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Happy Holidays & a Happy New Year from the Shopanthropic Family! #HappyHolidays #Newyear2018 #Ethicalfashion #Socent

19 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Charities, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fairtrade, Fashion, Gifting, Holiday Shopping, Slow fashion, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Entreprise, Social Ventures, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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#SocEnt, Environment, Environmental awareness, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental initiatives, Environmental Sustainability, environmentalism, environmentally-friendly, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, ethical shopping, Fashion, fashion trends, Happy Holidays!, Holiday gifting, Holiday Gifts, Holiday shopping, New Year 2018, Social Entrepreneurship, Social issues, sustainability, sustainable, sustainable living

The team at Shopanthropic wishes you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday season, filled with love and laughter, and a Happy New Year, with the promise of hope and joy!

2017 has been a year of of growth, promising ideas and beautiful ethical fashion! We are excited to continue forging ahead in 2018 – as we help make the world a little kinder and a little more fashionable.

HomeGiftbox-2017

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Can high fashion ever be ethical? #Ethicalfashion #highstreetfashion #fashion #Sustainablity #Environment

13 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Slow fashion, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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Environment, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental initiatives, Environmental problems, Environmental Sustainability, environmentalism, environmentally responsible, environmentally-friendly, ethical fashion, Ethical fashion movement, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, Fashion, High Fashion, High street fashion, Luxury brands, Saving the environment, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable living, Sustainble lifestyle, Vegan Fashion

In recent news, high fashion retailer Gucci announced they have plans to discontinue the use of real fur. This grand gesture is not unique, as countless other high fashion labels have already gone ‘vegan’ but it does show a willingness to evolve with consumer preference.

As each brand makes such commitments to change the way they produce and what they sell, the industry will finally follow the direction it needs to. However, is this change happening fast enough?

An author for the Independent has recently argued that in actuality, the whole purpose of high fashion contradicts the ethical fashion movement (see here – http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/gucci-fur-ban-sustainable-ethical-high-fashion-designers-brands-no-point-a7998856.html):

“A ban by Gucci will make no difference whatsoever to the number of animals farmed for their coats. As for “saving the environment”, the airmiles and travelling involved in photographing ad campaigns for luxury brands, the copious packaging which cocoons their products, the glass and steel and non-environmentally friendly materials used to construct their retail outlets… well I could go on and on, but you get the point…

…When they stop selling over-packaged cosmetics in thick cardboard boxes and paying women in the developing world to produce their diffusion ranges for a pittance – then they can talk about ethics and the environment. High fashion is about producing and selling stuff we don’t really need – so the ideal of less consumption (and less waste) is not going to be a winning philosophy, is it?”

And so, we grapple with a few questions: Is the pace of change enough? What more should retailers and labels be doing? Is it even a realistic goal for such brands to embrace ethical as a way of doing business?

Let us know your thoughts.

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[Article Round Up] A student’s guide to sustainable fashion #Sustainablefashion #Ethicalfashion #Fashion #Environment

02 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Fast Fashion, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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eco fashion, eco-friendly, Environment, environment-friendly, environmental challenges, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental impacts, Environmental initiatives, Environmental Sustainability, environmentalism, environmentally-friendly, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical Living, ethical shopping, fast fashion, Slow fashion, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable living

How to make ethical and eco-friendly clothing choices

“In recent decades, the fashion sector has managed to become one of the most damaging industries in the world on both a social and environmental level. Clothing companies turn over stock at rapid speeds and low prices in what is known as ‘fast fashion’ in order to attract large volumes of business and make the high profits they desire. This tactic results in vast quantities of clothing ending up in landfills.

In order for companies to maintain the low prices that western consumers demand, they outsource manufacturing to the global south to employ workers who earn meager wages and work in dangerous conditions. While many are aware of these injustices, it often feels overwhelming for those of us embedded in fast fashion and consumer culture to address this issue.

