A growing trend seems to be “disposable fashion.” Disposable fashion is idea of high-end looking, cheap clothing that people tend to buy often and dispose of often. This is not only an environmental issue with so much textile waste going to the landfill but it’s also an ethical problem.
Last month was the two-year anniversary of the Bangladesh factory collapse. So have things improved for the second largest clothing exporter?
“Two years after the tragedy, major efforts are underway to prevent another disaster like the one at Rana Plaza. More than 200 international clothing brands, such as H&M, Zara, Walmart and Gap, have pledged to make Bangladesh’s factories safer.
About 2,700 out of 3,500 export factories in the country have been inspected under three big initiatives: Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, and National Tripartite Plan on Fire Safety and Structural Integrity.” –NPR
These inspections are very important and a good step but the question still reminds, will the factories make the changes? Making a factory compliant can cost more than $1 million. And there have been stories of employees being threatened or beaten for joining unions.
I love clothes, you won’t see me pinning capsule wardrobe articles or becoming a minimalist when it comes to clothing. However, I know I need to make better choices when it comes to my clothing choices.
Buying made in the USA or other countries with labor laws can help, though there are still illegal sweatshops in the USA and other countries. Choosing Fair Trade items is a really good option. You will likely spend a bit more but Fair Trade ensures safe and ethical working conditions.
Since I enjoy vintage fashion buying vintage is a really good option. This is also the most environmentally friendly choice. And even if you don’t like vintage fashion you can still buy used. It’s an ethical way to get cheap fashion. I’ve also started using Le Tote, it’s a clothing rental service and it’s a great way to try new clothes without added waste. Be sure to read my Le Tote review if you are interested.
Another way to help change the clothing industry is by supporting the efforts of Fashion Revolution’s #WhoMadeMyClothes. They are asking people to ask brands to be honest about who is making their clothes and how they are being treated.
Fashion Revolution did a great social experiment that shows that if we know the truth behind our clothing, we make better choices.
So join the Fashion Revolution and start rethinking fashion. You don’t have to be perfect, every shift in purchases makes a difference!
Ana Bogusky
Lovely post.
Jen O
I think the big challenge will be to ‘get used’ to paying more for our new clothes. LIke you I am OK with vintage and thrifting to find great looks, and then there’s that old reliable: sew your own!
Green Bean
I always think buying used is the best way to go. Less guilt and less cost. Did you see John Oliver did a long segment on this? It was very enlightening, I hope, for folks who are not already aware of who makes our $15 fleeces.
Micaela @MindfulMomma
So many good points here! I find it’s especially tough with clothes for my kids. I used to almost always buy used but they are harder to shop for now that they are tween/teens.. One strategy is to try not to buy too much – and of course we do hand-me-downs as much as possible!
Katy
So important! Thanks for this post. Disposable fashion? No thanks. How about classic and timeless.
Jen @ Go Green
I love Katy’s comment and buying timeless clothes. I try to buy things that have multi uses and are good quality that will last. Mostly I buy things at a 2nd hand store and I am always shocked at how many clothes there still have the original price tag on.
Betsy (Eco-novice)
Great article and a topic I hope to cover myself eventually because I don’t think it gets enough play. My strategies are used/ hand-me-downs for my kids, organic or at least high quality/ durable clothes that can last through multiple kids. I have many articles of clothing over a dozen years old. When I do buy new, I don’t obsess over fair trade, etc. Because it’s such a pain to find anything that fits (pants!) But I do buy things I plan to use for the long haul. I don’t enjoy clothes shopping so buying too much/ too often is not much of a temptation for me.