Fashion Faux-Pas

In a consumerist culture where people are judged on their material possessions and appearance, a movement has emerged where our need for so much stuff is challenged, and the harm that this stuff inflicts on our Earth is confronted. There was no way to predict how the increasing demand for mass-produced clothing would shape our world. Suddenly, in the 21st century there is a realization that our style of life cannot continue the way it is in the North-Western region of the world. The greed for textiles here has robbed many people of livable conditions, good health, fair wages, necessary resources, and even life. Fortunately, there are steps that can -and need to - be taken to slowly undo what has been so badly messed up. By choosing sustainable fashion, the consumerist, greedy lifestyle that is so common in North-America becomes undermined by conscientious choices, and consumerism will eventually cease to control our decisions so profoundly.

Water polluted with dye from denim, carbon emissions so thick masks are needed, pennies given to bony hands deserving so much more; these are only some of the horrendous effects of the textile industry. Drastic times deserve drastic measures. Practically anything can be bought today that is fair trade. When buying new clothing, it is important to investigate as to where the item was made. In fact, it should become a habit to do this with any item we purchase, since most of what the average American buys is from polluting factories across the ocean. For clothing, it isn't always necessary to buy items new. There are a plethora of second-hand and thrift stores simply waiting to be explored. It is possible to find new clothing that benefits both environmental and humanitarian causes as well. Make sure what you buy is organic, fair trade, recycled, second hand, or one of so many more alternatives. It is perplexing how many options are available, and how so few are explored.

There are many, many ways to be eco-friendly while clothes shopping. Here are a few ideas, and a little inspiration! Firstly, second-hand - or pre-loved - clothing is simple to find and easy to love. In this writer's experience, treasures are best found in smaller, privately owned shops in big cities, where the stores that sell second-hand clothes found in the richer areas are usually full of discarded clothing, donated simply because it no longer fits its first owner. Previously owned clothing has it's benefits too. For example, it will have personality. For pieces like jeans and shoes, they will already be broken-in, and therefore much more comfortable. Buying clothes like this is not only recycling the fabrics, but also ensuring that your money is not supporting any sweatshops. This, as described above, is a crucial first step to solving problems. Next, it is possible in our advanced society to buy clothing made of sustainable materials as well as locally and sweatshop free. American Apparel guarantees that their clothes are made in the USA, sweatshop free. This is a revolutionary move in the clothes industry. With the recent recession and the desire to employ more people on American soil, it is a good advertising move for this brand to promote that aspect of their identity. American Apparel's Sustainable Edition collection is worth investigating. The clothes they sell are made of 100% organic cotton, and that makes them just so much more comfortable. In addition to this fact, you, the purchaser of a Sustainable Edition collection t-shirt, can be very proud of your investment.

There are so many store options that staying to only one brand would be silly. Joy Apparel, which specializes in t-shirts, is based in Ontario and makes their shirts out of organic cotton. They also donate 5% of their profits to multiple charities, most of which benefit children worldwide. The passion and purpose of the company is to get the whole world thinking of one another. Their design is original as well as affordable, making them well worth the investment. There are countless other brands making positive humanitarian and environmental impacts. Take TOMS shoes for example. Though their shoes are made in China and are a bit pricey, they have a "one for one" policy. This means that for every pair of their shoes bought, they will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. This brand has become fashionable lately, but their integrity remains unchanged. They are extremely comfortable, as well as versatile, in that the shoes be worn with practically anything. Vegan, organic, or second-hand clothing doesn't mean a grungy look.

This whole crazy idea of sustainable fashion may seem distant and foreign. However there are countless brands selling eco-friendly clothes here in North-America, as well as in Britain, such as People Tree, which is endorsed by Emma Watson. The issues surrounding the textile industry are at our doorstep. Taking care of our neighbour and our world should be on the top of the priority list. To jump-start the process, a basic possession, clothing, can be used as our tool. It's a do-able project that will make us feel good and look good. Guaranteed.

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