Here is a compilation of tips to help you promote a more ethical and sustainable clothing industry through your daily habits, thereby making the process of instigating change a less daunting task.”

Full article here: https://thevarsity.ca/2017/09/18/a-students-guide-to-sustainable-fashion/

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Sustainable Fashion Doesn’t Have To Be All Or Nothing #ethicalfashion #fashion #sustainability #environment #ecofashion

13 Thursday Jul 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fairtrade, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Gifting, Slow fashion, Sustainable Fashion

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DIY Fashion, Eco-conscious, Eco-conscious consumers, eco-friendly, eco-friendly fashion, Eco-lifestyle, Environment, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental impacts, Environmental initiatives, environmentalism, environmentally-friendly, ethical consumerism, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, ethical shopping, Fashion, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable living, Upcycle, Upcycled Fashion

Reposted from The Blog in the Huffington Post by Meera Solanki Estrada, Fashion & Culture Expert:

“Just the way we play with new looks and don’t always jump in both feet wet, same goes with eco-fashion.

The fashion industry is notorious for being resource intensive. From water usage, pesticides, sweatshops to textile waste — we are tearing at the seams when it comes to sustainable concerns associated with the world of style. Yet surprisingly, it’s not uncommon to get an eye roll or glazed-over gaze at the mention of eco-fashion. Why?

 

Never mind that we are living in the era of Trump — when political correctness and caring for the environment are suddenly sore points of scorn — but many simply see “sustainability” as yet another buzzword, something too leftie tree-hugger for their liking.

OMIWOODS

FashionTakesAction.com

There’s also this perceived workload in buying sustainable clothing and joining the movement which deters many people away from it — too daunting a task to neatly fit into one’s stylish sensibility. That’s two strikes against the sustainable style movement and we’re barely getting started. Tough sell — literally.

 

Admittedly, I didn’t pay much attention to sustainability in fashion until a couple of years ago when I started forging closer relationships with more Canadian designers and really understanding exactly where and how my clothes were being made. And full disclosure, I still don’t have an exclusively eco-fashion wardrobe, but I am certainly more conscious of my choices, and that’s a start.

According to Myriam Laroche, the founder of Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week:

“Eco has held a heavy, all-inclusive concept to date but we need to understand there is a spectrum and we don’t have to be ‘completely eco.’ Every little bit helps… Taking action is what we need to do even if we are still trying to figure out how to create a healthy fashion industry, because it is the first time we are challenging the way it’s always been done.“

1+PeggySue+TWFW

TWFW

How you can support sustainable fashion

Just the way we play with new looks and don’t always jump in both feet wet, same goes with eco-fashion. You can make small changes towards sustainable style. Every action has impact.

A few simple ways to work sustainable fashion into your look are:

1. Buy natural fibres: Cotton and bamboo are two examples of natural fibers that make great fabrics and clothes.

2. Upcycle: Re-fashion your apparel. Little Grey Line takes old men’s work shirts and remakes them into adorable dresses for little girls. You can also give it a try at home. Just find a great shirt and create your own custom design for your mini-me.

3.Do some DIY: YouTube lately? Even those that can’t work a needle and thread for the life of them (myself included) have learned some pretty cool hacks and can work magic on old wares with some viral video inspiration

4. Shop and swap your closet: Whether it’s a swishing party with your colleagues or swapping pieces with your sis, a simple closet swap instantly adds new life to your wardrobe. You can also take it to the next level by renting pieces from your closet. East or West, you got options. “Take My Sari is a new app dedicated to renting as well as buying and selling Indian fashions.

5. Do some research: There are so amazing eco-friendly brands out there. Get on Google and find something that suits your style. You may find that even one of your favourite designers, like Stella McCartney, has an eco-chic line.

Triarchy

FashionTakesAction.com

Canada’s Sustainable Fashion Awards

There is a steadily growing group of talented eco-friendly designers in Canada, and celebrating them is a step in the right direction. Fashion Takes Action’s Design Forward, a sustainable runway show featuring the top designers in Canada puts them to the test for the first time this year. All of the designers featured beautiful workmanship. The three finalists included Peggy Sue Collection, Triarchy and Omi Woods.

