Why Sustainable Fashion Is So Important
You might have heard the term sustainable fashion floating around but what does it actually mean? Sustainable fashion is defined as "a movement and process of redefining the design, manufacture, and consumption of clothing, shoes, and accessories with an intention to reduce their negative impact on people and the environment." In other words, it's a way of producing and consuming fashion that has a minimal negative impact on both people and the planet.
So why is sustainable fashion so important? There are a few reasons...
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The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world.
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions (that’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined!) and is the second-largest consumer of water. What’s more, 85% of all textiles go to landfill each year. These startling statistics show just how detrimental the fashion industry is to our planet—but there is hope. With sustainability becoming increasingly important to consumers, many brands are starting to sit up and take notice. We are beginning to see a shift towards sustainable practices within the industry but there is still a long way to go.
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Fast fashion is bad for our mental health.
The rise of fast fashion has had a negative impact on our mental health. The constant stream of new trends encourages us to continually consume which can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. What’s more, the low prices often associated with fast fashion lead us to believe that our clothes are disposable which can prompt us to throw them away rather than repair them when they break or go out of style. All of this contributes to a throwaway culture—and it’s not good for either our mental or physical health.
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Sustainable fashion options are becoming more readily available (and affordable).
Contrary to popular belief, sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult to find. There are now plenty of sustainable brands out there catering to different budgets and styles so there really is something for everyone. And as awareness continues to grow, we can only expect this number to increase!
There are lots of reasons why sustainable fashion is so important—and it's not as difficult or expensive as you might think to start shopping more sustainably! By making small changes like buying from ethical brands, repairing your clothes instead of throwing them away, and being mindful of how much you consume, you can help make a big difference.
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