Eco Fashion Revolution: What it means, different brands to shop from and how to help

What is fast fashion/eco fashion 

The term fast fashion applies to inexpensive items of clothing that are produced rapidly at cheap prices. Although fast fashion is often more trendy and easy to purchase, it is unsustainable, lower quality and most likely means that the workers are underpaid. 

However, eco fashions comment on eco-friendly practices makes it a more sustainable option. Eco fashion is a better option because companies manufacture the clothing with better quality fabrics, the workers are paid fair wages, minimizes the impact on the environment and focuses on timeless over trendy clothing. 

Why is this important 

The impact of the clothes we wear stretch far beyond ourselves into different ecosystems, countries and the working conditions of others. The goal of Green Living is to promote and share different ideas on how to live with a sustainable focus providing more transparency of the issues, including fashion and its impact on the environment and beyond. These quotes below show how the clothing industry impacts the environment. 

• ‘Three out of five of the 100bn garments […] will end up in landfill within a year’’

• ‘93% of brands surveyed by the Fashion Checker aren’t paying garment workers a living wage”

• ‘Clothing production is the third biggest manufacturing industry after the automotive and technology industries’’

• ‘Each year millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn, and thrown away. Every second, the equivalent of a rubbish truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill’’

Patagonia 

Patagonia is a leader in eco-friendly fashion, known for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. One of the key initiatives is its Worn Wear® program, which encourages customers to buy second hand Patagonia clothing or repair their existing gear instead of purchasing new items. This reduces waste and extends the life of their products. Additionally, Patagonia uses eco-friendly materials, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, and ensures fair labor practices in its supply chain. By buying from Patagonia, consumers support a company dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting responsible consumerism, aligning with values of sustainability and reducing their impact on the planet.

Reformation

Reformation is a leading eco-friendly fashion brand that differentiates itself through its commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and transparency. The brand focuses on using environmentally conscious materials like Tencel, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics, while also repurposing deadstock and vintage garments to minimize waste. Unlike many other brands, Reformation is highly transparent about its environmental impact, offering a "RefScale" on each product page to show customers the water, waste, and CO2 savings of their purchase. Reformation also prioritizes fair labor practices and works to offset its carbon emissions through renewable energy and sustainable initiatives. People should buy from Reformation because it provides stylish, high-quality fashion without compromising on ethics or the planet, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Stella Macarteny 

Stella McCartney is an eco-friendly brand known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion. Unlike many luxury brands, Stella McCartney is entirely cruelty-free and has never used leather, fur, or animal-based materials, instead opting for innovative alternatives like plant-based leather and recycled fabrics. The brand incorporates cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies such as regenerative farming, organic cotton, and biodegradable materials, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Stella McCartney is also a leader in sustainable fashion advocacy, pushing the boundaries of what high-end and ethical fashion can achieve. Choosing Stella McCartney means supporting a brand that prioritizes the environment, animal welfare, and responsible manufacturing, all while offering luxury designs that are as stylish as sustainable.

Things that you can do

• Organize a clothing swap: You can swap clothing with your friends and family as a way to socialize while recycling clothing. 

• Create a casual wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to create a versatile wardrobe of high quality pieces that ultimately results in less clothing. 

• Buy second hand clothing items: Instead of buying new clothing you can instead purchase clothing from second hand stores to eliminate waste and give the clothing a new life. 

• Upcycle clothing instead of throwing it out: You can repurpose clothing items for different uses. For example you can cut your jeans into jean shorts, revamp shirts, you can dye your clothing different colors and so much more. 

• Rent clothing: Instead of buying brand new clothing you may end up using only once you can rent clothing by saving money and helping the environment. For example the websites Rent the Runway, Nuuly and so much more.  

• Donate your unwanted clothing: When you are done using your clothing you can donate it to family, friends, local shelters and used clothing stores.