Know who made your clothes

Part of better understanding sustainable style is getting to know the designers behind the brands and what they stand for. Ethics play a key role in many of these brands’ philosophies. From the use of eco-friendly dyes andusing natural, local materials to their fullest extent to working directly with the farmers and artisans involved in making the clothes to ensure fair wages, strong ethics are at the core of many eco brands. Many do not mass produce. They keep a small inventory and only make what is ordered so your product is that much more unique and their manufacturing practices have less of an impact on the earth. Knowing how and where your clothes are made is all part of making you a more conscious consumer.Know who made your clothes”

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7 Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Ideas to Embrace Your Fashionable Side, Without a Big Budget #Ethicalfashion #Fashion #Sustainability #Environment #Eco

25 Thursday May 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fairtrade, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Slow fashion, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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#Fairtrade, changing fashion trends, eco fashion, eco-friendly, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental consciousness, environmental impact, Environmental initiatives, environmentalism, environmentally responsible, ethical consumerism, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, Fashion, fast fashion, recycle, reduce, reuse, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable living

Written by Sohini Dey for http://www.thebetterindia.com/

In this blog, the author has written an excellent piece on steps that you and I can take to support a movement towards slow and sustainable fashion:

Full article from: http://www.thebetterindia.com/98881/slow-sustainable-fashion/

“Promoting fair wages and minimal waste, slow and sustainable fashion demands change in the way we perceive clothing”

A friend of this writer once said, “I will just have to reconcile with children in sweatshops making the clothes I wear; after all, who can argue with cheaper prices more affordable.” Needless to say, the listener was horrified. With increasing awareness, more people are now making an effort to live less wasteful lives—yet we sometimes fall woefully short when it comes to clothing choices.

This is the age of fast fashion—trends change every few weeks, or less, and brands keep up by churning out new designs at alarming speed.

Sustainable_fashion-4.jpg

Fashion has, over the years become associated with excess and frivolity but beneath the surface the simple fact is that clothing is essential to our lives. There is much to value about fashion (and that is a subject for an entirely different article) but some of its trends and practices can certainly be changed for the better.

Slow fashion is slowly (pun intended) taking over, and its principles are simple—fair wages, eco-friendly fabrics and practices, and minimal to zero waste. But it does demand change in the way we perceive clothing.

From keeping your shopping habits in control to knowing about the supply chain of your favoured brands, a conscious interest in your clothes—and their makers—not only has a positive impact on the environment but also the communities engaged in the production of clothing. Here is what you can do to be part of the slow and sustainable fashion movement.

1. Reduce your wardrobe to only what you need and love

To begin with, keep your shopping habits in check. Retail therapy may be happiness-inducing, but its long-term effect usually includes a pile of unused clothes in our wardrobes. Instead, shop with discretion and buy only what you need or like enough to wear often.
If an occasion demands an ensemble that you will never wear otherwise, consider borrowing or use clothing rentals, an emerging trend that some suggest will pose a grave threat to fast fashion brands in the future.

2. Your choice of materials makes a difference

Sustainable_fashion2.jpg

Take cotton for instance, a crop that is both water- and chemical-intensive. In the ongoing drought across numerous states of India, cotton farmers are among the hardest-hit.

However, organic cotton is gaining ground—not only does it require less water but also substantially less chemicals. On the other hand, Ahimsa or vegan silks are becoming popular as conventional silks raise questions about boiling silkworms to produce the threads. Handspun khadi and traditional techniques are being revived and internationally, bamboo, recycled fabrics and hemp are becoming popular over synthetics.

3. Say no to sweatshops, breeding grounds of labour exploitation

Cheap clothing always a welcome addition to wardrobes, but it often comes at great human cost. In 2013, Rana Plaza in Bangladesh collapsed in a heap, killing 1,134 people all of whom were making clothes for international brands under strenuous conditions. And this is not a stray incident—news reports frequently bring the exploitative working conditions in sweatshops to light.

