscious and thoughtful about their consumer needs.

They follow one policy: Produce as much as needed. This approach might not look like much, but it is very helpful for the environment.

These brands look to produce products that are very durable and last many, many years at the least. More often than not, these products are timeless classics and never go out of fashion.

Few brands are also inclined toward producing customs according to the order.

If you visit the Instagram and Facebook pages of these sustainable brands, you can find some of them putting forward tips and tricks to increase the longevity of the products and also tips to recycle or upcycle them.

This ensures consumers don’t need a new product every now and then, indirectly reducing unnecessary production.