How many times have you worn an outfit and thought about its source, who made it, or its environmental impact? Never right? But now is the time to begin thinking, acting, and asking the right questions.
With global warming on the rise and alarming pollution levels, now, more than ever, people are realizing the need for a positive change. Post-pandemic, consumers have become more conscious and are far more aware of several environmental and social issues.
Undoubtedly, the importance of ethical fashion is rising globally and for all the right reasons. Ethical clothing is created keeping in mind the safety of animals, people and the environment. It is crucial in combating climate change, maintaining global business standards, and improving brand reputation. Ethical fashion is not just a trend but a way of living that is here to stay.
Understanding Ethical Fashion
Clothing that is made in an eco-friendly and socially responsible manner is referred to as ethical fashion. It is all about making mindful choices every time you refresh your wardrobe. It largely focuses on the industry’s social and environmental impact. Everything is included and assessed, from the raw materials used to the making of the clothing items, how they are sourced, to the worker conditions.
Ethical fashion benefits the people who are involved in the production and supply chain and aims to reduce the negative effects on the environment. It promotes sustainability, ensures fair wages, ideal working environment, and maintains transparency in the supply chain. Transparency is an integral part of this entire process and it helps shape a better future for everyone.
The Role of Local Artisans in the Fashion Industry
Local artisans are of massive importance in this industry; they use their skills and put their heart and soul into creating each garment. Some examples of artisan crafts include handloom weaving, embroidery, block printing, and natural dyeing. These local craftsmen have to overcome challenges like globalization and industrialization. They are also faced with problems like financial shortages, limited market access, inadequate infrastructure, and several other drawbacks.
Supporting these local artisans will not only promote sustainability and help preserve traditional craftsmanship but also foster a sense of community and connection. When you choose to buy handmade clothing from local artisans, you are getting something truly unique for yourself and making a positive impact on the industry as a whole. This also creates a positive shift in the industry, and companies act more responsibly.
Benefits of Supporting Local Artisans
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Preservation of Traditional Crafts and Cultural Heritage
Local artisans are in need of our appreciation and support to be able to preserve traditional craftsmanship and skills. In a world dominated by technology and machines, it is necessary to recognize the value of handmade goods and local artisans. The shift towards these products will lead to a more balanced global trade. By supporting and uplifting these artisans, you will also help ensure that their skills and techniques are not lost and passed down to future generations as our cultural heritage. -
Economic Empowerment
As the demand for artisanal products rises, local artisans experience economic growth and stability. These artisans are usually extremely poor, and with a better demand for their craft, they will get fair wages and more job opportunities which in turn will result in poverty alleviation. -
Reduction of Negative Environmental Impact
Sustainable and eco-friendly practices will significantly reduce environmental waste and damage. Local artisans use eco-friendly materials to make garments. They also believe in responsible sourcing and production processes that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Ethical fashion brands that collaborate with local artisans are better and environmentally responsible. -
Strengthening Local Communities
When you buy clothes made by local artisans, you acknowledge their efforts and build a long-lasting bond with them. This is good for you and the community as it means those artisans will feel encouraged and continue with their craft. This also opens up more job opportunities for them and helps the local economy grow and develop at a faster pace. -
Higher Quality Products
Handmade products are made to last and are produced in limited quantities. They are exclusive and made with utmost care and attention. This ensures that the products are of high-quality. Local artisans use innovative techniques and offer authentic designs. They have the capability to stand out in a market full of mass-produced items.
Tips For Identifying and Purchasing Ethical Clothing
With so many clothing brands in the market claiming to be “eco-friendly,” it can be challenging to recognize genuine ethical brands. Here are some tips to stay aware and carefully determine if the company truly aligns with your values.
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Know the Point of Difference
A proper understanding of how ethical fashion is different from fast fashion will allow you to make an informed decision. While fast fashion doesn’t bother about the environment and is affordable as it is made using cheap materials that aren’t biodegradable, ethical fashion produces clothing, keeping in mind quality over quantity. It is responsible for the people, environment, and animals throughout the production process. If you do a proper background check and read reviews of a particular clothing brand, it will be possible for you to know about their ethical measures of production and supply. -
Read The Label Carefully
One of the easiest things to do is read the labels to find out more about the clothing brand. The labels will have details regarding the materials used to manufacture the clothing item, such as linen, cotton, and hemp. These are sustainable materials, unlike polyester, and an ethical brand will definitely choose sustainable materials to reduce its environmental footprint. -
Look Up the Worker Conditions of the Ethical Clothing Brand
Check if the company values their workers and ensure good working conditions for them along with providing fair pay. Neglecting workers is not ideal and clothing factories must ensure that workers are paid well, have reasonable working hours and guarantee safe working conditions. Ethical clothing brands must avoid child or forced labor at all costs. -
Determine if the Packaging is Sustainable
Packaging speaks volumes about a brand, in the quest to eliminate any negative impact on the environment, the company must pay attention to sustainable packaging of their products. Packaging can account for up to one third of the waste created by a product. Therefore, ethical clothing brands will choose biodegradable packaging and avoid using hazardous materials such as plastic. -
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
CSR activity is a quick way to measure if a company can be considered an ethical clothing brand or not. Many companies enlist details about the efforts made to reduce their environmental impact. However, you must note their environmental certifications and authentic efforts or investments to check if a company is truly ethical.
The Impact of Consumer Choices
Ethical consumer choice is the need of the hour. It can positively impact the entire planet and promise a better future for everyone. By choosing ethical products, you are making a strong statement about your values and priorities. Ethical consumerism shapes our economy, and when consumers are aware of and make ethical choices, more and more companies will try to adapt and innovate by making positive changes, like reducing waste and carbon emissions, improving labor conditions, and creating more sustainable business models.
Note that each individual’s choice can make a huge difference and can impact the demand for ethical clothing in the market. Companies will automatically begin to adjust in order to fulfill this demand, which leads to significant changes in the overall industry. So, if you want to give back to society and the environment, start today. Together, it is possible to make a positive change in the world, one purchase at a time.
While most of the clothing we buy today gets delivered to us from different places worldwide, we never care enough to know the stories behind the items we buy. It's time we change that. Silai Studio offers clothing of the highest standards. We source materials from trusted suppliers and avoid harmful pesticides because we care. We also use natural, non-toxic dyes and water-saving techniques to provide you with unmatched quality and comfort. We are dedicated to ethical practices for a better tomorrow. Next time you stand in front of the mirror wearing an outfit from Silai Studio, we promise you will feel proud about making the right decision, contributing positively, and being a conscious consumer.