If a brand, no matter how aspirational or abounding in gorgeous clothes, is repeatedly in the news for malpractices, ditch them for fair-trade labels or factories that conform to regulations for workers safety and other standards.

If enough people refuse to invest in such brands, the industry will be compelled to regulate the measures for workers’ welfare.

4. Ask this: Who made my clothes?

The previous point naturally leads to this one. Remember that prices aren’t the overriding factor in determining whether your clothes are sustainable or not — a great deal of luxury products aren’t always ethical and many surprisingly cheap products often are. It is important to check the supply chain of the brand you purchase from and most importantly, pose the question, “Who made my clothes?”

5. Buy local, and support fair-trade and craft clusters that practice sustainable techniques

Sustainable_fashion-3.jpg

Buying local keeps your carbon footprint lower—after all, your clothes haven’t travelled the world to reach your wardrobe. Second, it is a means of sustenance for local weavers and artisans. India is home to countless handlooms and crafts and unfortunately, many of them are dwindling. These karigars need patronage and support for their craft traditions to continue. Many shoppers are ditching big brands for handlooms and old techniques are being revived by designers and organisations to be relevant in contemporary times.

6. How you use your clothes affects your carbon footprint

Washing and drying your clothes might keep them clean, but also increases your carbon footprint and reduces the lifespan of your clothes drastic. Now the solutions: use non-toxic detergent, hand wash as much as possible and remember that air drying is better than the spin tub.
Most of all, wear your clothes more than once before washing. In a tropical country, this can be challenging especially in the heat, but choosing airy fabrics and air drying them can solve the problem to some extent.

7. Finally: recycle, upcycle and donate

Sustainable_fashion-3-1152x768

While many of us are increasingly conscious about the immortality of plastic, landfills are also choked by immense quantities of clothing.While organuc fabrics are bio-degradable, synthetics may not be so. There’s also the questions of plastic and other non bio-degradable items that make their way into clothing via buttons, zips and other fixtures.

Instead of tossing old clothes, considering repairing them or donating to someone in need. A number of NGOs and other organisations can make use of old clothes in crafting refurbished products as well.

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The High Cost of Our Cheap Fashion | Maxine Bédat | TEDxPiscataquaRiver #ethicalfashion #sustainability #environment #eco #fashion

05 Friday May 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Holiday Shopping, Slow fashion, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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Eco-conscious, Eco-conscious consumers, eco-friendly, eco-friendly fashion, Eco-lifestyle, Environment, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental challenges, environmental concerns, environmental consciousness, environmental impact, Environmental initiatives, Environmental problems, Environmental Sustainability, environmentalism, environmentally responsible, environmentally-friendly, ethical consumerism, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, ethical products, ethically-sourced, Fashion industry, fashion trends, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable living, sustainable products

Do you know where your clothes come from? The apparel industry is one of the biggest violators of both the environment and human rights. In this compelling and information-packed talk, co-founder of Zady Maxine Bédat shows how you can take back the power of your wardrobe, and feel better in (and better about) your clothes.

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You are what you wear: Christina Dean at TEDxHKBU #ethicalfashion #sustainability #environment #eco #fashion

04 Thursday May 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Holiday Shopping, Slow fashion, sustainability, Sustainable Fashion

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Eco-conscious, Eco-conscious consumers, eco-friendly, eco-friendly fashion, Eco-lifestyle, Environment, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental challenges, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental impacts, Environmental initiatives, Environmental Sustainability, environmentalism, Environmentally conscious, environmentally responsible, environmentally-friendly, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, ethical shopping, global environmental issue, sustainability, sustainable, Sustainable consumption, sustainable fashion, sustainable lifestyle, sustainable living

An eye opening talk by Dr. Christina Dean, Founder and CEO of Redress, an NGO with a mission to promote environmental sustainability in the fashion industry.

