In the modern fashion world, sustainability has become a number one priority for companies like Dolce & Gabbana. While this is admirable, the changes needed can be unclear. Therefore, here are four ways brands and consumers are making fashion sustainable.
1. Going Vegan
One of the most popular and effective trends in sustainable fashion is veganism. While veganism is generally thought of as a diet, it can instead refer to an entire lifestyle. Basically, vegan brands and consumers avoid any animal products. This includes:
• fur
• leather
• wool
• feathers
The reasoning for this goes beyond ethical concerns for animals (although this certainly plays a part). Utilizing animal-based products is, in fact, harmful to the environment. For one thing, relying on animal parts is highly unsustainable. Animals aren’t an infinite supply. Also, the materials needed to wash and form an animal-based product can be very harmful. Environmentally destructive chemicals are often used during this process.
Fortunately, many high-value brands have begun moving into veganism. For instance, Dolce & Gabbana recently announced a departure from furs. These brands have found ways to sell nearly identical products without using actual animal parts. Many new startups have used biotechnology to create animal-free furs and skins. Consumers have also begun sticking to vegan products. While the fashion industry has a long way to go in this area, immense steps have been taken.
2. Avoiding Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is one of the main reasons that this industry is negatively impacting the environment. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, fast fashion refers to the trend where companies will overproduce clothes, sell these products at low prices, and get rid of items when catwalk fashions change. When it comes to the environment, fast fashion causes a tremendous amount of waste. Water is over-used, materials are wasted, and landfills are overcrowded. Unfortunately, since fashion is constantly evolving, moving away from this issue can be extremely difficult. Despite this, consumers and brands have begun to avoid getting too wasteful.
Some luxury brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana, publically avoid making catwalk-based changes. Many will keep selling a line of clothing for years. Unfortunately, companies that rely on lower prices are having a difficult time with this. Luckily, consumers are beginning to catch onto this issue. Buyers have begun to avoid shopping at fast fashion stores, particularly ones known for unethical practices. Instead, many look for sustainable brands that stick with a unique style. This trend has also helped several small businesses become successful.
3. Donating Clothes
One of the most easily fixable issues in the fashion world is the lack of clothing donations. While many clothing brands make yearly donations to worthy charities, unbought and out-of-style clothes will often be discarded. Not only does this overcrowd landfills, but it also wastes materials that could be better used elsewhere. Because of this, several brands have begun to donate unbought clothes. This helps the needy and keeps more people away from fast fashion.
Consumers are also beginning to donate items. Unless an old jacket is completely tarnished and useless, it can be donated to a nearby nonprofit. This is particularly important when it comes to luxury items. An old Dolce & Gabbana dress shouldn’t be thrown out due to disinterest or sizing problems. Many people have also begun engaging in clothing swaps. This fun activity requires participants to bring unwanted clothes to a gathering. Once everyone’s there, participants will browse everyone else’s items and make some selections. The clothing that’s unclaimed can then go to charity. Finally, consumers have begun shopping at thrift stores. Sites like ThredUp have made thrift shopping easy for modern consumers.
4. Utilizing Less Wasteful Materials
The materials used to make clothing can be extremely harmful to the environment, particularly when these products are non-organic or completely new. Because of this, clothing brands have begun to move away from toxic and wasteful materials. Brands such as Dolce & Gabbana have pledged to display respect for the environment and the people in it.
Consumers are also making a difference in this area. Many buyers have begun looking at tags before investing in clothes. While this can feel time-consuming, it allows people to stay away from harmful materials like inorganic cotton and polyester.
While the fashion world still has a long way to go, it’s clear that changes are being made. Consumers are beginning to pay more attention to the ethics of brands. With any luck, the future of fashion is sustainability.
