⚡️SHOP SMALL FLASH SALE⚡️Support independent brands doing things differently. Up to 40% off, April 25-30! FIND SOMETHING UNIQUE
When it comes to fashion, the past several years have exposed a new sense of urgency and a greater understanding of the industry’s impact on our world, and what we can do about improving it. Fashion produces waste. Fast fashion, in particular, has both ecological and human consequences. At Garmentory, we're interested in a more conscientious fashion future, one that puts sustainability at the forefront because it's the right thing to do, not just a trendy thing to do.
As far as the environment is concerned, there has been, unfortunately, a lot of misinformation regarding fashion’s contribution to carbon emissions and global waste. More scientific studies and peer-reviewed data sets need to be conducted before we're comfortable sharing hard numbers. Suffice it to say that the current and historical state of the fashion industry is not particularly good for the planet. We live in a world of more, more, more—creating vast amounts of waste and pollution along the way, particularly when it comes to clothing consumption.
And sustainability is not just about using eco fabrics. It isn’t even just about the health of the environment. Working conditions and wages for garment workers also play a part in the fashion industry’s sustainable and ethical impact. Here, again, fashion has often failed. In many places around the world, workers' rights are limited. They are frequently paid significantly less than a living wage and work up to 16 hours per day, seven days a week in conditions that are not always safe or healthy. In order to be truly sustainable, brands must address both the environmental and social aspects of their production standards.
Many of Garmentory’s designers and emerging brands have incorporated sustainability into their identity from the beginning, rather than trying to revamp an existing model to embody sustainable practices. Whether that’s by using deadstock or recycled fabrics, sourcing upcycled materials for jewelry, using nontoxic dying techniques, or paying their workers fair wages, these small brands are ahead of the curve. By producing collections with materials sourced close to home, many designers are also able to cut down on carbon emissions in the supply chain and keep a closer eye on every aspect of manufacturing. And unlike the fast fashion industry, which focuses on near-constant releases of affordable clothing often forsaking responsibility and sustainability, small brands are able to concentrate on well-made, meaningful collections meant to last.
At Garmentory, promoting ethical, eco-friendly fashion is of the utmost importance to us, and we want to make it easy for you to discover these brands and have a personal impact. We’ve also built sustainability into our shipping practices by offering compostable packaging.
As consumers, there is actually a lot we can do to minimize our environmental impact around shopping. The most obvious, perhaps, is simply to shop less. But when you do need a new pair of heels or a summertime swimsuit, the next step is to do your research. Seek out brands that are committed to using sustainable manufacturing processes and creating safe, fair working conditions—and choose high-quality pieces that you’re likely to wear often and that will hold up over time. Another option? Buying secondhand and vintage. Even a secondhand fast-fashion piece is better than buying it new, as it keeps it in circulation and out of a landfill.
When you are finished with an item of clothing, don’t just toss it in the trash. If it is in good condition, consider donating or reselling it. Recently, I photographed about ten different pieces that I just wasn’t reaching for and posted them for sale on my Instagram stories. I sold everything before the 24 hours expired! A few times a year, my girlfriends and I host clothing swaps and then donate whatever pieces haven't found a new home.
What about something that has seen better days? Clothes with tears, stains, or holes aren’t necessarily a lost cause. Practice your mending skills or take a trip to the tailor. But if you’re sure a piece is toast, it still isn’t trash.
Textiles aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think of recycling. We know where to put a finished La Croix can or an empty shampoo bottle, but there isn’t a clear bin for a tattered t-shirt. A quick search of “clothing recycling” will help you find places to drop unwanted goods. That glove you lost the mate to? Recycle it. Your torn jeans with a broken zipper? Recycle! In Washington state, we have a campaign called Threadcycle that helps point people towards textile recycling partners, some that even pick up.
There are very few systems and industries in our world that don’t influence many others. Fashion affects the climate. It affects our oceans and our water supplies. The industry is also responsible for a significant segment of the global economy, and, therefore, for jobs around the world. Issues around working conditions and fair wages come with the territory. It’s absolutely important that these systems adapt on a large scale, but you should never underestimate your individual impact. Small choices can make a big difference, and we’re happy to work with brands dedicated to doing their part.