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[Article Round up] 6 Ways to Make Every Day Earth Day #Earthday #Sustainability #Environment #Ethicalfashion #Ecolifestyle #Earthmonth

24 Monday Apr 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Gifting, Slow fashion, sustainability

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#technology, Earth Day, Earth Month, earth-friendly, Eco-conscious, Eco-conscious consumers, eco-friendly, eco-friendly fashion, Eco-lifestyle, Environment, environment-friendly, Environmental awareness, environmental concerns, environmental impact, environmentalism, environmentally-friendly, Ethical consumption, ethical fashion, Ethical lifestyle, Ethical Living, recycle, reusable

earthday

“It’s Earth Month. Which, to an eco-lifestyle evangelist like myself is pretty much akin to the premiere of Game of Thrones. And while many of us want to make a positive impact on the planet, knowing where to start can be tough. Which steps pack the biggest punch? Which habits are the hardest to change? You may already know why reducing our trash is key to lessening the very real climate change crisis. I say “our” because this is our collective problem, and thankfully, there are things we all can do to right this wrong.

If you’re not familiar with the “why” of these steps, here are some stunning facts: Americans create about 4.3 pounds of trash per person per day (that’s like carrying around a 30+ pound weight each week), a 169% increase from 1960. We can thank many things for this skyrocketing phenomenon: an increased national focus on convenience, busier lives, and the general accessibility of disposable options. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while 75% of our waste is recyclable, only 30% of it actually gets recycled–and recycling requires loads of energy. Fortunately, a few simple shifts can help us reduce the amount of trash we create while still keeping our lives streamlined, efficient, and chic.”

Read more: http://www.glamour.com/sto

 

 

 

ry/6-ways-to-make-every-day-earth-day 

 

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Reflections on 2016 #NewYear2017 #Ethicalfashion #Socent #Fashion #Sustainable #shopethical

03 Tuesday Jan 2017

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Celebrations, Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Gifting, Slow fashion, Social Ventures, Sustainable Fashion

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#buyethical, #SocEnt, Change, eco fashion, eco-friendly, Environment, Environmental awareness, environmental concerns, environmental impact, Environmental initiatives, environmentalism, ethical consumerism, ethical fashion, ethically-made, fair trade, New Year Resolutions, Social conscious, Social consumerism, Social Enterprise, social impact, socially-made, sustainabily made, sustainable, sustainable living

And we’re back! Apologies for the lack of blog posts over the last few weeks – we were recharging, spending time with loved ones and friends and preparing for an exciting new year. 2016 has been a year of change (both good and bad). We have seen some dark times globally, as well as some bright spots. The ethical fashion movement has continue to grow as awareness has continue to expand. Sadly, so has the detrimental impact that human actions have had on the planet and on our societies.

More than ever, 2017 is a year for us to continue our push forward to empower those that feel helpless in the face of calamity, to find opportunities to do little things that will have a big positive impact on the world and appreciate the beauty in the diversity of cultures, arts and ideas that come from all corners of our planet.

1. Learn about how the products you purchase are sourced

2. Consider buying sustainable fashion products that are made with eco-friendly materials, made under fair-trade conditions, or both

3. Stay fashionable: Look out for some interesting reports on 2017 fashion trends

4. Wear eco-friendly fabrics and ethically made accessories

5. Follow us on Twitter (@enablechange) and subscribe to our blog to get regular update on ethical fashion and gifts

6. Share the sustainable fashion movement with your friends buying ethically made and eco-friendly gifts for them and shopping for ethically made fashion

Wishing you and your loved ones the best of luck in achieving your goals this year. Here’s to a year of joy, success, peace, social consciousness and sustainability!

