The story of sustainable fashion doesn’t end at local artisans and small scale production. Instead, building a responsible fashion line means doing the right thing for the people and the planet. Working with organic fibers, avoiding dyes, and connecting consumers to natural products are just a few of the values that have led to the creation of ethically made sustainable apparel. At ASAP Hong Kong, we are proud to offer our clients GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Garments in both knits and woven fabrics.
We all have thought a lot about fashion, its flaws and impacts. But have you ever thought of the social and environmental impact of the traditional way of clothing manufacturing? As well as what is the reason, why manufacturers are adopting indigenous practices?
The fashion industry is the one of the most polluting industries across the globe. Fashion is creating a devastating impact on the planet due to the sheer volume of clothing production, as well as the chemicals and the waste involved. Chemicals, harsh dyes, pesticides and defoliants pollute our environment, waterways and oceans. The sum of that impact is hazardous but these impacts on the environment do not stop here.
On the other hand sustainable fashion is different in every way. The clothing is soft on the environment. A company has full control over the materials they use and it is their sole decision to use the recycled organic material. They can also change the dying process of the garment so as to stop the adverse impact on the environment.
Recycling is a big part of ethical fashion. Packaging is also a huge contributor in the form of waste in the industry. This is because of the amount of online ordering that is happening in today’s market. Better use recycled, biodegradable packaging which could help in earth’s preservation.
Have you ever thought about how many persons at large are involved in manufacturing your one piece of attire? Well, many! And they are poor daily wage laborers. From growing cotton to ginning, spinning and knitting and dyeing – so many people are involved who work tirelessly to earn a days bread and butter.
With sustainable fashion, the manufacturing companies have adopted fair trade practices which are based on the principles of social and economic justice. Fair trade ensures that farmers, artisans and workers (producers)—especially those in developing countries—can build sustainable businesses and are justly compensated for their work.
These manufacturing companies continually strive to better the lives of all who make our clothes, not only by providing fair wages, but also safe and clean working environments. The workers are treated as respected and valued human beings. We implement living wages, key benefits, and worker empowerment programs. Instead, 1% of sales go to the welfare of the employees, it is completely under their own control.
While buying the clothes next time, look at the label and identify whether it has been made with wholesome, and natural materials or not. Look for certified organic cotton and other natural fibers. Do the homework on brands that adopt fair trade and ethical practices for making sustainable apparel. Next time when you buy clothes, get good value for your money on ethically made sustainable apparel while being softer on the environment.
