From being an unapologetic repeat-offender in re-wearing clothes to donning upcycled outfits and ethically-made clothing lines, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, and Angelina Jolie, to name a few, are flying high the sustainable fashion flag. So let's get into the nitty-gritty of what sustainable means. Why is it important?
The Ghastly Reality of Fast Fashion
"Fast fashion" is quickly produced, inexpensive clothing imitating current trends, made possible by efficient design and distribution processes that allow retailers to offer a range of affordable items.
Fashion production results in 10% of global carbon emissions, water pollution, and 85% of textiles in landfills each year while laundry releases 500,000 tons of microfibers into the ocean annually.
The Quantis International 2018 report identifies dyeing and finishing, yarn preparation, and fiber production as the main sources of pollution in the fashion industry. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change anticipates a 60% rise in emissions from textile manufacturing by 2030.
How Fast Fashion Impacts the Environment
Many of us may unconsciously be contributing to environmental degradation because of our fast fashion choices. The reality is that it takes a lot of conscious effort to be aware of our fashion choices to promote sustainability.
Let's take a look at how fast fashion impacts the environment.
Water and Pollution
Fast fashion's environmental impact involves depleting non-renewable resources, emitting greenhouse gases, and using substantial water and energy, with textile dyeing being a major water polluter.
The Emergence of Microplastics
Additionally, several brands use non-biodegradable synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic that take centuries to break down, with 35% of ocean microplastics, originating from the washing of such textiles.
The Rise of Landfills
Global clothing consumption has surged by 400% in two decades. Additionally, leather production is resource-intensive and involves toxic chemicals that contaminate water sources. At present, only 20% of clothing is recycled.
What is sustainable fashion?
Sustainable fashion means making clothing with minimal environmental impact and promoting social responsibility, aiming for eco-friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable products.
Use of Sustainable Materials
Eco-fashion emphasizes the use of natural, organic materials like wool, linen, and chemical-free cotton to reduce environmental impact and promote biodegradability.
Conscientious Production Process
Sustainable fashion prioritizes responsible production, which involves reducing waste, and energy consumption, and choosing eco-friendly manufacturing processes like natural dyes.
Responsible Distribution and Consumption
Sustainable fashion advocates for ethical supply chains, fair wages, safe working conditions, and reduced overconsumption, focusing on durable, long-lasting clothing.
Characteristics of Sustainable Fashion
As the world of fashion is colorful and diverse so, too, is sustainable fashion.
Use of Organic and Natural Materials
Eco-fashion features organic fabrics like cotton and linen, grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals, as well as natural and renewable materials like wool.
Use of Recycled Materials
Sustainable fashion involves using recycled materials, reducing waste, and preserving natural resources.
Natural Dyes
It utilizes natural dyes that are non-toxic and biodegradable, unlike harmful synthetic dyes.
Fair Trade
It encourages fair trade practices to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and reduced environmental impact.
Slow Fashion
This is a clothing design approach focusing on quality, creating durable, timeless items rather than disposable, fast fashion.
Upcycling
Upcycling turns existing materials into new products, reducing waste while fostering creativity and innovation.
Ethical Practices
Sustainable fashion involves ethical practices that reduce the environmental impact and promote social responsibility through responsible sourcing, transparent supply chains, and reduced resource consumption.
Encourages Repair and Maintenance
Sustainable fashion encourages repairing and maintaining clothes to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
Zero Waste
Zero waste in fashion and sustainability means minimizing waste throughout a garment's life cycle, from production to disposal, by reducing manufacturing waste, using biodegradable materials, and promoting recycling or upcycling.
How Baleaf Promotes Sustainability
Baleaf is grounded on the principles of sustainability.
Right at the heart of Baleaf is its desire to lessen the impact on the environment that fast fashion has become infamous for.
We are GRS-certified.
The Global Recycle Standard (GRS) is an international standard for third-party certification of recycled content, aiming to boost the use of recycled materials. Each of our production processes is rigorously inspected and certified by the GRS Institute.
We use recycled nylon and polyester.
We transform trash into amazing materials. We also have our own fabric, dyeing, and garment factories.
We're proud to say that 75% of our recycled nylon is from fishing nets, and 90% of our recycled polyester is from plastic bottles.
However, our investment to save the environment is not limited only to the raw materials we use. From production to packaging, we make sure to cover the whole nine yards of being kind to the environment.
Every piece of clothing you buy from us comes in a biodegradable pack which degrades within three years but can be reused multiple times.
We provide multifunctional and versatile pieces.
We want to help you declutter your closet by providing versatile pieces of clothing you can easily mix and match with whatever existing clothes you have.
Our All Women's and All Men's collections boast multifunctional and stylish pieces you can easily dress up or down, accessorize, and match with whatever footwear you have. They're not limited to the athleisure or normcore style.
While you might think sustainable fashion can be a bore, our women's sustainable line promotes both functional and fashionable pieces you need in your everyday life to look fab and stylish.
Benefits of Embracing Sustainable Fashion
It's a win-win situation should you decide to embrace sustainable fashion and make it a part of your lifestyle.
Reduces Environmental Impact
Sustainable fashion significantly reduces the industry's environmental impact by using natural materials, renewable energy, and responsible production to minimize waste and pollution.
Preserves Earth's Natural Resources
It safeguards earth's natural resources by promoting the use of renewable, biodegradable, and chemical-free materials, preserving energy, water, and land.
Promotes a More Mindful Means of Consumption
Environment-friendly clothing inspires consumers to make ethical choices and opt for clothing that aligns with their values, leading to reduced mindless consumption and a more environmentally conscious fashion approach.
Improves Quality and Durability of Clothing
Unlike fast fashion, sustainable fashion promotes the production of durable, high-quality clothing, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lessening clothing waste in landfills.
Sustainability at the Heart of Baleaf
#wemovetogether with sustainable fashion to lessen the industry's environmental impact and foster ethical and sustainable practices to make a positive impact on the planet through small steps.