Fashionistas know how important clothes are for looking good, feeling good, and expressing yourself. However, have you ever considered how ethical your fashion choices are? Without extensive research, it can be difficult to figure out a company’s environmental impact and if they’re ethically minded. Here are six things you need to look out for in a company if you want your wardrobe to be as ethical as possible:
1. A brand’s ethical ethos
Transparency is key when you’re looking for a new clothing brand to invest in. A company should be upfront with their ethical ethos, stating clearly how they are trying to minimise the environmental impact of their clothes. They could upcycle certain clothes or give out paper bags instead of plastic, in an attempt to help the environment.
2. What your clothes are made from
The material your clothes are composed of makes a massive difference; synthetic plastics like polyester might make the clothes cheaper, but they’re terrible for the environment and can take years to biodegrade. Check the labels of your clothes before you purchase any to see what they’re made of; organic certified, sustainable cotton is the best material for the environment.
3. Check if your clothes are fair trade
Behind every company, there is a huge supply chain of workers in various countries, some of which might not be treated fairly. A recent investigation found that only one-third of brands paid their workers fairlyand the rest paid people in other countries less than minimum wage. And it’s not just wages – workers suffer poor working conditions with some even exposed to harsh chemicals when producing the clothes, which can be detrimental to their health.
4. Check if a company mistreat animals
Some fashion brands also produce perfumes and makeup that might be tested on animals. Brands have to disclose if they test on animals, so it’s worth checking animal cruelty websites before investing in a brand. Beyond animal testing, many companies might also produce real fur clothing or use other animal products, which is unsustainable in the long term. It’s estimated that 100 million animals are killed for their fur every year, even though realistic faux fur alternatives exist.
5. Is a company trying to reduce their carbon footprint?
No company is perfect and they might not have always practised being eco-conscious; what’s important is that they’re setting up some sustainability goalsand are trying to curb their company’s environmental impact.
6. Invest in a company that gives back
You can tell how ethical a company is by how they give back to the community, either from donating money to charity or raising public awareness of a global issue. They might set up a scheme where they donate some profits to a chosen charity or host special events that raise awareness for a certain public issue.
