- Sustainable clothing refers to clothing that helps reduce your carbon footprint and has a low environmental impact.
- Some sustainable brands are now out of reach for everyone.
- When shopping for sustainable clothing, know the brands you buy.
A few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was spotted wearing a light blue sleeveless jacket in parliament. Prime Minister’s Fashion Her statement often makes news for a variety of reasons, but this time it was for a unique reason. Made from recycled materials such as discarded plastic bottles, this jacket is a message of sustainable fashion.
“Sustainability in fashion and clothing means that the products produced contribute to a lower carbon footprint and have less negative impact on the environment.
The garments we wear usually follow a very painstaking manufacturing process. Harsh fertilizers and pesticides at the raw material stage, harmful chemicals in dyes and finishes, unethical exploitation in the manufacturing process, and unidentified carbon credits when they reach us. “In general, the apparel industry is one of the world’s biggest polluting industries, and the production and disposal of apparel has a huge impact on the industry,” said an assistant professor at the Faculty of Design and an expert in sustainable fashion. Textiles said Lishaloy, his head of design. Anant National University. This is where sustainable clothing comes into play.
Sustainable clothing is not just about the types of fabrics used to make clothes and how they are disposed of. “That includes taking care of the people who work to produce the clothes. Simply put, sustainable fashion refers to clothes that are made in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. To reduce fashion’s burden on the environment, from sourcing to clothing packaging, changes need to be made at every step, keeping in mind the goals of sustainable development,” said Fabindia Group Head. Dipari Patwa says:
For example, organic cotton is rain-fed and uses much less water and is considered more sustainable as opposed to conventionally grown cotton. Approximately 2,500 liters of water are required to make one conventional cotton t-shirt, while 243 liters of water are required to make an organic cotton t-shirt. Also, cotton is considered to be less harmful to the environment as it is a biodegradable material and easily breaks down when discarded.
Krutika Lal, co-founder and chief marketing officer (CMO) of baby footwear brand Allett, said: To further reduce our impact on the planet, we also plan to introduce a post-purchase upcycling program to extend the life of our shoes and promote a sustainable future. ”
Sustainable clothing is also known as slow fashion (think fast food), as opposed to fast fashion. “Fast fashion retailers are producing more and more products, encouraging a philosophy that the better the better. Fashion is based on creating mindful quality collections based on finishing, from fabric to sewing to detailing, rather than sending out mass garments.” Founder of workwear brand QUA CEO Rupanshi Agarwal said:
Sanjay Vakharia, CEO of apparel brand Spykar Lifestyle, agrees. Or move on to new and trendy clothes. ” Just like fast food is bad for you, fast fashion is bad for the environment.
Demand for sustainable clothing in India
The pandemic has had a major impact on encouraging Indian customers to know and explore sustainability and minimalism. “And I want to know more about where it’s made. As the demand for transparency in the fashion industry grows, sports and athletic apparel companies are starting to use recycled and organic fabrics,” Tyagi said. increase.
According to a 2022 survey by Bain & Company, 52% of Indian urban consumers expect to spend more on sustainable brands over the next three years. The survey also found that over 60% of Indian consumers are willing to pay a premium for ‘sustainability products’.
There’s a reason why sustainable clothing is so expensive
“Sustainable clothing can cost more than traditional clothing, but that is not always the case,” said CEO and Founder of Styleyn, a sustainable and ethical clothing brand. Sandesh Ambhore, Principal Investigator, said: In fact, certain sustainable brands are now at a price point that not everyone can afford.
He explains that there are many factors that influence the cost of sustainable clothing. For example, using organic or eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester can be more expensive than traditional materials. Additionally, implementing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, such as reducing water usage and minimizing waste, can also increase production costs. However, the high cost of sustainable clothing is offset by its long lifespan. Sustainable clothing is often made with higher quality materials and construction. This means it can last longer and withstand wear and tear than traditional clothing.
Also note that sustainable clothing brands often prioritize fair labor practices, which can also lead to higher costs. By ensuring working conditions, these brands aim to promote social responsibility, which can result in a premium price for consumers.
“In conclusion, sustainable clothing can be a premium at times, but we consider the long-term benefits and value of investing in clothing that is made with respect for the environment and the people involved in its production. is important,” says Ambhore. .
check before purchase
However, not all sustainable clothing names are authentic. “First, it is important to look at the company behind the brand. Go to their website. There are several certifications and labels that people can look for to validate their potential. The world’s leading certifications include GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fairtrade, BCI (BetterCotton Initiative), Cradle to Cradle, SA8000 And so on.”
In fact, multinational clothing company H&M has labeled its products “greenwashed” by falsely claiming they are made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, even if they are made from polyester or recycled plastic. ” has been accused of doing so.
If we want our clothes to reflect ourselves and see ourselves as responsible citizens, sustainable clothing is definitely worth caring about. However, it is important to consider the long-term benefits and value of investing in clothing that is made with respect for the environment and the people who produce it.
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