Sustainability is something that is constantly being discussed amongst clothing and accessory lovers worldwide. This topic has heated up in light of the fact that the fashion industry is responsible for disposing of about 92 tons of garbage each year, which makes it a major player in contributing to worldwide pollution. The parallel discussion is how to contribute to the preservation of the environment, which is not a recent topic. This movement requires that more sustainable alternatives be created so that what is already used can be improved – and with fashion it is no different.
Sustainability in fashion is not about seeking to consume only biodegradable or ethically sourced products, it is necessary that the mindset of the end consumer changes. With the advancement of technology, trends have become increasingly fast and fleeting, creating the desire to consume products that will become obsolete in the eyes of those who are purely interested in following the current pattern. For this reason, in recent years, fast fashion has become increasingly common and present in peoples' lives. Fast fashion produces pieces that follow current trends, according to their duration - that is, they are pieces that can become dated in a matter of months or even weeks and have low quality, since they are produced with the intention of being disposable parts. Hello garbage.
In contrast to fast fashion, slow fashion emerged as a more sustainable socio-environmental alternative in the fashion world. It values diversity, promotes socio-environmental awareness, contributes to trust between producers and consumers, helps with the local economy, and maintains its production between small and medium scales. In addition, with the performance of the globalized industry that dominates the market and standardizes fashion, the choice for different products is unfeasible. Slow fashion is an alternative that promotes greater freedom in choosing products and encourages the creation of your own style.
To be sustainable, there must be reflection before consumption. It is a process that needs to break paradigms and create ideas that can allow people to continue expressing themselves in a way that is not harmful to nature. Therefore, when it comes to sustainability, it is necessary to think about what drives your own will to consume. There needs to be a questioning before making a purchase – will this piece be durable? Will it be able to be used in my own daily life? What is the origin of this piece? Was it produced sustainably?
Although there are many concepts and discussions about what is really sustainable, it is necessary for everyone to do their own research and find a concept that matches their own values. Little by little we can make a difference.
Article written by Kat Yasuda.
Kat Yasuda is the Clutch Bags resident blogger. She loves to create and has a passion for design and art.