Sustainability is to use resources in a way that does not exhaust them for future generations. But how can that relate to fashion you might wonder?
Well, the entire lifecycle of clothes and accessories is directly connected to resources. From the raw materials used to create fabrics, the water, energy and colors used to produce them, the persons who construct them, their transportation to stores, to the way you wash them and dispose of them. That means that each of those steps could be enhanced with sustainability in order to reduce their negative impact on our lives (our environment, our societies, our economies, etc…).
The efforts by fashion companies and consumers to make a smart use of resources is therefore what we define as Sustainable or Eco fashion.
Fashion is the world’s 2nd most polluting industry, second only to oil! It takes over 2,700 liters of water to make a single t-shirt, which is the average amount you drink in a 3 year period. With such numbers, it is simple to understand the need for a more conscious fashion industry. And maybe it puts our fashion consumption patterns into perspective… How many t-shirts do you owe?
But there’s much you can do to improve this situation! That’s where Sustainable Fashion comes into the picture. Not only are more companies joining the effort every day but you as a consumer have an enormous power in your hands, since production is mostly driven by demand after all. Read: whatever you ask for will be served by fashion stores. So here is how we at ecKris summarize Sustainable Fashion:
FIRST and foremost, being kind to the environment. And you can be a part of it by checking the labels when purchasing clothes and accessories and by demanding transparency from your favorite brands to be able to select smartly.
Fibers: there are materials that are more ecological, like hemp, bamboo and organic cotton. Products made of one single material are also sustainable as they can be recycled into fibers again after use.
Production: using manufacturing processes that are energy and water efficient as well as using natural dyes and fair working conditions and wages for workers.
Design: designing for dis-assembly to easily recycle the individual pieces, design to have no waste material and using quality materials that last long.
Distribution: global transportation has a big carbon footprint, supporting local production is of great help!
Retail: eco-shops, up-cycling products, vintage shops and closet swopping as well as avoiding impulse and excessive shopping.
SECOND, being responsible with our resources, and this is when consumers have the biggest responsibility.
Usage: take good care of clothes and accessories, avoid washing too often and protect accessories from water and chemicals.
Disposal: use your clothes many times and when you’re ready to dispose them, recycle, up-cycle, donate and use the trashcan only for biodegradable products.
These are the building blocks for Sustainable Fashion, so next time remember that you aren’t just purchasing a garment or accessory, but a whole chain of value and relationships. Use your power and buy smart, support brands that provide you with trends consciously! It is impossible to wear 100% sustainable fashion but every effort counts.
Stay tuned for more on each specific topic as well as for chic tips on how to be a more conscious fashionista and on cool eco brands near you! Visit www.eckris.com for sustainable fashion accessories!
ecKris 
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