Steps to Creating and Implementing Sustainable and Ethical Fashion Practices

By Susannah Richardson

Photo by Emma Mcuiston

What does fashion mean in 2020? 

While this is a broad question with a million and one possible answers-- there is one thing that’s for sure. In 2020 and looking towards the future, it is clear that fashion isn’t only about what the current and popular styles are. Consumers in the past have been focused on what’s trendy and how they can achieve that look, no matter the consequences. While trends are still an integral part of the fashion industry, consumers are now looking to the implications of what is known as “fast-fashion.” 

A quick lesson on fast-fashion: Many popular retailers, (Zara and Forever 21, for example), implement practices that have decreased both production costs and time, while also selling their apparel for low prices so that they can keep up with trends and maximize profits. Apparel from fast-fashion retailers is attractive to consumers because of the trendy styles with a low price tag. What’s not so attractive, though, are the harmful and inhumane effects of fast-fashion. Much of the clothing from fast-fashion retailers is produced and manufactured in underdeveloped countries that do not have the infrastructure to protect the workers in factories. In addition, fast-fashion is contributing to pollution through use of dangerous production methods. 

So, what does fashion mean in 2020? 

In 2020, fashion means choosing to stop buying from fast-fashion retailers that directly support child labor and contribute to the ongoing global warming crisis. Fashion means discovering creative ways to buy new clothes and recycle old clothes in a sustainable and ethical manner. 

Combatting fast-fashion is an extremely daunting task because it’s an industry that has been accepted without question for quite some time. A quote that I find impactful when thinking about what I, as a consumer in 2020, can do to push against the harmful truth of the industry is this, “When we see the world as something given to us versus something that is ours for the taking, we change the way we behave.” It doesn’t sit right with me to support this industry when I know I can change my consumption habits for the greater good. 

A couple of easy steps to implement sustainable shopping practices are as follows: 

• Location, location, location

  • I love shopping at thrift and consignment stores. Do a quick Google search and find your local Goodwill!! 9 out of 10 times I can find pieces at a thrift store that can be reimagined to fit my favorite styles and current trends. For example, the cropped cardigan and oversized t-shirt trends are super easy to achieve with a browse through racks at Goodwill.

• Pick pieces that will stick with you through it all

  • It’s extremely challenging to buy from brands that utilize a 100% sustainable and ethical supply chain. There are many activists in the anti fast-fashion movement pushing for companies to be transparent with consumers and make active business decisions to change their practices. This necessary change is coming slowly from companies, so it is important that consumers practice intentional shopping habits. A few brands like Madewell, Levi’s, and Everlane have all taken steps in the right direction by addressing issues in the industry and taking action within their business models. I have found that I can buy a couple of new pieces from brands like the ones mentioned and have them last me several years of wear but still outwardly look new. When I decide that I’m ready to let the piece go, I love to hand it off for someone else to enjoy!! Becoming a more conscious consumer can be as simple as that. 

• Get online 

  • Shopping online and browsing endless styles of gently-used clothing is just as accessible as purchasing a haul from Forever 21. There are a couple of websites and phone apps that I rely on for sustainable online shopping. Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari are popular for both buying and selling pre-loved apparel and unique vintage items. Utilizing online resources like these is an integral part of transforming the fashion industry!! 

When one person begins to implement conscious habits, the ripple effect occurs. By starting small through conversations about simple steps to take and through recognizing the importance of transforming the apparel industry, ideas on sustainable and ethical habits will continue to circulate. In 2020 and moving forward, make small changes that will compound to have lasting effects.