When buying clothing, you want to know that it is produced ethically. There are many different ways to determine whether a piece is made ethically. These include sustainability, carbon footprint, and workers’ rights. These are just a few factors you should consider when choosing a brand.

Sustainability

The global fashion industry is highly competitive, and consumers worldwide are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. Sustainable business and marketing approaches can open up new avenues for the industry. Such proposals can contribute to reducing the materialistic consumption that is common today. At the same time, the current fashion system and price levels make it challenging for the industry to generate profit. Instead, the fashion industry should re-examine its value proposition from a broader perspective.

Responsible fashion aims to change consumer habits and business models to reduce environmental impact. Some of these efforts include the use of organic materials and biodegradable dyes. Others are dedicated to making clothing and accessories more durable and long-lasting. Regardless of whether the dress is produced by local workers or exported, sustainable practices can help prevent negative impacts on the industry.

Sustainability is a critical component of sustainable fashion, and a brand cannot claim to be sustainable if it fails to adhere to ethical principles. Sustainable brands can benefit everyone by using environmentally-friendly materials and promoting local makers. However, some trendy environmental movements do not consider the rights of vulnerable populations or the fair treatment of workers. Sustainability cannot be achieved at the cost of human health.

Transparency

Transparency is a crucial part of an ethical and sustainable fashion supply chain. When brands are transparent, it allows you to see how they make their clothes and hold them accountable for how they treat workers. This transparency can also reveal environmental problems and human rights abuses. Many people are concerned about these issues, and transparency can help you make an informed decision.

Consumers who support greater transparency want to know how their money is being spent and how it’s affecting the environment. A recent study found nine out of ten Gen Z consumers believe brands should detail their stance on social issues. However, a recent survey found that only 23% of the 250 brands that were tested had a transparent policy.

Transparency also protects workers and the environment. Companies can’t hide anything if consumers demand it, and it’s tough for them to cover up their wrongdoings.

Workers’ rights

Many global brands have turned their backs on workers’ rights and the rights of their communities by outsourcing textile production to countries with low wages, poor union representation, and weak environmental protection. These workers often work in conditions of extreme poverty, and in some cases, they are subjected to child or prison labor. In addition, they have little or no legal protections. The consequences for workers are enormous, and they are not receiving the respect they deserve.

Many fast fashion consumers are becoming aware of the harm many companies do to workers. Companies like Zara have been linked to forced labor camps in China and degrading working conditions in Brazil. These companies expose workers to dangerous working conditions across the globe and bury these abuses behind long supply chains.

Many of the largest global brands are moving their apparel production to underdeveloped countries, which pay lower wages and are notorious for exploiting garment workers. These factories are often run without oversight and are prone to human rights violations. Many factories pay below the legal minimum wage and are not equipped to provide adequate healthcare. Workers are also forced to work long hours in dangerous and often unsafe conditions.

Carbon footprint

The fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions, a more significant percentage than shipping, international flights, or maritime shipping. And, with global consumption expected to double by 2030, emissions from the production and transportation of clothing will grow by 50 percent. Buying ethical and responsible clothing can lower your carbon footprint and reduce waste.

Mass-produced fashion tends to be produced in countries with cheap labor, which leads to poor working conditions and sweatshops. Even in countries that have stricter regulations, sweatshops still exist. The fashion industry also adds to its rising carbon footprint by dumping products. Approximately 85% of textiles are left each year. In addition, washing some clothes releases a substantial amount of microplastics into the ocean.

Fast fashion, especially, has a large carbon footprint. Many of the materials used promptly come from petroleum, which requires a lot of energy. On the other hand, sustainable fashion uses biodegradable materials, which need very little power and water. Further, biodegradable fabrics don’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow.