“What is sustainability?” The answer is never straightforward and means something different to everyone. This is because sustainability is an umbrella term that encompasses many components. This is particularly evident when it comes to what sustainable fashion is. Some key aspects include:
Environmental impact
Social justice
Preservation of artisan craft
Supporting developing economies
Animal rights
Under these categories are smaller categories which makes finding 'truly sustainable' fashion nearly impossible. If you know where to buy fashion that does not negatively affect one of the aspects above you've likely found a unicorn or decided to join a nudist community. All jokes aside, sustainable fashion is no laughing matter and needs to be taken seriously by more designers, retailer and most importantly the consumers.
Fashion by definition refers to a habitual trend in the style with which a person dresses.
If we want sustainable fashion to be ubiquitous, consumers need to start consistently buying from brands that add sustainability elements into their designs. As consumers we need to support the brands that are working to make a difference. Sustainability is a complex issue which requires research and energy many designers don't feel they have time or money to put into. However, we are facing global crisis that need to be halted and solved. What better industry to do it than the second most polluting industry (after oil) and the one that is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse emission (more than airline industry).
Together we can do great things but we must start now!