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[Article Round Up] Fast Fashion: Can It Be Sustainable? #fastfashion #ethicalfashion #sustainable #environment #fairtrade #fashion

26 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by Bay and Harbour in Blog, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environment, Ethical Fashion, Ethical Lifestyle, Fairtrade, Fashion, Fast Fashion, Sustainable Fashion

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#buyethical, Change, consumerism, developing countries, eco fashion, eco-friendly, Environment, environmentalism, ethical consumerism, ethical fashion, ethically-made, fair trade, Fashion, fashion democracy, impact, Social consumerism, social impact, Social values, socially-made, sustainable, sustainable fashion, sustainably-made

From: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/tamsin-lejeune/sustainable-fashion_b_12136862.html? By Tamsin Lejeune CEO of Mysource.io – transforming the fashion industry for the better

n-asian-skirt-628x314

Mlenny Photography via Getty Images

In the last 50 years, the way we produce and consume fashion has dramatically changed. Fast fashion retailers have made the case that they have democratised the fashion experience – no longer reserved for the elite, fashion is available and accessible to all. Everyone can afford to wear the latest trends, and to regularly experience the short-lived high of a new fashion purchase, and the pleasure of wearing something new.

For large fashion retailers “fashion democracy” has happily coincided with burgeoning sales, revenues, and profits. This has become the model that dominates High Streets, certainly in the UK and the US, and increasingly elsewhere. On the surface it seems to suit everyone – certainly those who have buying power and thus influence in a market-driven business model.

A Divided Industry

In my ten years of growing the Ethical Fashion Forum, I have seen a movement gather pace against fast fashion as the status quo. This has coincided, particularly in the last 5 years, with several of the most established High St retailers outwardly and publicly committing to sustainability targets and goals, and investing in innovation to solve sustainability challenges.

Especially for independent brands for whom sustainability is part of their DNA, this development is an uneasy one. Competition with the High St, and consumer perceptions of what fashion “should” cost, are already probably the biggest challenges they face. Now they face competition on their sustainability values too – from companies with the ability to allocate, in relative terms, enormous budgets towards the communication of their sustainability commitments.

In many ways, we have reached a stand-off between these two fashion industry camps – a stand-off that drives heated debate in every fashion industry forum, and much frustration. Yet, the challenges of sustainability are common to all of us, to every fashion consumer and to every business owner. Fast fashion is not going any where fast, so how can we unite the most creative minds of this industry, the pioneering thinkers and actors, towards positive solutions that unite rather than divide us?

I recently had the opportunity to join the brilliant Catarina Midby, Sustainability Manager at H&M, for a discussion on fast fashion on Radio 4’s Women’s Hour. It inspired me to write this article – sharing my latest thinking on fast fashion from the unique position that the Ethical Fashion Forum has given me, as the “eyes and ears” of our industry.

What Is “Fast Fashion”?

Initially “fast fashion” was about increasing the speed of production, reducing the time it takes to go from fashion design to final product on shelves. Rather than two collections annually, this made it possible to have new product in store in multiple drops throughout the year. The ultimate goal being to sell more product and decrease the trend cycle – and to have something new that consumers need to get in their wardrobes every few weeks in order to be in line with latest trends.

This went hand in hand with reduced prices; it is psychologically easier to make a purchase at a lower price point. There is evidence that consumers will spend more over a year with regular low cost “fashion fixes” than on more exclusive pieces that they fall in love with and will treasure. With a higher cost item, it is so much easier to see what is going out of the bank. In addition, there is that trait many of us have of feeling guilty about indulging – spending on ourselves (or at least, admitting to it). As a result, we’ve developed a “bargain boast” culture – where we boast about how great a bargain we got, and how little we paid. Bargains make it feel okay to buy a new dress (or 3…) every week, if each one only cost £24.99. (or £4.99…)

Now fast fashion is less about fast production – regular drops, rather than seasonal collections have become the standard on the High St – and more about sales – how much product can be shifted, and how quickly. Shifting product quickly means producing a lot of stuff at as low a price as possible, which puts pressure on suppliers to make huge volumes at a low price to tight deadlines. That pressure caused Rana Plaza in 2013.

Sustainable Fast Fashion

At the Ethical Fashion Forum, we define sustainable fashion as an approach to fashion that maximises benefits to people, and minimises impact on the environment.

