Origins of Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion is a movement within the
fashion industry focused on minimizing the
environmental and social impacts of clothing
production and consumption. This approach
involves using eco-friendly materials, reducing
waste, and ensuring ethical labor practices
throughout
the
supply
chain.
It
also
encourages
slower,
more
intentional
consumer habits. The ultimate goal is to
create a fashion industry that supports
present needs without compromising the
resources or well-being of future generations.
Key Principles & Components
of Sustainable Fashion
Pinpointing the exact origins of sustainable
fashion is challenging, but its roots trace back
to the environmental consciousness that grew
in the late 20th century. The environmental
movements of the 1970s and 1980s raised
awareness about the impact of consumerism
on the planet. By the 1990s, the concept of
"slow fashion" emerged, highlighting the
importance of quality and durability over fast-
paced trends.
Sustainable
fashion
continued
to
gain
momentum in the early 2000s with initiatives
like the Global Organic Textile Standard
(GOTS). Today, sustainable fashion is a global
movement that influences how designers,
brands, and consumers approach clothing
production and consumption, with a strong
focus
on
environmental
and
social
responsibility.
by Ken Mari
Key Principles of Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable fashion integrates eco-friendly
materials,
resource
conservation,
waste
reduction (through recycling and upcycling),
and ethical labor practices across the supply
chain. It aims to counteract the harmful
impacts of conventional fashion, such as
environmental
degradation,
worker
exploitation, and high resource usage.
By promoting ethical sourcing, transparency,
and durability, sustainable fashion strives to
create a conscious, resilient industry aligned
with social and environmental sustainability.
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