It’s pretty much a given that the fashion industry is not environmentally friendly. You might be surprised, then, to learn just how many brands are taking steps to make their Cottagecore outfits and accessories more eco-friendly.
You might be surprised to know that certain clothing industries use harmful peptides and chemicals to make a cloth last longer or give it a certain colour. You obviously cannot Compromise your or your child’s health behind fashion. You always need to choose a safe and Fashionable clothing brand for your child.
In fact, it seems like every day we hear about some new brand that has made a big move toward sustainability – from the launch of its own ethical cotton line to a partnership with an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife in developing countries. Here are seven of the most interesting examples of sustainable fashion that you should know about.
The world’s first fully organic cotton
Gap launched its first organic cotton line in 2012, and now there are two versions available for customers to buy online. The company’s own brand, GapKids Organic Cotton, features 100 percent certified organic cotton from family farms in India, where farmers work together to maintain the integrity of soil health and biodiversity by growing cotton without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This means that the cotton is free from any chemicals used during production, which helps to protect the environment as well as promote good working conditions for the farmers.
To ensure the integrity of the process, Gap uses only machines and methods approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures that all raw materials are sourced from organic suppliers who follow GOTS standards. It also guarantees that no child labor is involved in the manufacturing process.
A sustainable denim collection
Levi Strauss & Co., known for its iconic jeans, recently announced a commitment to help preserve the natural resources of Nepal by establishing a “Sustainable Denim Initiative,” which will focus on reducing the environmental impact of Levi’s production while supporting local communities. To accomplish this, Levi will plant trees at 1 million acres (400,000 hectares) of land in Nepal.
For those interested in learning more about how to purchase clothing sustainably, Levi’s partnership with Fair Trade USA allows customers to purchase products that have been ethically produced through fair trade practices, meaning they pay a living wage to workers and provide better working conditions. These products are also manufactured using renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity, and biofuel.
If you’re looking for other sustainable options, you can shop Levi’s sustainable clothing collection by following the links below.
A sustainable childrenswear initiative
J Crew, one of the most popular American retailers, has established the J Crew Kids Foundation, which aims to give back to the community by donating money to charities that support education, healthcare, disaster relief, and human rights. One way the company hopes to do so is by offering affordable, stylish clothing to kids that are ethically produced and sourced. To that end, the foundation works with organizations that use recycled textiles to create high quality clothing items for young consumers. These initiatives include donating to the Global Reuse Network, which collects designer clothing and fabrics that would otherwise be wasted and transforms them into garments for people around the world. This ensures that clothing worn by charity beneficiaries will actually find a second life, rather than simply being thrown away.
An eco-conscious shoe collection
Nike, Inc. recently teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to bring its shoes to market that have been made out of plants grown in sustainable forests. The Nike Forest x WWF Collection consists of three pairs of running shoes made from a variety of plant fibers harvested from the rainforests of Brazil. As part of the partnership, Nike pledged $1 million to the WWF over 10 years in order to protect endangered species habitats.
While the majority of the shoes sold are still made from leather, each pair contains at least four different types of plant fiber in addition to rubber, including jute, hemp, flax, nettle, and kenaf. In addition, all of the shoes feature a special heel grip made from bamboo, which has been shown to reduce foot injuries associated with running.
A sustainable fashion collaboration
In 2011, Stella McCartney joined forces with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to launch Stella McCartney Sustainable Apparel (SCSA). The goal was to produce apparel that is not only ethically made but also environmentally responsible. SCSA produces clothes made entirely from organic cotton, a fabric that is more expensive than traditional cotton. But because it does not come from genetically modified crops, it is considered less damaging for the environment. SCSA also utilizes water-based dyes and finishes to minimize waste and chemical pollution.
Another benefit of choosing organic cotton is that it is often grown closer to home, which reduces shipping costs and therefore the amount of carbon dioxide emitted compared to conventional cotton farming. Additionally, since organic cotton grows naturally, it doesn’t need to be treated with chemicals when it is harvested, which protects against pesticide residue on the fabric.
A sustainable lifestyle collection
Ralph Lauren, one of America’s leading manufacturers of luxury clothing, has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to create a new collection called the Eco-Driving Collection, which is designed to be both fashionable and sustainable. The collection includes six pieces of clothing, including polo shirts, sweaters, and outerwear, as well as several accessories, such as belts, scarves, and handbags. All of the items are made from sustainable cotton and silk, and are ethically made.
The collection is the first of its kind from Ralph Lauren, and it aims to raise awareness that eco-fashion is possible. The company promises to donate $50,000 to programs that protect tropical rainforests, conserve indigenous cultures, and educate people on the importance of conserving our planet’s natural resources.