Can fast fashion be sustainable? At the Ethical Fashion Forum, we define sustainable fashion as an approach to fashion that maximises benefits to people, and minimises impact on the environment.

We believe that the social and environmental aspects of sustainability are inherently linked; one does not come without the other.

Let’s start with the environment. The single most effective thing we could do tomorrow to reduce the impact of the fashion industry on the environment would be to buy a lot less. Every garment has an environmental footprint at every stage in its production. That is why there is an inherent contradiction between the fast fashion business model – a model driven by selling lots of stuff fast – and the concept of environmental sustainability.

I’ve seen as much passion and dedication from individuals working within fast fashion retailers, championing more sustainable practices, as amongst smaller business pioneers. The difference being that the fast fashion insiders have, in many ways, a tougher challenge because the commercial drivers of the businesses they work within are in conflict with reducing environmental impact. For me, this conflict represents the heart of the problem we need to address as an industry – it is the “elephant in the room”. It cannot be resolved by any business working alone, and it will not be resolved through stand-off. If all parties truly acknowledge this elephant in the room, here lies an opportunity for constructive debate.

When it comes to benefits to people, the case for fast fashion is easier to defend. Take Bangladesh as an example – a primary production hub for fast fashion retailers globally. In the last 30 years we have seen huge gains, especially for women in Bangladesh, who have been able to exit a cycle of poverty for themselves and their families, largely through the mass manufacture of clothing. By 2013 about 4 million people, mostly women, worked in Bangladesh’s $19 billion-a-year, export-oriented, ready-made garment (RMG) industry. Several pioneering fast fashion retailers have developed exemplary initiatives in their supply chains to improve working conditions, support communities, and empower their workers, in Bangladesh and beyond.

Despite this, from the observer standpoint, we see more column inches and campaign focus from large retailers on the environmental message, even though there is an inherent contradiction in it. I see great value in more promotional space being given by large retailers to the benefits to people through more sustainable and conscious fashion.

Quality of Life, Fulfilling Work, and Society Values

Historically, the production of textiles and clothes has been highly creative, highly skilled, and offered opportunities for fulfilling and meaningful work.

   ‘Maximising benefits to people’ through sustainable fashion business has strategic implications that go beyond whether a factory is clean and safe, and even whether workers are paid a living wage.

From the silk route in China to the sought-after textiles and embroidery of Thailand, Indonesia, and India, for thousands of years this industry and its products have inspired wonder and driven global trade. The process of consuming textiles and fashion, right into the 1960s and 70s, was also a creative one – people would often sew their own clothes, or pay a seamstress to create something unique to them that would be treasured and passed on (supplying the growing market for vintage fashion today).

In contrast, the majority of work in garment factories supplying fast fashion retailers is repetitive, tedious, low-skilled, and the opposite of fulfilling.

The process of buying fashion consumes hundreds of hours, and often, most Saturdays (and Sundays) especially for teenagers and young people, wherever they have disposable income and access to a High St (or computer). All this, so we can have wardrobes full of cheap clothes, most of which ends in landfill? If we were to step back and strategically plan our industry to maximise benefits for people on both sides of the supply chain, I am sure we would come up with something very different.

Fast Fashion Culture

Shifting a lot of fashion product fast – and making high margins as a result – means it makes sense to invest a lot of money in advertising, which pervades every part of our media from print, to billboard, TV, and alongside everything we browse online. As members of a consumer society, we are presented with two big messages: what we need to aspire to look like, and that we can all afford to do so. So go shopping!

As the mother of two girls I see the effects of this first hand. At 9 years old my daughter is already concerned about body image; despite her perfect proportions, she does not conform with what she is told to aspire to. Already, her thoughts are occupied with what she could and should wear, with when she can next go shopping. She has brilliant intelligence and spirit, and her creativity from the age of 9 could be addressing much more fulfilling and meaningful tasks than what to wear.

We as a society – and as a business community – can change this.

Is Closed Loop The Antidote to Fast Fashion?

Closed Loop – or a “circular production model” – is an exciting and innovative concept, and one which illustrates the opportunities for collaboration between small and larger business in the fashion sector. A circular production model means that the end product is entirely recycled and transformed back into the original fibres and other components so that it can be recreated again, as good as new. The vision of a circular model is that it will be almost entirely zero waste, massively reducing the environmental footprint of a mass production model.

Can a circular model then “fix” the environmental challenges with fast fashion – the elephant in the room – and let us get on with business as usual? There is no question that this is a fundamental component to a more sustainable industry. However, I would argue that this is not an antidote. A circular model, within a fast fashion context, addresses the symptoms of the problem – waste and burgeoning energy consumption – rather than the cause (our addiction to buying and selling vast quantities of low cost products).

Circular Fashion, launched by Swedish Consultancy firm Green Strategy, sets out an excellent synopsis of Key Principles associated with a Circular Fashion Model. At the top of this list are “Design with a Purpose” and “Design for Longevity” – both principles which do not sit easily with our low-cost, fashion-fix culture.

Positive Steps Towards A More Sustainable Industry

I’ve sat through countless industry events and round tables where the challenges of our industry are discussed. In the last 5 years, the “elephant in the room” is being increasingly exposed. However, I am sure that if you have been to an industry forum on fashion and sustainability, you will share my frustration. There is far more discussion of problems than focus on solutions.

Yet, it is the solutions that need the full focus of the great thinkers in our industry – from both sides of the fast fashion divide. If we are to address the root of the problems with our industry – and go beyond treating the symptoms – we need to see more New Leadership.

John Kenneth Galbraith defined great leadership as “The willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time.” If Climate change is the greatest anxiety of our time, confronting it will require a radical change in the way we produce and consume fashion.

Doing Fast Fashion Better

We have seen leadership amongst fast fashion retailers which can, and is, significantly increasing benefits to people and reducing impact on the environment. Doing fast fashion better is a fundamental first step towards change.

I see 4 ways in which meaningful impact can be achieved:

1. Acknowledging The Elephant in The Room

I have been a part of too many industry forums where percentage reduction in water or energy use are discussed in the same breath as expansion plans to open 3 new stores during the same period – and increase production and sales to match. A combined strategy which results in a considerably increased environmental footprint overall, rendering the percentage reductions almost pointless. For me, doing fast fashion better means sharing the full picture – evaluating sustainability proposals, and planning and reporting on impact in the context of a growth model. It’s time to stop ignoring the elephant.

2. Operating in 3 Dimensions

Too often, professionals within fashion businesses are incentivised against improving social or environmental standards. Their commercial Key Performance Indicators are in opposition to the recommendations of the CSR department and CSR does not have representation at board level. Wherever we see sustainability targets being taken seriously in High Street Fashion, sustainability management sits alongside financial management and this approach filters across the business so that each department is empowered rather than being frustrated by its impact targets. (Hats off to H&M on this point). I would like to see this leadership and commitment strengthened through more fashion businesses following the leadership of Patagonia and registering as B Corporations. The B Corp movement can and will move our industry towards a 3-Dimensional model (We’re talking to you, H&M and Kering!).

3. Following Circular Fashion Principles

www.circularfashion.com/key-principles
Say no more.

4. Sharing and Building Social Impact

From an observer’s perspective, we hear more about the environmental initiatives of large fashion retailers, even though this doesn’t sit easily within a fast fashion model. I would like to see and hear much more from leading retailers on what fashion, made well, can do for people behind the product. I would like to see more real commitment to paying living wages and empowering workers. I would like to see advertising budgets raising awareness about the value of skills and craftsmanship, and how consumers can positively influence the well-being of the people behind fashion by buying well.

 

 

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Bay & Harbour is the brainchild of a Toronto-based mother/daughter team with an eye for trend-setting, unique and high-quality fashion & lifestyle products.

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